iMac trial and issues

[cjohnsonuk]

We're looking at putting iMacs in to one of our DT suites as they have nice big screens, no base unit (space and security is an issue) (we are going to vesa mount them to something solid), seem fairly robust (glass front to the screen, aluminium case, no screws) and comparible in cost to a PC by the time you add a nice glass fronted screen and security features/desk to your normal desktop PC. We plan to dual boot them (XP / OSX) to allow DT to run their Autodesk Inventor software.

 

We'd look at putting 2 in each of our libraries too so all students have the option of using them.

 

Has anyone got

any comments on Macs in schools?

experience of managing them dual booted?

recommendations of a partner in the South Yorkshire area that could advise us, set up a trial, supply us and possibly train us? We met companies at BETT but most were "down south" so I would imagine support may be an issue.

 

ChrisJ

Sheffield

[Ric_]

A note... iMacs don't have a VESA mount (unless the new version has added one).

 

I have used GBM (see http://www.gbmdt.co.uk/education/ ) for my Mac needs... they are Manchester based IIRC.

[cjohnsonuk]

The new ones have a VESA back as an option which is less than buying other security and it would just seem so wrong to drill holes in the standard base to fix it to the desk.

 

Do you have an opinion on GMB? Are they able to support Macs in a windows environment?

 

Chris

[localzuk]

Just a quick note. It appears the VESA mount adapter is only available for the 24" versions according to the Apple Store, but this may just be an omission.