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Hi
We're looking to buy some new IT suite PCs - possibly Dell - but not definitely - any recommendations on models that are resistant to the constant attrition they suffer in schools? ie - lockable cases, no panels to push in, cable lock downs etc?
Cheers
Dell Optiplex 745s are pretty solid, you need to padlock or cable tie the release mechanism but it's made so you can do this. The power voltage switch needs to be covered or glued though (115/230v doo-daa on the PSU).
Got about 30 of them now and quite impressed by them although we really don't have any trouble with kids vandalising base units, only had 2 since I started and it was the same kid flipping the voltage over whilst it was on.
As much as I hate RM... the RM one is a very strong PC..
I'll second that, we had a room installed last summer and they're bombproof, i can't remember the last time i had to go into that room to fix somethingQuote:
Originally Posted by Grommit
have you considered putting the PCs off the desk behind a kickboard and having some hard glass screens. That way only mice and keyboards can be damaged easily
simple solution to stopping vandalism
execute one student at random
and leave them hanging
in a gibbet outside your it suites
as an example to the rest
mwah hah hah
sorry
just got paid
;O)
We currently use the Dell optiplex's GX150 to GX 620 models (near on 400 in all. We have recently getting a few Dell SX740's and 645 models and as stated above they are great, the base units are not he rear of the monitor with a cowl which covers all of the I/O ports (Which is padlock-able) and only the Mouse and keyboard comes out.
You also get a 17" TFT, 3.0GHz CPU, 1GB RAMM, DVD Rom and a 80GB HDD as the standard spec.
There are 5 USB ports on the rear (like the GX280 model) 2 on the front of the base unit (On the side now with it being mounted on the monitor) and now there’s a lead which runs from the back of the base unit from under the cowl which plugs into the TFT which has an additional 4 USB ports on it (In other words, acts like a USB hub), you have t underneath which you wouldn't know were there unless you had a really good look and two on the left hand side.
As well as that, the TFT is also height adjustable on a slider system.
We have a hell of a lot of vandalism here, such as fire extinguishers over a full ICT suite etc and this way, only the TFT's get hit and even then were cleared by health and safety for use.
Here's the link with pic's:
http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/pr...dt1&l=en&s=bsd
I agree with Halfmad about the Opti 745's, as we are buying those too.
However, their weak point is the quick-release button for the TFT. You can kensington lock the TFT, but it doesn't stop the TFT from being released, meaning someone could release it, and swing it about on the kensington cable!
The older models were screwed onto the stands, and we're trying to see if Dell still make those ones.
Dell Optiplex All in Ones here too but make sure you get the cable covers and Kensington/Nobel locks. Great kit IMO. We have almost no vandalism only the odd mouse *touches wood and The kit has been in for 2 years now
Hi
Our slim-line desktop cases are very reliable - we havent had one back yet with pushed in power buttons etc and we sell hundreds. They have no flaps either and come with the metal loop on the back to secure them to desks using Kensington cables
If you fancy taking one to have a look, feel free to contact me and I'll get a sample sent out to you.
What are these all in ones you speak of? :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr_T
We have a mixture of Dells and NEC. To be honest, we were using Dell until their prices went sky high. I have a fair few contacts and can now buy a high powered NEC Small form factor machine (VL260) with 4 year next business day warranty, plus its kid proof with a kensington lock hole and a kensington lock for... £330.
We have used IBM (now Lenovo) PCs in the past. We have now alos swapped to the Dell range getting in the 745 as well.
They seem to work very well, and we couldn't say no to them with the specs they offer, and value for the dollar spent. I suppose however if it was coming from a no name supplier, we probably wouldn't do it. but the name is well known and our staff laptops are Dell. and they have all been working fine for the past two years now...the on site service works well also.
I'd probably swap to Dell if I was you.
From what I understand, when our new Academy building goes up all machinery will be boxed in, student proof.
Bring that on. We're missing Dell badges, and some Optiplex fascia panels..Dell won't supply spares.
Doesn't that just mean they overheat and melt?Quote:
Originally Posted by Sirbendy