If folks want to get serious about bridging the Digital Divide (putting computer equipment into the hands of those who cannot afford it OR in our education system), some OUTSIDE THE BOX thinking needs to take place, and it needs to take place SOON!
Instead of assuming you have to go to Dell or HP or wherever else - these guys need to think like small business owners who have to think where EVERY dime is spent.
Organizations like TKOEDucation.com specialize in the sale of professionally refurbished Dell computers (mostly the Dell Optiplex and Dell Latitude lines). These high-quality, computers come loaded with a LEGALLY pre-installed Windows XP PRO (MAR) license (with all the drivers installed). They include brand new Logitech Keyboards and new Optical Mice. Most importantly, they include a 3-year parts replacement warranty.
As of December 2008 - for $249ea (http://store.tkopartsandpcs.com/gx21gb40xppr.html), you can get a fully-loaded Dell Optiplex GX260 Pentium 4-2.0GHz Computer with XP PRO (MAR) pre-installed on a 40GB Hard Drive and a full 1GB of DDR Memory is installed. The computer comes with CD and Floppy Drive, brand new keyboard and optical mouse, and a 3-year warranty. The kicker? A 15" DELL LCD Monitor is INCLUDED in the $249 price.
*** THE WINDOWS XP PRO (MAR) is for "Eligible Recipients" only as defined by Microsoft. Essentially if the equipment goes to a school, non-profit, library, or a qualified low-income home or family ~ then it allowed.
Schwarzenegger says Calif. faces $20 billion budget deficit. Yet the CMAS (California Multiple Award Schedule) contract won't let used Dell dealers compete with Dell. So, essentially, despite the fact that the equipment meets all the minimum standards - AND THE EQUIPMENT IS HALF THE PRICE OF NEW - because the CMAS contract excludes companies like TKOEDucation.com, these schools are essentially FORCED to spend $700 on brand new Dell computer bundles when a $249 solution (as noted above) exists.
It is no wonder why our economy - both US and in California is in such trouble. OUTSIDE THE BOX people. OUTSIDE THE BOX!!!
As just one example of one of the computer bundles that TKOED sells, expect to pay just $249 ~ that includes the Dell Optiplex computer with Intel Pentium 4 processor, a full 1GB of memory, and XP PRO (MAR) will come installed ~ LEGAllY
The way I understand it, Linux doesn't need the "latest and greatest" CPU, MEMORY, etc. Then why would anyone waste all that money buying brand new $600 Optiplex PCs when you can buy 3yr warranted "refurbished" units from someone like TKOEDucation.com?
I know there are plenty of folks selling used equipment, but none (to my knowledge) that deal almost exclusively in off-lease Dell Optiplex ~ and we've been doing it for nearly 10 years.
We offer 3yr warranted Optiplex starting at just $109 (including a new keyboard and optical mouse). Our most expensive PC is the GX280 - a Pentium 4 D 3.2GHz with 1GB of memory, and an 80GB SATA drive. For the higher-end P4s, we include brand new Logitech keyboards and a brand new Optical mouse. I did a comparison today, and what we sell for $429 is being sold on Dell's site in the high $600 range.
So I ask everyone this - why would anyone consider buying new Dell units with Linux, when older Dell units (load your own Linux) is clearly the most cost-effective way to go?
sdion@tkoelectronics.com
www.TKOEDucation.com
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If folks want to get serious about bridging the Digital Divide (putting computer equipment into the hands of those who cannot afford it OR in our education system), some OUTSIDE THE BOX thinking needs to take place, and it needs to take place SOON! Instead of assuming you have to go to Dell or HP or wherever else - these guys need to think like small business owners who have to think where EVERY dime is spent. Organizations like TKOEDucation.com specialize in the sale of professionally refurbished Dell computers (mostly the Dell Optiplex and Dell Latitude lines). These high-quality, computers come loaded with a LEGALLY pre-installed Windows XP PRO (MAR) license (with all the drivers installed). They include brand new Logitech Keyboards and new Optical Mice. Most importantly, they include a 3-year parts replacement warranty. As of December 2008 - for $249ea (http://store.tkopartsandpcs.com/gx21gb40xppr.html), you can get a fully-loaded Dell Optiplex GX260 Pentium 4-2.0GHz Computer with XP PRO (MAR) pre-installed on a 40GB Hard Drive and a full 1GB of DDR Memory is installed. The computer comes with CD and Floppy Drive, brand new keyboard and optical mouse, and a 3-year warranty. The kicker? A 15" DELL LCD Monitor is INCLUDED in the $249 price. *** THE WINDOWS XP PRO (MAR) is for "Eligible Recipients" only as defined by Microsoft. Essentially if the equipment goes to a school, non-profit, library, or a qualified low-income home or family ~ then it allowed. Schwarzenegger says Calif. faces $20 billion budget deficit. Yet the CMAS (California Multiple Award Schedule) contract won't let used Dell dealers compete with Dell. So, essentially, despite the fact that the equipment meets all the minimum standards - AND THE EQUIPMENT IS HALF THE PRICE OF NEW - because the CMAS contract excludes companies like TKOEDucation.com, these schools are essentially FORCED to spend $700 on brand new Dell computer bundles when a $249 solution (as noted above) exists. It is no wonder why our economy - both US and in California is in such trouble. OUTSIDE THE BOX people. OUTSIDE THE BOX!!! As just one example of one of the computer bundles that TKOED sells, expect to pay just $249 ~ that includes the Dell Optiplex computer with Intel Pentium 4 processor, a full 1GB of memory, and XP PRO (MAR) will come installed ~ LEGAllY
The way I understand it, Linux doesn't need the "latest and greatest" CPU, MEMORY, etc. Then why would anyone waste all that money buying brand new $600 Optiplex PCs when you can buy 3yr warranted "refurbished" units from someone like TKOEDucation.com? I know there are plenty of folks selling used equipment, but none (to my knowledge) that deal almost exclusively in off-lease Dell Optiplex ~ and we've been doing it for nearly 10 years. We offer 3yr warranted Optiplex starting at just $109 (including a new keyboard and optical mouse). Our most expensive PC is the GX280 - a Pentium 4 D 3.2GHz with 1GB of memory, and an 80GB SATA drive. For the higher-end P4s, we include brand new Logitech keyboards and a brand new Optical mouse. I did a comparison today, and what we sell for $429 is being sold on Dell's site in the high $600 range. So I ask everyone this - why would anyone consider buying new Dell units with Linux, when older Dell units (load your own Linux) is clearly the most cost-effective way to go? sdion@tkoelectronics.com www.TKOEDucation.com