Bring your own device (BYOD)

Information on bring your own device (BYOD) specs, suppliers and using your device on campus.

As technology and wireless internet become more accessible, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is fast becoming a standard feature of secondary and tertiary education.

Specifications may be dependent on the requirements of your programme, so it would be best to confirm with your school or campus; however, the guidelines below are the recommended minimum specifications for BYOD at MIT. This will be helpful to check if your own laptop will be suitable or if you need to purchase a new laptop.

If you need to purchase a new laptop

If you do not currently own a laptop or are thinking of buying a new one, we recommend you purchase one with the following specifications, or better, to future proof your needs and ensure a great experience.

  • Windows 11 (or Mac OS 13 Ventura or higher)
  • i3 dual-core or equivalent processor (i5 or equivalent if you are an IT student)
  • 4GB RAM (at least 8GB for IT programmes)
  • 320GB or greater hard drive
  • Wireless capability 802.11n dual-band
  • At least a 13-inch screen
  • Up-to-date antivirus software

If you currently own a laptop

Be sure that it has these minimum specs or above. The minimum specs are:

  • A 10-inch screen or larger
  • 4GB RAM (at least 8GB for IT programmes)
  • 50GB free space minimum
  • Windows 10 v21H2 or higher
  • MacOS 11 (Big Sur) or higher (However, Apple will usually support the last 3 MacOS they released, from the current release)
  • Wireless capability 802.11n dual-band
  • CPU meets vendor OS minimum requirements (Please note for IT students CPU must be i5 or equivalent).

If you need to purchase a new laptop, there are a number of ways to finance it. You may be able to use the Studylink annual course materials allowance to purchase a device if you have an approved student loan.

A number of retailers including PB Technologies and Noel Leeming offer special deals, discounts and financing options.

MIT Manukau programme specific software

Most prescribed software required for your programme of study will be channelled via the BYOD portal called Citrix. This means you don’t have to purchase and install them onto your device provided you have access to the internet. While on-site, you will connect to MIT’s wifi network. Once off-site, you will need to access your home network in order to access Citrix.

Please note however, there may be course specific or software used in specialist labs i.e. networking and multi-media labs which are not available on Citrix. These applications may only be available in specialist lab computers by purchasing a personal license. If you cannot find the software you need for your course, please get in touch with your lecturer.

How to access the BYOD computer environment

Using your own device on campus is simple - just follow these steps:

  1. Power up your device and ensure you are connected to the internet
  2. Download and install the Citrix Receiver (if you have not previously installed it) from https://www.citrix.com/go/receiver.html
  3. Open your favourite internet browser and navigate to our BYOD portal https://apps.manukau.ac.nz
  4. Enter your Manukau Institute of Technology username and password and click the log on button
  5. Select the MIT desktop from the desktops tab.

For further information and technical guides please visit the Tech and Online Learning FAQS.