[Technical] Notebooks

[Anton Yoxon]

Kevin, most of the extra time spent on the notebooks could be saved if a 
network point in each area could be set aside as a VPN feeding to a 
computer containing laptop images.  Then the student could connect their 
laptop to that point and download the image.  This takes about ten 
minutes and no strain on the technicians.
Regards
:)
Anton Yoxon

Kevin Feely wrote:
> Hi all,
> I hope this is an appropriate discussion board for this, and if not my 
> apologies.
> In the Rudd "every kid will have a computer funds" we will have to 
> decide between notebooks and desktops.
> My own view at this time is that the extra quantities of desktops 
> (~240) will simply overload our system in costs.
> Infrastructure such as power points, networking, desks, chairs, etc. 
> Plus there is no resale in a 3 year plus destop, so we could end up 
> drowning in used desktops.
> With notebooks, especially if we look at leasing them out to kids in a 
> "curriculum program" we would avoid infrastructure costs such as 
> networking ( use wireless systems) and space contraints as the kids 
> take them with them.
> Also notebooks do have a resale value and some funds could be recouped.
> Also our annual electricity bill with an extra 200 plus desktops 
> either on or in standby would run to 100's or a 1000 in extra 
> electricity bills.
>
> However there is a very strong view from our local and specialist 
> technicians that notebooks require 4 times the amount of IT support 
> than an equivalent desktop.
>
> Could anyone with experience in supporting both desktops and a student 
> based notebook program please help with replies on the pros and cons 
> of desktops v notebooks, specifically wrt IT support demands.
> I could be cynical and ask that we do not consider the support that 
> teacher notebooks require as maybe in that field the IT staff are 
> correct..
>
> However any and all replies will be gratefully accepted.
>
> kond regards
> Kevin Feely
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