Mac Mini to run Apple Configurator - what else do I need?

[SimpleSi]

No idea about Macs

 

But got a load of Ipads and want to use Apple Configurator to manage them.

 

If I buy a Mac Mini what else do I need to get it working (in terms of special leads/kbd/mouseVGA convertors etc)

 

Simon

[FN-GM]

I think you need Mac OS X server

[IrritableTech]

Standard USB mouse and keyboards will work. You will need a VGA/DVI adapter if you want to use a standard monitor. I'm fairly sure you don't need OSX Server, the standard OSX will work for Apple configurator.

 

After that you'll need to have a think about if you want to use an MDM solution...

 

[edit] I questioned myself, but confirmed you don't need OSX server only OSX 10.7.5 or later: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/apple-configurator/id434433123?mt=12

Edited May 14, 2013 by IrritableTech

[jammers]

I used to use a mac mini to configure 30 ipads. Now i use Cisco Meraki - Cloud Managed Networks that Simply Work. It's free and means i don't have to drag all the ipads back to the mac as meraki works in the cloud. Loads easier.

 

Regards

J

[gpjt]

Synch and Charge station would save you a lot of time and effort too!

[SimpleSi]

Synch and Charge station would save you a lot of time and effort too!

I have a "sync" station but it has no computer to do the syncing

Its a very expensive PSU and 16 port hub in a plastic box

 

 

Simon

[yugo]

The Mac Mini server comes supplied with a HDMI to DVI adapter.

[IKWeb]

I would advise you use the Mac Mini Server, not a work station, and we have found you would need 1 Mac Mini Server per year group (all our kids have iPads as well as staff) other wise the load gets to much... As with the Mac Mini Server, we found the normal workstation running as a MDM box couldn't keep up.

[speckytecky]

Hopefully not considered off topic but we use the Mac Mini Server - it does the job well and I feel it gives the IT crew a bit more added control over the kit; you get the opportunity to remove anything iffy when the iPads are in for update etc. in addition though, and you probably already have this covered, I'd highly recommend AirServer - Most advanced AirPlay receiver for Mac and PC for SmartBoard interaction. We were struggling with Apple TVs which by the time you buy the HDMI to VGA adapter runs out at something like £200 a set up. Air Server on the other hand works a treat at a fraction of the cost.

[SimpleSi]

We were struggling with Apple TVs

Tell me about it!

 

When Apple stuff just works - its lovely - when it doesn't then your navigating a small stretch of fast running water without a propulsion instrument

 

Simon

About 2 skip 2 of the little bleeders!

 

What do you do when your Ipad won't see them on the network -eh! ?

[SimpleSi]

@jammers

 

I've setup the Meraki system - its fine but how do I "sync" with it.

 

I can see how to push apps out but since that requires typing in the password for each app on each IPad its still a quite a bit of work todo - especially on our learning curve where we'll be trying out lots of different things.

 

Simon

[SimpleSi]

So Mac Mini Server running Apple Configurator will let me install apps once?

 

And then all IPads can be sync'd up overnight?

 

What about icon/screen layouts - is this controllable from the Configurator?

 

Basically don't want the school to spend another >£500 if it doesn't do much more than Itunes on a PC

 

Simon

[KTECH]

Hi

 

I'm about to do something similar with a batch of 30 iPads with a charge/sync unit, I've ordered a Mac mini as everyone says its easier to manage in Apple Configuratior. Can anyone tell me what you would use Meraki for as well as Configurator? and can you manage/sync the app layout through either?

Good luck with your setup Simon

 

Also whilst im on the subject does anyone know how you can move apps into folders and sync them to all iPads just using iTunes and a charge/sync unit? It has been working ok for getting the apps on to the iPads but I haven’t been able to organize them. Cheers

[iom100]

Also whilst im on the subject does anyone know how you can move apps into folders and sync them to all iPads just using iTunes and a charge/sync unit? It has been working ok for getting the apps on to the iPads but I haven’t been able to organize them.

 

I've answered this in a PM, but it might be useful to other people too: the App layout is part of the backup so Yes you can sync folders. You have to set up one iPad as you want it and then take a backup of it within Apple Configurator. You then restore the other iPads to the backup image. Be aware that various other settings (photos etc) are also included in the backup so be careful when you create your reference image. I found the process a bit fiddly to get things to restore in the right order.

 

IM

[Jerred91]

EX Apple tech here, now a school IT Tech for the last 2 years. As above make a reference iPad and then backup/restore inside Apple Configurator to arrange apps into folders. I can recommend Meraki most highly, it is brilliant. The location tracking on the devices isn't great though unless you install the Meraki App. Be aware that from my experience testing it, the Meraki App tends to constantly track your location - which can affect battery life quite considerably.

To be honest Apple Configurator and the whole iPad management is still far from perfect but it's knowing the correct order of doing things that makes it simpler. If you need any further help please feel free to PM me.

 

On a side note, I've been on this forum for 2 years and this is my first post. Better late than never!

[SimpleSi]

I can recommend Meraki most highly, it is brilliant.

How is it brilliant if anytime you push an app out you have to go to each IPad and enter the password?

 

That's just a non-starter surely for classroom management (fine for teachers/staff IPads of course)

 

What am I missing here?

 

Simon

[SimpleSi]

You then restore the other iPads to the backup image.

 

When you do this - can you simply tell Apple Configurator to do it and walk away?

 

Will it retain each IPads name or do you have to go and change it back manually like with simply using ITunes on a PC?

 

Simon

[Jerred91]

How is it brilliant if anytime you push an app out you have to go to each IPad and enter the password?

 

That's just a non-starter surely for classroom management (fine for teachers/staff IPads of course)

 

What am I missing here?

 

Simon

 

There is no way around this. iOS requires this. Apple Configurator can get around this because it manipulates iOS, as Apple programmed it too.

For what it offers, and at no cost Meraki is very good. As for classroom management we use it all the time. For example: some lessons require students to use cameras, so we enable them. In other lessons cameras are a distraction, so we disable them. It happens instantly and allows a class to use the devices with less hassle.

[Jerred91]

When you do this - can you simply tell Apple Configurator to do it and walk away?

 

Will it retain each IPads name or do you have to go and change it back manually like with simply using ITunes on a PC?

 

Simon

 

You set the device names in Apple Configurator. So for example: iPad-01. You then select the option to number them sequentially. Then select 'restore from backup' option. It will restore the backup and name them for you.

[Squip]

http://www.meraki.com/lib/pdf/meraki_whitepaper_ios.pdf

 

This guide is fantastic and I'm sure you will find this helpful. Essentially you only want to use AC to install apps and the Meraki profile, then use Meraki to install other restrictions and profiles.

 

I personally haven't even bothered with a naming convention with the iPads. I know this might sound crazy/lazy etc but it for me it has really never served a purpose. They are all identifiable by the serial number (which is displayed in Meraki anyway). The only reason I could see myself naming them was if we had more than one class set which were set up differently

[SimpleSi]

For example: some lessons require students to use cameras, so we enable them. In other lessons cameras are a distraction, so we disable them. It happens instantly and allows a class to use the devices with less hassle.

 

Aah - i see where your coming from - I'm using this in a primary where we use stern voice management system

 

So, before I stop cutting bait and actuall go fishing what hardware do I need to run Apple Configurator to control 16 IPads

 

Mac Mini? £450

or

Mac Mini Server? £750

 

Simon

[Jerred91]

Aah - i see where your coming from - I'm using this in a primary where we use stern voice management system

 

So, before I stop cutting bait and actuall go fishing what hardware do I need to run Apple Configurator to control 16 IPads

 

Mac Mini? £450

or

Mac Mini Server? £750

 

Simon

 

We just use a standard Mac mini. We don't use the server because its hidden away in the server room, we can't get the iPad trolley in there! We've had no issues with it not being a server.

[cwatkins]

At our School presently we have 20 ipod touches that get wiped and reimaged everytime they come back from being used. We use apple configurator and a Parasync station. That gives the ability to do all 20 iPods at the same time. We are now looking to get some ipad minis (20 or so) and we are looking for the same kind of device. I was just wondering if such a device existed. I have found the Bretford sync station which will do 10 ipad 2's (ipad minis with adapter?) looking for something that will do 20. I appreciate any help.

[Jerred91]

There are lots of different sync units out there for iPads. Griffin do desktop units, Bretford do portable ones. http://Www.lockncharge.com have quite a range of products.

[cwatkins]

Thanks I will take a look