Posted on 02/12/2005 8:22:21 AM PST by groanup
Cobb County wants to spend nearly $70 million for 63,000 students and teachers to get state-of-the-art Apple laptop computers, complete with Microsoft Word and iTunes.
After months of negotiations, Superintendent Joseph Redden announced the cost and scope of a potential deal with Apple Computer. If the school board approves the first phase of the four-year, $69.9 million proposal, the first iBook G4 laptops would be distributed this spring.
By fall, four high schools would be outfitted as demonstration sites. Within a year, high schoolers could be working with a computer that, at 5 pounds, weighs less than most textbooks. Within three years, each of Cobb's teachers and middle and high school students could have a laptop.
The iBooks would come with Apple's latest operating system, plus Microsoft Office and wireless capability. Software would include Apple's iLife, which could be used to make digital movies, photos and music for school projects through programs like iTunes and GarageBand. The iBooks would be compatible with the school system's existing PCs.
"The kinds of things the students will be using out in the work force today, they'll be using in our schools," said Deputy Superintendent Donald Beers. Part of the cost goes to build a wireless network for schools countywide.
If fully implemented, it would be one of the largest school laptop programs in the country.
Apple would provide seven employees dedicated solely to training and operations, and operate a repair facility in Cobb. The laptops would have a four-year warranty, and the deal includes extra batteries.
Parents would be responsible for insurance, expected to be $50 a year. Redden said the school system's education foundation would work on fund-raising to help low-income families pay for the insurance.
The Cobb school district, which spent months negotiating with companies including IBM and Dell, claims the best price per laptop of any school system in the country: $271.26. Michigan paid $275 per machine in its recent laptop contract with Hewlett- Packard.
Add in the extras Cobb negotiated for — including support, training and maintenance — and the total cost is about $350 per person. For comparison, the cheapest retail price of the same computer loaded with the same features was $1,248 on apple.com.
John Seral, who has children in Cobb County middle and high schools, said he was "personally convinced this thing will be successful." He learned the details while working on an advisory panel for the school system.
Seral said he believed students would gain skills that have become invaluable in business. "Voice mail is virtually dead in our company," he said. "You have to have a laptop to function."
The Cobb deal would boost Apple's efforts to capture the k-12 education market. Vice President Barry Wright would not say what Apple's market share is, but the company has landed other major initiatives, including the nation's first in Maine and one in Henrico County, Va.
Mark Weston, who worked for Apple three years ago, when it provided laptops to 37,000 students and teachers in Maine, said the Cobb County deal would have people talking.
However, "the technology is just one piece of the equation for enhancing learning and teaching," he said. "The ultimate test will be how everyone uses these incredible tools."
Cobb County will pay for the program's start-up through a 1 percent sales tax voters approved in 2003 and which will expire in three years.
Most school board members seem comfortable with providing teachers with the laptops, but need assurance about the students.
Questions from the public include concerns about online security and at-home use. School officials have set up a Web site and e-mail to address questions and will conduct four information sessions before the board's March 9 vote.
The school system still needs a provider for wireless connectivity, as well as an Internet partner in the community, Redden said.
Proponents of "one computer to one student" point to reports of increased school attendance and fewer discipline problems. They say laptop programs bridge the "digital divide," putting cutting-edge technology in the hands of young people who otherwise could not afford it.
Some researchers, however, say more time is needed to understand the long-term impact of such programs. Critics say the money could be better spent on smaller classes and teacher development.
Bullpucky, Rockitz, the prices I quoted are prices that were taken from the Internet of actual legal copies of the software offered for sale on the day I made the post. OSX has NEVER sold for $180-200. I invite anyone to go to
to see what prices OSX is being sold for. $129.00 as I said. Then do a search for Windows XP Professional, both original install and upgrade install, then search for OEM prices and you will find MY prices are legit, not Rockitz.
Of course I can have the last word on this because I actually did the research and know what I am talking about. By the way, I don't appreciate being told I make up things, especially by someone who has.
Here is just one example of Windows XP Professional OEM sale price. The also include the manufacturer's suggested retail prices of $199.00
The regular price is $135 and they have it on sale at $129. But please note that it is restricted sale to Original Manufactures (Box Builders) only.
I suspect you have no idea of what the license for OEM software from Microsoft requires so here is a link to download the license for your edification:
The challenge is now in your court to find the legitimate prices (not pirated software) that you quoted. You won't.
I stand by my figures and have legit sources for everyone of them. You don't.
Take a look at the previous post where I hoist Rockitz on his own petard... fun.
I found my prices on pricescan.com, if you care to look. Nonetheless as I stated in my previous post it doesn't really matter. Apple soaked the consumer for so long on software prices, the reputation will remain.
You keep digging yourself deeper and deeper, Rockitz. Since I don't believe you, I checked...
A search of pricescan.com five minutes ago provides the following prices for Windows products. Listing only the LOWEST prices:
Microsoft XP Home Edition - from $81.95Microsoft XP Home Edition with SP2 - from $89.98
Microsoft XP pro - from $139.25
Microsoft XP pro upgrade - from $166
Microsoft XP pro with SP2 - $172.49
MS Windows XP professional license - from $245
Pricescan.com does not list for Macintosh operating systems.
Again, you are hoist on your own petard, Rockitz. Just admit it, you really do not know what you are talking about.
Have you EVER bought any Mac software?
Apple has actually sold little software other than their OS.
They sold AppleWorks/ClarisWorks for $79.00 - Windows equivalent MS Works Suite $99.95They will woon be offering iWorks for $79.00
They sold *FileMaker for $99.00 - Windows version included
They sold *FileMaker Pro for $199.00 - Windows version included.
They now sell iLife for $79.00 - there is no equivalent package in Windows
(*FileMaker products spun off to Filemaker Inc. in 1996)
Apple does sell software from 3rd party vendors at their Apple Stores including Adobe, Microsoft, etc. The prices for Windows equivalent packages are the same as the Windows packages.
I again state the FACTS, Macintosh software is price competitive with Windows.
I have found a couple errors in my search (one I can attribute at least partially to Pricescan and the other may or may not be mine) and one in your search as well.
1. I used Microsoft Plus! (digital media editor) pricing in place of XP pricing because it was listed under operating systems on Pricescan. My mistake was not looking at the title in detail.
2. I believe they either used to have Mac operating systems listed under desktop when I first looked or I inadverdantly looked under servers. In view of some of the other errors I've found on Pricescan, it's hard to tell who's error this is.
3. Pricescan does have operating systems for Mac (listed under servers).
Hope you're happy.
Will you at least admit that at one time Apple used to have both hardware and software prices that were exhorbitant in the face of comparable hardware and software on the PC side? In my opinion that is what put the company at death's door several years ago. They were simply not price competitive. In my mind and I'm quite certain in the minds of many others, that reputation is still haunting them and why it will take the giveaways such as that detailed in the article to regain any market share. I personally think it may be too late.
PS. Macs still suck, but just not as bad as they used to. ;o)
Once upon a time... Hardware, yes... software, no.
With your hint I did find Apple OSX.3 Panther on pricescan.com and it is indeed listed under "Servers" Price range from $107.95 to 129.99.
Also found Apple OSX.3 Server 10 license version pricing from $388.95 - $499.00
And Apple OSX.3 Server Unlimited user license pricing from $673.70 to $999.00.
PS. Macs still suck, but just not as bad as they used to. ;o)
Doubt you have used one... but I DO use Windows... and it still sucks, but not as bad as it used to... ;^)
All things considered... let's blame them and part as friends.
(Hey random Mac question....)
I use the built in current Mail program with OSX. When an email has a web link...it opens in Safari...not Firefox (my default browser) Is there a way to have email links open in Firefox instead of Safari?
Many thanks.
I don't know if this will work or not... in Safari, select Preferences - General. the first requestor allows you to select the default browser. Mine is set to Safari. Try setting yours to Firefox and see if that solves the problem.
Firefox may have the same Preference selection...
Good luck
Beautiful. Thank you!
How was this teacher outraged and why do you think this is a waste of tax payer money. I feel this is a great idea and I don't know why this was not thought of before. I feel everyone will get a foot up in the real world once this is put into stone. I am sorry that this will be my last year and I will not have the chance to benefit from this.
She was outraged because:
The teachers weren't consulted.
The teachers are all trained on PC's not MAC's.
She envisions most of class time being taken up by computer problems instead of instruction.
She sees the computers as a cop out.
She sees the computers as another problem she'll have to deal with on a day to day basis.
She's smart enough to recognize that computers are tools, just like jack-hammers. They have a function but the function of classroom is teaching, not learning how to use a computer.
I see you signed up tomorrow. What are you doing, trolling? If so, welcome to the greatest truth detector on the planet, FreeRepublic.
I see you signed up tomorrow. What are you doing, trolling? If so, welcome to the greatest truth detector on the planet, FreeRepublic. (see previous)
What? No broadband wireless internet access?
Why not? Then give all of them new BMW's.
I'm curious as to what part of Virginia you live in. I teach in a "laptop" school, and I can tell you from first-hand experience that it is a disaster. Granted, in my county the infrastructure was poorly organized and the tech support is laughable, but beyond that, the educational value is highly suspect. I can't think of anything that can be communicated or taught using a laptop that can't be taught the old fashion way. Sure, laptops add some bells and whistles, but when you look at the expenditures, I don't think it is justified on a cost/benefit basis. Maybe if counties were willing to spring for course-specific software, etc. But as it stands, most counties only put generic (Microsoft Office, etc.) software on them, and so the benefit is minimal. I wouldn't reject laptops out of hand, but I would have to see some serious forethought and planning on the part of the school system to think that laptops could be implemented effectively, and frankly, I don't have that kind of faith in school bureaucracies...
You know, in re-reading your post I don't see anything in it about the educational value of these laptops. Security and all that is good but why have them in the first place.
C'mon, folks, let's look at the bigger picture:
1) If you live in Cobb Co and you can afford a laptop for your kid, you already sending them to private school. This is to keep the public school kids even.
2) Georgia has terrible test scores, even Cobb County, and the teachers may or may not be able to find their butts with both hands on a good day. Thus, the most idiot-proof device is the Apple.
3) All leased items are under warranty, Apple's warranty.
4) Apple tech support is best in business.
5) All devices, wireless network etc. will be Apple brand.
This is a no-brainer, to me.
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