2013 computers

<p>Just got an e-mail less than 2 hours ago about our computers from the MN Parent’s Club President.</p>

<p>BACKGROUND PAPER</p>

<p>ON</p>

<p>CLASS OF 2013 CADET COMPUTER ISSUE</p>

<p>Issue Date: Monday, 3 August 2008</p>

<p>Specifications:
• Fujitsu model T5010 tablet computer
• Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 (2.4 GHz)
• Intel GM45 Express chipset
• 4GB memory (DDR3 1066 SDRAM)
• 120GB Hard Drive
• 123.3” XGA 1280x800 LCD with active digitizer
• DVD+/-RW
• Port replicator with 2nd power charger
• Integrated Smart Card Reader
• Second drive-bay battery
• Integrated10/100/1000 Ethernet
• Wireless 802.11a/g/n
• External Mouse and Keyboard
• 4 years parts-only warranty (includes batteries)</p>

<p>Costs:
• $1,899.86 For all the above via CDWG contract with AAFES
• $ 111.17 Accessories (bag, lock, network cable, power strip)
• $2,051.25 Total with 2% AAFES fee</p>

<p>Software Pre-Loaded:
• Windows XP SP3
• Office 2007, Symantec Anti-Virus
• USAFA licensed software for classes (e.g. SolidWorks, VBrick, Raptor, etc.)
• Software costs approximately $140/cadet and is charged in Sep</p>

<p>Items Not Included:
• Personal printer (inkjet or laser with USB 2.0 cable) – $60 - $200
• 19”-24” flat panel for their rooms (analog or digital-DVI) - $200 - $400
• These items make good gifts for parents or grandparents to buy them over Parents’ Weekend.</p>

<p>Email Address: <a href=“mailto:C13first.last@usafa.edu”>C13first.last@usafa.edu</a>
There are some exceptions for long names, e.g. Christopher shortened to Chris</p>

<p>Common Issues and Questions:</p>

<p>• Why tablet computers? – The selection committee decided the pedagogical reasons for tablets out-weighed the increased cost and weight. The tablet can be used for taking hand-written notes in class, including math formulas, drawings, diagrams, etc.</p>

<p>• Who were the other competitors? Dell, Lenovo-WWT, HP-NMJ, Toshiba-CTI</p>

<p>• Why not Windows Vista?</p>

<p>o Windows XP SP3 is stable and works well, plus we have FIPS certified wireless drivers for this version.
o We will skip Vista and go straight to Windows 7.0 once it is released this fall.</p>

<p>• Can upperclass cadets buy the same computer? Yes, they need to email Larry Bryant before 20 July, so one can be delivered on 3 Aug for them. CDWG-Fujitsu will also make a web site for staff personal purchases.</p>

<p>• Printers are not included in the computer purchase for several reasons:
o It is a “personal preference” item – some want cheap black and white, while others want high-quality photo printers.
o They are not necessary, since we provide squadron printers.
o They make good gifts for parents and grandparents.</p>

<p>• We teach “computer ethics” in Comp Sci 110 to convince cadets that certain common practices done in high school (e.g. illegally copying music or movies) are no longer acceptable and are punishable.</p>

<p>yay, 2010 will be the class with the dying laptops and all the lower three will be standardized lol. :)</p>

<p>unless of course ours die and they refuse to give us replacements which is currently the situation so we’d be forced to buy another one, maybe like the lower 3 classes</p>

<p>Is everyone switching over to 7.0 this fall?</p>

<p>nice try, eagle. we all know it’s not because of your laptop. you simply want to be just like us ;)</p>

<p>I really, really doubt that everyone will be switching to Windows 7 in the fall. That would be ridiculous for them to require us to pay to upgrade when XP is working just fine.</p>

<p>I don’t think they are switching anything to Windows 7. I think what they are saying is that they are not going to ever order computers with Vista, but rather will be ordering the next round “class of 2014” of computers with Windows 7.</p>

<p>I think that is a smart move because by then, Windows 7 will have been tested a little. Of course, this will likely be the last year that XP will even be available so they won’t really have a choice next year.</p>