Andycat

I'd have loved the HP option. Booo.

We use these too

We've replaced our NEC's with newer NEC's as the last ones lasted nearly 10 years in some cases

If you're not desperate, wait until the devices you'd prefer are there, I just checked back every morning until ipads were available.

We've found MAXCases Shield Extreme-X good more recently.

Hi all, we're replacing our end of support Nimble with a server/Storage solution. We have 4 quotes in, similar specs, but 2 x Dell and 2 x HP solutions. Dell is 3 x Poweredge R650XS hosts and a EMC ME4024 SAN HP is 3 x Proliant DL360 hosts and MSA 2062 SAN Both are almost identical size, ram, processor and warranty wise, I suppose I'm asking for recent HP vs Dell experiences from you?! We've been Cisco UCs and Nimble for the last 7 years so haven't used either for support or service.

Many Android ones claim to, but it all depends on your particular ECU module!

I've a 12 year old Passat, I initially went with and Android unit for Bluetooth/DAB etc, but it soon became slow and a bit bleugh. It also had a separate DAB box and antenna that were a bit poo. I Upgraded to a Kenwood unit that did everything better, but it was a small fortune, and pre Auto/Carplay days. Now looking at something with Android Auto but again, branded is expensive!!

So I think in that case I'm stuck with their router.

Is it possible if you have Sky Q? I've been told not, but would like too. I think the Q boxes form a mesh between them

OK, a couple of questions if I may... Our quote includes FRS, at under £300. There's no mention of FMS. Is it a typo? Name change? Is it that cheap?! Also, last year we had 1501 on roll, and we understand that 1500 is a threshold for price. Can anyone tell us the price for under 1500 without us having to engage with the website/portal!? We're under 1500 currently. Thanks in advance, Andy

We're exactly the same here

From today's DfE Covid email?!? "Information for schools on the renewal and procurement of management information (MI) system contracts On Friday 19 November, we responded to a number of queries received from schools about proposed changes to contracts for their MIS Systems by saying that we would look into the matter as part of our responsibility for providing commercial and procurement advice and best practice guidance to schools and Academy Trusts. In response to the questions received, our advice is that schools should proceed in connection with the proposed contracts as they ordinarily would when procuring any contract, following the obligations they have as a Contracting Authority (which are there to ensure that schools manage public money compliantly and deliver best value from their budgets). It may be worth noting that multi-year contracts should be considered as a single total overall sum, rather than based on the annual amount (which means schools moving from single-year to multi-year arrangements should check the spend thresholds that apply – in some cases, a move to a multi-year arrangement may mean the current £189,330 threshold set out in the Public Contract Regulations 2015 is crossed that requires a procurement process). For advice on best practice buying procedures please refer to our get help buying for schools guidance or contact [email protected]." Worth waiting for....

I think we're exactly the same here (The leaders, not me!)

The last set we got came via XMA, perhaps you need to add them in your ASM?

Our Data Manager was told by our account manager yesterday that the Government are making an announcement today about it all. I would have thought they're still in hiding, but we'll see!

The ipads we received were 9th gen 64gb too, better than the last lot we got from them.

We're cancelling, even if we have to go back cap in hand in March. SLT investigating going back to LA in meantime.

This was over 2 years ago, so no doubt a lot has changed. I know they factored in cover costs for training. And the fact we'd gone SIMS-Facility CMIS-Sims in an 8 year period because of BSF

At the time, promise of SIMS 8(!!) but actually, all more expensive too.

We had Bromcom and Arbor in just pre covid, and they were dismissed by SLT at the time!

Everyone is in the same boat I know, but our SLT don't want to change. Last year of the Principal, Exams Officer and Office Manager. Priority to them is catch up learning, and safety of staff and pupils. Our costs over 3 years place us needing a tender or framework even by our own financial procedures let alone anyone else's! I'm sure many of you are in the same boat, ie your school/academy wants to stay with SIMS, regardless of your own technical opinion!! How are you going about it?

iPads all arrived this morning, ordered Wednesday.

A travel pillow and International travel adapter. Big spender!

I've had a despatch note for the ones I ordered yesterday. See what happens!