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Equipment
Laptop Model Comparison- The computer technicians and the technology coordinator
did a considerable amount of research on the costs and specifications of several
laptops. They gathered the information from the best five machines and asked
the technology committee to help decide what computer would be most suitable
for our needs. The technology committee wanted a computer that has a large storage
capacity, excellent warranty, and capable of being upgraded.
Using
the information from the table as well as researching each company,
the Gateway 450E was
determined to be our best match. The price will without a doubt drop
in price because of the fast paced nature of the computer industry
by the
time we are ready to make the purchase. The Accidental Damage Protection
warranty is important investments because it replaces a laptop broken
on accident with no questions asked so it takes the risk out of letting
students
handle the laptops. These laptops are fitted with the latest in wireless
technology and with the Gateway 450E’s unique specifications it
will not be obsolete in a year. The Pentium M processor is the newest
laptop
processor produced by Intel. It has longer battery life and better wireless
performance than other similar products.
Computer Model |
Toshiba Tecra M2s430 |
HP Compaq nc6000 |
Dell Inspiron 8600 |
IBM R50 |
Gateway 450E |
Price/Laptop |
$1591 |
$1705 |
$1740 |
$1710 |
$1449 |
Screen Size |
14.1” |
14.1” |
15.4" |
14.1” |
14.1” |
Operating System |
Windows XP
Pro |
Windows XP
Pro |
Windows XP
Pro |
Windows XP
Pro |
Windows XP
Pro |
Processor |
1.4 GHz Pentium
M |
1.4 GHz Pentium
M |
1.4 GHz Pentium
M |
1.4 GHz Pentium
M |
1.4 GHz Pentium
M |
RAM |
512 MB SDRAM
(2) 256 modules |
512 MB DDR
(2) 256 modules |
512 MB DDR
(2) 256 modules |
256 MB RAM |
512 MB DDR
(2) 256 modules |
Hard Drive |
40 GB |
30 GB |
40 GB |
40 GB |
30 GB |
Optical Drive |
Combo (DVD
+ cdrw) |
24 X CD-ROM |
8 X DVD |
Combo (DVD
+ cdrw) |
24 X CD-ROM |
Floppy Drive |
Modular |
Modular |
Modular |
Modular |
Modular |
Battery |
1 (8 cell) |
1 (8 cell) |
1 (9 cell) |
2 (6 cell) |
2 (8 cell) |
Warranty Information |
3 yr. w/ADP*
No next business day onsite |
Next business
day onsite service ADP*3 yr. |
Next business
day onsite service ADP*3 yr. |
3 yr. w/ADP*
No next business day onsite |
Next business day onsite service ADP*3 yr. |
*ADP is Accidental
Damage Protection, which is a feature of a warranty that will replace
any broken laptop that is dropped or broken on accident.
Software- Each
laptop will initially be loaded with Microsoft Office Professional
2003. The
software will be obtained separately from the
laptop purchase because we can save money by buying directly through
Microsoft as a part of their “Microsoft Select Prices” program.
This program is in agreement with the Illinois State Board of Education
and Microsoft. Other software needed has already been purchased or will
be purchased later on as staff and students become more acquainted with
the computers and current software.
Hardware- In
addition to the thirty laptops the mobile lab consists of a cart needed
to store, transport and charge the laptops, a printer
situated on the cart for student printing, and an access point to connect
to the network and Internet. Because it was decided to purchase the computers
from laptops from Gateway, the additional hardware will also be purchased
from them as well in order to save money.
Personnel
Training- The goal for providing low cost staff development
is to share the wealth of knowledge and skills that exist within the
building. The two computer technicians will attend training on the
mobile lab. They
will
then
bring the information
back
to the entire staff.
There will also be monthly workshops offered to the staff by the three
building liaisons over the course of the school year in order to ensure
adequate training of the equipment and how to integrate technology
into the classroom. So the proposed cost of training includes
stipends for instructors and an estimate of attendees based on previous
workshops. All
training sessions will be offered during in-service days or after school
so no substitute teachers will be needed. The staff will only receive
stipends for attending the after school sessions. No additional staff
will be needed in order to pursue this plan. Without proper training
the mobile lab simply will not be used to its fullest potential.
Mobile Lab Training Costs
Training
(includes
materials and 2 meals)
|
Transportation |
Total |
|
|
$530 |
Technology
Workshop Costs
Instructor
Stipend
|
Attendee
Stipend
|
Total
|
$30/session
x 12 sessions
$360
|
$12/session
x 10 (estimated # of attendees/session)
$120
x 12 sessions
$1,140
|
$1,500
|
Supplies
Other- All other needed materials and supplies have already been
purchased either by the technology department or building funds. Paper, copies,
disks, CD-ROMs, extension cords, power strips, etc. are readily available
to be used for this project. |