While Apple lays out some heavy discounts (particularly in larger districts)they are still a very expensive option. I have had labs of both, and both have their own sets of problems and issues. PC labs are cheaper and easier to run and maintain.
My issue is this..wouldn't it be a better expenditure and idea to help subsidize parents of students purchasing a computer and broadband access for their home? The entire family could get the benefit, parents are forced to become the web policeman, Lenovo or whichever vendor you choose gets to deal with tech support and replacement parts, and the students hopefully will get access to the greatest tool for researching and inquiry since the book was invented. Even though someone else in the home may use it for porn, simply having the tool available in the house would be a great benefit for many children and adults living in poverty in many large cities. The school could offer parent outreach and or adult classes in computer literacy and educate the parents as well as the students, which offers a MUCH greater chance of success. Having people pay SOMETHING for the use of the computer also tends to make them more responsible with it.
Slashdot Mirror
While Apple lays out some heavy discounts (particularly in larger districts)they are still a very expensive option. I have had labs of both, and both have their own sets of problems and issues. PC labs are cheaper and easier to run and maintain. My issue is this..wouldn't it be a better expenditure and idea to help subsidize parents of students purchasing a computer and broadband access for their home? The entire family could get the benefit, parents are forced to become the web policeman, Lenovo or whichever vendor you choose gets to deal with tech support and replacement parts, and the students hopefully will get access to the greatest tool for researching and inquiry since the book was invented. Even though someone else in the home may use it for porn, simply having the tool available in the house would be a great benefit for many children and adults living in poverty in many large cities. The school could offer parent outreach and or adult classes in computer literacy and educate the parents as well as the students, which offers a MUCH greater chance of success. Having people pay SOMETHING for the use of the computer also tends to make them more responsible with it.