Student proof PCs

[SpuffMonkey]

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

[Halfmad]

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.

[Grommit]

As much as I hate RM... the RM one is a very strong PC..

[michaelf]

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 something

[Midget]

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

[nebapneb]

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)

[acrobson]

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/products/productdetails.aspx/optix_745?c=uk&cs=ukbsdt1&l=en&s=bsd

[theeggmaster]

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.

[Mr_T]

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

[Elky]

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.

[Oops_my_bad]

Dell Optiplex All in Ones here too

What are these all in ones you speak of?

[timbo343]

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.

[rrichmond]

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.

[Sirbendy]

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.

[Geoff]

From what I understand, when our new Academy building goes up all machinery will be boxed in, student proof.

 

Bring that on.

 

Doesn't that just mean they overheat and melt?

[Sirbendy]

I assume the boxes are vented..

 

It apparently works well at Walsall/Sandwell/TTS.and we'll be done on the same lines.

[richard.thomas]

Be careful when assuming...

[witch]

Have to agree with Elky - just taken delivery of their machines - thrown one around the room a few times, thumped it etc and it seems pretty robust to me!

[Oops_my_bad]

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.

 

Amen to that, and the PSU's come with a blanked voltage switch too (who needs 110v anyway).

[Pete10141748]

RM One. Lets face it, they were designed by RM for use in education!

 

Timbo, when did Dell's prices go sky high? They still seem pretty resonable to me! OK you can get a PC fom dabs for £57 now, but do you really want a PC that wont last the next year?

 

Pete

[boomam]

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.

 

Cant find them on your website?

 

We use a variety of PCs here, from several NEC models, so RM ones and more recently, by my choice, some Dells.

All but the Dells are easyily broken.

[ChrisS]

bit extreme maybe but... Armagard - General Industrial IP54

[ricki]

Have just had a batch of stone computers at a good price.

 

Richard

[elsiegee40]

Have just had a batch of stone computers at a good price.

 

Richard

 

Granite would be more durable than limestone

 

*takes coat and leaves *

[PeterW]

SCL Online - RV77 Black & Silver Micro ATX Desktop Case v2

 

I think this is the only spec we have on the site, let me know if you would like any images of anything specific on the chassis.