[Technical] Notebooks

[Kevin Feely]

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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