--- Forwarded Message from Edith Paillat <[log in to unmask]> ---

>From: Edith Paillat <[log in to unmask]>
>To: "'Language Learning and Technology International Information    Forum'"
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>Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:21:45 +1200
>Subject: RE: #9170.3 (!) Best PC's for language labs
>Thread-Topic: #9170.3 (!) Best PC's for language labs
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To take up on what Judy is saying below, we have had the same issue with our
video graphic cards (small bracket needed) on our DELL Optiplex 755 Small Form
Factor (to go with video recording Sign Language). So we had to manufacture them
(manually really) to fit in the back. 
Otherwise no major worry with our machines, they hang on well for 4 years
(lease), very little breakage noticeable considering the heavy usage...
The small form factor were chosen for their small size to fit under the 19"
monitor. Pics here : http://www.victoria.ac.nz/llc/about/vz003.aspx 
Hope this helps.
Edith

-----Original Message-----
From: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of LLTI-Editor
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2009 1:13 PM
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Subject: Re: #9170.3 (!) Best PC's for language labs

--- Forwarded Message from "Shoaf,Judith P" <[log in to unmask]> ---

>From: "Shoaf,Judith P" <[log in to unmask]>
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information    Forum
<[log in to unmask]>
>Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:28:45 -0400
>Subject: RE: #9170.2 (!) Best PC's for language labs
>Thread-Topic: #9170.2 (!) Best PC's for language labs
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This is not the reply requested, but--when we had money to replace the PCs in
2006, we began with quotes from Gateway but ended up going with Dell. The prices
were better with Dell. However, the factor that motivated the tech folks to get
the Dell quotes was, I believe, the expectation of contractual support. In our
discussions, the tech crew noted that some years Gateway did better in this
area, sometimes Dell. 

Part of this support had to do with consistency of product. We wanted a
guarantee that an order of 30 computers with the same specs would give us 30
completely identical computers, not 30 computers that met the specs but had a
variety of parts and chips which might behave a little bit differently. We had
struggled earlier to have a consistent build on a roomful of computers which
accepted the build in slightly different ways.

Another point to consider is the range of sizes now in computers. You might
choose a model based on where the boxes will sit (floor, existing cradle,
special cradle, desktop). We ended up with small but not miniature Dells (GX620)
which could function either as desktop or tower. The only problem was that our
Sanako system with video distribution required Hauppauge video cards, and it was
not easy to find the ones that fit the small boxes, or the drivers for them.

We got a 5-year warranty on the Dells and so far (3 years from shipment) they
are fine, except for a few monitors that failed the first year.

Judy Shoaf




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