The Issue
For locations such as the Suntec branch, a dedicated computer lab is not viable, and desktops will take up extra space which will affect normal classes without the need of PCs.
Space
Desktop PCs take up the entire desk space, for the monitor, keyboard and mouse, and the system chassis. This leaves little writing space for the students.
Laptops can be stowed away easily due to their size and portability, and only taken out and set up for lessons requiring them.
Hardware maintainability
Desktop PCs are cheaper and easier to maintain, as individual hardware parts can be changed. Parts can be salvaged from irreparable systems as well.
Laptops suffering from hardware issues can only be sent back to the manufacturer’s service centre. The cost of this is especially high when not covered by warranty.
Security
Most laptops are equipped with a Kensington lock port to secure the laptop to a fixed structure. Without this, the laptop is more prone to theft.
Desktops are less prone to theft because of their bulkiness, however their individual peripherals (mouse/keyboard) are more susceptible.
Tidiness
Desktops have numerous cables, for monitor, keyboard, mouse, power, monitor power, etc, which is quite messy.
Laptops only have a single power cable and a mouse cable (optional).
Number pad
Laptops do not have a dedicated number pad on the keyboard, however this is a non-essential issue.
Second-hand laptops
When buying these in bulk, warranty and reliability becomes an issue. It is best to have all systems with at least a year of manufacturer warranty.
Shop warranty is only acceptable if they are willing to cover all repair and replacement costs.
Some form of accidental coverage may also be necessary (damage caused by spillage of fluid into system, dropping a laptop, etc).
Brand new low cost laptops (not netbooks)
Manufacturers such as Acer have low cost laptops ranging from 600 to 900, usually with a year of warranty. These are good options to consider, as they are brand new (less reliability issues) and they are covered by manufacturer warranty. Usual specs are a reasonable 14 to 15-inch display, and bundled with Windows pre-installed.
Working out a longer-term warranty coverage plan with the respective sales offices when purchasing in bulk should be considered. More problems crop up the older a system gets.
Some form of accidental coverage may also be necessary (damage caused by spillage of fluid into system, dropping a laptop, etc).
Some models: Acer, eMachines (by Acer), HP, Compaq, Asus, etc all have low-cost notebooks. Would also recommend Dell’s Vostro line, which starts at 700++. Dell provides next-business-day on-site service, which is excellent for warranty coverage. (Should also consider upgrading warranty coverage and plan since laptops are for long-term use).
Netbooks are not recommended due to size of screen and keyboard, although they are cheap and very portable, allowing for easy storage.
Brand new low cost desktops
This option is the cheapest, with the total cost of the system able to fall below 500. Most internal hardware comes with a year of warranty, and the ability to replace the individual parts also means more reliability and cost-effectiveness. If a method for stowing away the system or shifting them aside for classes not requiring PCs is devised, this is by far the best option.
A large desk workspace can allow for this, using small profile keyboards, or monitor stands that allow the keyboard/mice to be kept away undeneath the monitor when not in use, leaving space for the students to write and work on the desk.
Recommendations
For the laptop option, would recommend buying in bulk brand new laptops, unless the second-hand systems have very good specs and good warranty coverage. For brand new laptops, would recommend Dell for their budget business laptop series, Vostro, and their next-business-day on-site warranty for hardware issues. Dell also has multiple options for warranty plans for long-term basis and accidental damage coverage. Other recommendations include purchasing the Kensington lock system for every laptop (a security cable to lock the laptop to the desk, as seen in most stores’ laptop displays), as well as external mice for the students to use.
For the desktop option, flat panel displays already leave us with a lot more space compared to the past when there were only CRT monitors. However, the keyboard and mouse take up quite a bit of space as well, leaving little comfortable writing space for the student. If a shelf of some sort is available for stowing away the keyboard and mouse, there should be sufficient space left for the student. The desktop becomes a more viable solution if working space becomes a non-issue.
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On another note, you know how people enjoy reading blogs that are full of pictures and humor? Haha… I know I’m boring. =P