New technology - what to buy?

[JPS]

Hi guys

This is a good one, my Deputy Head comes to my office this morning and says the Head wants our new IT space (large room being built, designed for 160 users that he calls a VLE - dont get me started) to be really 'cutting edge' and using hardware that will really attract people to be there. We already plan to have a mixture of laptops and desktops (inc macs), some IWBs and some digital signage, but he would like something more impressive.

So what do you guys think? At the moment ignore the cost, what hardware would you buy that might impress my Head?

Thanks

[nephilim]

how much is the budget for it?

[JPS]

Forget budget, although be sensible, we haven't got £millions to spend. I would just like some suggestions, even if I go to him and say this is what is available but we can't afford it.

[localzuk]

SMART Table?

[vikpaw]

Touch screen instead of digital signage, so large microsoft surface board or other , like an interactive map for visitors or guide.
3d printer - to make trinkets, but also demonstrate CAD/CAM etc.
3d scanner - cheaper than above, to laser scan objects into CAD programs.
tablets / ipads for quick guest internet access.
super funked up lounger chair with gaming connections, usb, headphone etc.
TheBeamz - cos it's cheap and cool.
some awesome furniture is good, that folds the computer away inside maybe.
mimio or luidia type device that converts any surface to an interactive whiteboard, so can just walk up and zap.
portable mini projectors to demo things on the move.
xbox kinnect.

[Willott]

Purchase all the hardware required for a CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) - not sure what you'd use it for, but it does have a certain wow factor - the racks of graphics processing equipment is impressive in itself!

Other than that - a plexiglass box containing server racks with blades with some nice high end thin clients and lots of extra flashing LEDs on the servers...

[Willott]

Just had a memory of this - Celluon Virtual Keyboard - A laser projected full-sized virtual QWERTY keyboard
or as others have suggested other surface techs

[nephilim]

I would also look at possibly a CriCut device. Fantastic for anybody that wants to have individual letters cut out of sheet of card.

I would also think about having ruckus wireless in there so you can have people connecting wirelessly on top of the devices in there (say 3 APs for the room, to ensure you get maximum gain)

[gpjt]

3D projector and immersive software enables the users to manipulate the content rotate it, disect it, label, animate etc etc. PM me for more information if required.
We have this on site and can give you further information.

[SYNACK]

Sensible, that kind of limits it and rules out the:
Motion Capture Room
3D printer
3D scanner
Visualisation Wall
Microsoft Surface tables
Programable Robot Lab
etc.

[AndrewC]

How about integrated desks for full multimedia edditing and green screen? If you couple it with something like Meru (single chanel and fewer APs required) you would have the density to stream HD video to wireless clients like Ipads and so on.... IPTV...? I suppose its based around limitations?? Room purposes etc..?

[Educare_AV]

Flasma Interactive educational floor

[tech_guy]

Forget all that, get a van load of iPads. That'll blow everyone's minds.

[GrumbleDook]

Tell the Deputy they are an idiot and unless the SLT can tell you what they want to do with it then you are wasting your time, their time, the students' time and tax payers money.

They might as well as ISIHAC if they can borrow the infamous laser display board.

Look at particular needs of the school. If you are working on improving English then some gaming (a la Tim Rylands) can be worked into it, or perhaps a radio station (from Russell Prue), or speak with the folk at Wildern school about a TV studio. Technology for its own sake is pointless, gets broken quickly and will get people into grief when Governors wake up.

[SYNACK]

Forget all that, get a van load of iPads. That'll blow everyone's minds.

I hope your jokeing.