Computer Desk

[alan-d]

Having had no reply to calls and emails from Fluentblu and still waiting for info from the i-desk people, I'm now open to suggestions.

 

We have a new classroom that will be fitted out with collapsable desks and chairs so it can be used as an internal gym type space as well as a classroom.

 

Because it will be used as a normal classroom a IWB and projector will be installed which means it needs a PC.

 

For security and convienience reasons we can't use a laptop.

 

What I'm looking for is a mobile workstation that we can secure a PC and monitor to and will look smart.

 

Any suggestions please?

[mac_shinobi]

most likely going to get shot for this suggestion ( and am sure there may be a pc equivelent if your desperate for a pc type device ) but

 

hows about a mac mini with a keyboard, mouse and possibly a screen ?

[alan-d]

most likely going to get shot for this suggestion ( and am sure there may be a pc equivelent if your desperate for a pc type device ) but

 

hows about a mac mini with a keyboard, mouse and possibly a screen ?

 

How can I put this politely?

 

We are a MS site and getting our staff to use one OS is a challenge on it's own. Getting the regular users of this classroom to use a Mac is going to be bloody impossible!

[steveg]

How about using a mini-itx based pc, or perhaps even an atom based one and wall mounting it? Then just have a wireless keyboard and mouse (we use some that have a keyboard and touchpad below) which can be stored away.

 

This means the pc is always attached and ready to go, you just get the keyboard out, so no problems with teachers having to wire it up.

 

Steve

[DAckroyd]

most likely going to get shot for this suggestion ( and am sure there may be a pc equivelent if your desperate for a pc type device ) but

 

hows about a mac mini with a keyboard, mouse and possibly a screen ?

 

to avoid the fruit you could look at the Dell Zino or Zeno HD -alot cheaper- you could get a pear or the price of an apple (sorry!)

[mac_shinobi]

How can I put this politely?

 

We are a MS site and getting our staff to use one OS is a challenge on it's own. Getting the regular users of this classroom to use a Mac is going to be bloody impossible!

 

fair enough - I did mention an equivelant type of pc machine - will leave it at that.

 

Simon @ CPLTD where are ya lol

[Ric_]

Isis Concepts produce mobile furniture things that are designed for these 'flexible' spaces.

 

Although there's nothing specific on the website, they may have something up their sleaves or they may be able to adapt an existing product.

[Martin]

On similar lines to mac_shinobi's suggestion, but keeping in the Micro$oft camp, how about an Acer Aspire Revo - from around £150 (including VAT) at eBuyer. Small and VESA mountable to keep it out of harms way. You just need a VLK licence to run XP or whatever (or i am sure that one of our resident sponsors will come up with a suitable package price ).

 

mb

Edited November 17, 2009 by Martin
Oops, referred to the wrong suggester ;)

[Haptic]

The Dell Zino is a great suggestion as below,

 

http://i.dell.com/resize.aspx/inspiron-zino-hd-hero/295

 

give me a shout if you would like one speccing up Al:cool:

[alan-d]

How about using a mini-itx based pc, or perhaps even an atom based one and wall mounting it? Then just have a wireless keyboard and mouse (we use some that have a keyboard and touchpad below) which can be stored away.

 

This means the pc is always attached and ready to go, you just get the keyboard out, so no problems with teachers having to wire it up.

 

Steve

 

I thought about that until it came to the monitor. I could wall mount that on a swing arm but the bursar didn't like the idea It being a stud wall didn't help my argument either

[alan-d]

Isis Concepts produce mobile furniture things that are designed for these 'flexible' spaces.

 

Although there's nothing specific on the website, they may have something up their sleaves or they may be able to adapt an existing product.

 

Thanks Ric - The flipscreen desk could do the job if they can fit casters

 

I'll give them a ring.

[john]

Isis Concepts produce mobile furniture things that are designed for these 'flexible' spaces.

 

Although there's nothing specific on the website, they may have something up their sleaves or they may be able to adapt an existing product.

Another Isis Concepts person here, I am VERY sure they could fit casters to the desk without a problem They are very accommodating and flexible and a great firm to use. Highly recommended, looking forward to removing my I-Desks and replacing with Isis Concepts furniture with real PCs to give a full and better IT Classroom experience.

[GrumbleDook]

Another vote for Isis Concepts here too ... very helpful on one of projects in a primary classroom with ideas on furniture with good examples of how to use it all and make it look good.

[Ric_]

Another vote for Isis Concepts here too ... very helpful on one of projects in a primary classroom with ideas on furniture with good examples of how to use it all and make it look good.

 

The flexibility and 'out of the box' ideas are exactly why I recommend them for furniture. James can walk into a room and completely turn your initial idea on its head!

 

All the furniture is made to order so the dimensions fit YOUR space perfectly.

[alan-d]

Sent them an email - waiting for a reply.

 

Thanks all

[patty04]

i'm another one for Isis Concepts, great company. they did great work on the ICT suit at my old work place. and they made a custom mount for the EEE-Box to be mounterd on the M1 desks.

 

we where gonna have a Teacher wall from them also, but the head didnt like it as he wanted to use the old stuff from that class room.

[bossman]

@alan-d:

 

This is what we use and it can be made to your specifications:

http://www.bishopbarrington.net/web/media/images/vt/rm20/rm2003.jpg

Right hand side of Whiteboard and as you can see portable and will look good anywhere.

Inside there is room for all digital media systems and cables are brought out at the back so can be cable wrapped and just plug in to IWB interface. Air vents around the back for ventilation. We have 3 of these units and have proved themselves a great asset in our establishment.

 

If you need any more pictures we can get them for you as this photo is from our website.

 

Cheers

[alan-d]

Thanks Bossman

 

Not quite what I had in mind for this classroom but would be ideal for our hall and drama room setup

[Ric_]

Right hand side of Whiteboard and as you can see portable and will look good anywhere.

 

I particularly like how it has been disguised as a flower arrangment