--- Forwarded Message from Jianxiong Wu <[log in to unmask]> --- >Date: Wed, 6 Jun 2001 16:57:26 -0500 (CDT) >From: Jianxiong Wu <[log in to unmask]> >To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Re: #6162.1 Online Powerpoint Presentation on Wireless Labs >In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]> ------------------ Hi Jeanette, I will try to answer some of your questions. I would also like to hear other people's comments, too. > > 1) Is it wiser to purchase the laptops (our institution supports Dell, so > we will be using Dells.) or to lease? Have you found benefits from either > option? I don't know enough about leasing. We spent about $2000 on each machine. The machines should last about 3 or 4 years without having major problems. So it really depends on what lease term you can get. Having new machines every year through leasing should not be a good idea, I think, because that means you have to redo the setup every year. > 2) Is there software available which would allow the teacher's computer to > "control" or monitor all the others? If so, do you have any suggestions > for quality software packages? We are currently looking at CAN8, which seems to be a good product. Another product we are aware of is netop school(www.netop.com). > > 3) How "portable" is a 10 - 15 unit cart? Jian Wu indicates in the > presentation that the 25 unit cart requires two very strong adults to move > it around. Can you give an idea of the weight and size of the loaded cart? > In our case, 25 machines plus the battery charging systems weigh about 200 pounds, the printer about 25 pounds, the cart itself about 70-80 pounds (we have a very durable cart). The whole thing is about 300 pounds. So a 10-15 unit cart should weigh no more than 150 pounds. The dimension of our 25-unit cart is W50.5 inches x D22.5 x H39 plus wheel. > 4) Has anyone had experience with a permanent antenna being stolen? Any > suggestions on how to prevent this? Can these be installed as to be > invisible? You could install it high on the wall or on the ceiling, or within a locked wooden cabinet. > > 5) Can anyone comment on any physical problems students might experience > from using the laptops? (I guess I'm asking about the screens and lighting > problems.) We have not noticed any yet. > 6) Any creative ideas on securing funding for a wireless lab setup? > (Probably our biggest concern!) Our original proposal was very well received. People liked the concept a lot. > In advance, thanks very much! > > Jeanette Clement > Duquesne University ESL Program > Curriculum/Lab Coordinator > Pittsburgh, PA 15282 Jian Wu, Ph.D. CLA Language Center Multimedia Lab Manager University of Minnesota [log in to unmask] 612-626-9407 51 Folwell Hall 9 Pleasant St. SE Minneapolis, MN 55455