<p>They are accepted into the Cadet Wing today and they also receive their computers. I sent my soon-to-be cadet a congratulations email! :)</p>
<p>Here’s the email our PA pres sent to us. </p>
<p>From: Gutierrez Barbara L Civ USAFA/CMA
To: Famnet
Sent: Monday, August 07, 2006 9:44 AM
Subject: computers for 2010 class</p>
<p>Below is info on the computers for the Class of 2010:</p>
<p>BACKGROUND PAPER
ON
CLASS OF 2010 CADET COMPUTER ISSUE</p>
<p>Issue Date: Tuesday, 8 August 2006 </p>
<p>Specifications:</p>
<p>Gateway M280G Tablet Computer
Intel® Pentium® M Processor 750 1.86GHz
1GB DDR2 533 MHz SDRAM
Fujitsu-MHT2040BH 40GB 5400 rpm
SimpleTech 160 GB External Hard Drive</p>
<p>14.0" WXGA TFT Active Matrix (1280 x 768 max. resolution)
ATI Mobility Radeon® X600 with 64MB VRAM
DVD+/-RW
Port replicator with 2nd power charger
PCMCIA Smart Card Reader (Omnikey 4040)
Integrated10/100/1000 Ethernet
Intel 802.11a/b/g Mini PCI Express Card
External Mouse and Keyboard
4 years parts-only warranty</p>
<p>Cost:
$1,773.00 For all the above via GTSI contract with AAFES
$ 87.00 Accessories (bag, memory stick, lock, cable, power strip)
$1,898.00 Approximate total with 2% AAFES fee (up $79 from last year)</p>
<p>Software Pre-Loaded:
Windows XP SP2
Office 2003
USAFA licensed software for classes (e.g. Norton, Autodesk, Raptor, etc.)
Additional cost of approximately $125 in Sep-Oct from each new cadet</p>
<p>Not Included:</p>
<p>Personal printer (inkjet or laser with USB 2.0 cable) $60 - $200
17 or 19 flat panel for their rooms (analog, not digital-DVI) - $300 - $500
These items make good gifts for parents or grandparents to buy them over Parents Weekend. </p>
<p>Email Address: <a href=“mailto:C10first.last@usafa.af.mil”>C10first.last@usafa.af.mil</a>
There are some exceptions for long names, e.g. Christopher shortened to Chris</p>
<p>Common Issues and Questions:
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. Special software packages are now available specifically for use on tablet computers, such as Math Journal. Barring a major setback, next year we will only request proposals for tablet computers.</p>
<p>Other schools using Gateway tablet computers:
Dakota State University (1,100 Tablet PCs)
Colorado Technical University (1,400 Tablet PCs)
Winona State University (4,000 Tablet PCs)</p>
<p>Who were the other competitors? Lenovo(IBM), Dell, Ace, MPC, Acer, & HP</p>
<p>Access to off-base email accounts (e.g. Hotmail or Yahoo) is blocked for security reasons to prevent back door viruses or worms.</p>
<p>Wireless is working. If cadets need help configuring it, they can go to either the Technical Assistance Center (3F19) or Multimedia Lab (Library 4th floor).</p>
<p>Printers are not included in the computer purchase for several reasons:
It is a personal preference item some want cheap black and white, while others want high-quality photo printers.</p>
<p>They are not necessary, since we provide squadron printers.
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>Hopefully that covers all the common questions, but Ill be happy to address any other questions the parents ask. They mail email me at <a href=“mailto:larry.bryant@usafa.af.mil”>larry.bryant@usafa.af.mil</a></p>
<p>//SIGNED//</p>
<p>Barbara Gutierrez
Parents’ Liaison
Development & Alumni Programs
HQ USAFA/CMA
719-333-3828 Toll free 877-268-3383
FAX-719-333-4094</p>