Please see the list below for frequently asked questions regarding the Texas A&M University College of Engineering's Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program and policies.
Bring Your Own Device General Questions
- Is a device really required?
- If I own or choose to purchase a device
not on the BYOD approved list, will I be able to use it and receive support from the BYOD help desk? - Why are there specific requirements for my device?
- What is the difference between buying the Apple MacBook Pro vs. the Windows Machine?
Purchase Questions
- How can I be considered for financial aid to purchase a computer?
- Who should I contact regarding questions about my purchase?
Software Questions
Help Desk and Repairs
- If my device breaks, what is the process for repairs?
- Who do I contact when software does not run on my machine?
Is a device really required?
Yes, your engineering education requires a computer to complement the course instruction.
If I own or choose to purchase a device not on the BYOD-approved list, will I be able to use it and receive support from the BYOD help desk?
Approved devices will receive hardware and software support from the BYOD help desk within the Texas A&M University College of Engineering. Devices not on the list may not run the required engineering software needed for your program of study. Therefore, we can’t guarantee support for these devices.
Why are there specific requirements for my device?
These specifications ensure that the needs of an engineering student are met throughout a four-year degree plan. The BYOD device list allows the College of Engineering to easily support the hardware and software for these devices. The BYOD help desk can only guarantee the performance and support for these listed devices.
Is there a difference if I purchase an Apple MacBook Pro or a Windows device?
Parallels Pro is required to run on a Windows 11 Virtual Machine for some Windows engineering applications. You can secure a Parallels Pro education license by purchasing your MacBook Pro from 12th Man Technology.
How can I be considered for financial aid to purchase a computer?
For financial aid recipients, the purchase of a computer device can be considered in your cost of attendance. To request this, please complete the Request to Change Cost of Attendance form for scholarships and financial aid. Submission of documentation does not guarantee additional aid will be awarded to you — in certain situations, you may not be eligible for additional funding.
Who should I contact regarding questions about my purchase?
- HP laptops are being sold by Avinext. To contact Avinext sales regarding your purchase, call 979-595-2799.
- Dell laptops are sold by 12th Man Technology. To contact 12th Man Technology at the MSC regarding your purchase, call 979-314-0537, email msc@12thManTechnology.com or visit the MSC 12th Man Technology location in the basement of the MSC on campus.
- MacBook laptops are being sold by 12th Man Technology. To contact 12th Man Technology at the MSC regarding your purchase, call 979-314-0537, email msc@12thManTechnology.com or visit the MSC 12th Man Technology location in the basement of the MSC on campus.
- Lenovo laptops are sold by Avinext. To contact Avinext sales regarding your purchase, call 979-595-2799.
- Microsoft laptops are sold by 12th Man Technology. To contact 12th Man Technology at the MSC regarding your purchase, call 979-314-0537, email msc@12thManTechnology.com or visit the MSC 12th Man Technology location in the basement of the MSC on campus.
Will all software be free to students?
All software is available for free, with the exception of the Windows license for Mac users.
Can I get my free software prior to arriving on campus?
Yes. Once enrolled at Texas A&M University, you may visit the Software Center to obtain the software. A student is considered enrolled at Texas A&M after attending the New Student Conference or Transfer Student Conference.
If my device breaks, what is the process for repairs?
For repairs on approved devices, contact the BYOD Help Desk to diagnose problems.
Who do I contact when software does not run on my machine?
For software inquires, please contact the BYOD Help Desk for assistance.