[Technical] Notebooks

[Jason Clarke]

Hi Kevin / List,

Another thing to consider is the application / software usage on the
machines. If there is going to be heavy multi-media usage
(photoshop/movie maker etc), a laptop may not perform as well as a same
priced desktop.

As Tien said in their email, PC-Locs cages are great. They have a range
that suits most needs.

Notebooks are also more fragile than desktops in my experience. Hinges,
screen flex, keyboards etc.

However, the ability for students to move about in groups suitable for
the class can't be ignored.

My feeling is that its horses for courses. Look at the requirements of
where you want to put IT resources and then select machines that will
fulfil those requirements. A classroom of 25-27 laptops wont work nearly
as well as 25-27 desktops. Yet in a library, having laptops would work
better. Being able to move a computer to the desk you're doing research
at.

Thats my 2c :-)

Cheers,

Jason Clarke
------------------
Network Manager
Glen Waverley S.C.
p 03 8805 6750
m 0418 145 318
e jcl at gwsc.vic.edu.au 

-----Original Message-----
From: tech-bounces at edulists.com.au [mailto:tech-bounces at edulists.com.au]
On Behalf Of Kevin Feely
Sent: Tuesday, 10 June 2008 7:06 PM
To: Technical Discussion in Schools Mailing List; Technical Discussion
List
Subject: [Technical] Notebooks

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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