[Web4lib] Thin client computer lab

[John Lambertson]

We seem to be very lucky in that respect - we had a couple of thefts of
laptops available in our public areas before our locking mechanisms were
adjusted correctly, but have had no vandalism to speak of.  We have never
had a problem in our training rooms.

In this case, it sounds like it will be a monitored computer lab, so the
risk of anonymous vandalism should be minimal.

John


> From: Thomas Edelblute <TEdelblute at anaheim.net>
> Date: Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:46:53 -0700
> To: John Lambertson <jlambertson at ald.lib.co.us>, "web4lib at webjunction.org"
> <web4lib at webjunction.org>
> Subject: RE: Thin client computer lab
> 
> I do not recommend netbooks or notebooks for public use.  In our locations,
> the teenagers find it great sport in prying off the keyboard keys with a
> pencil.
> 
> Tom
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org]
> On Behalf Of John Lambertson
> Sent: Sunday, April 11, 2010 7:54 AM
> To: web4lib at webjunction.org
> Subject: Re: [Web4lib] Thin client computer lab
> 
> I would recommend against thin clients for a situation like yours.
> 
> For the cost of thin clients + monitors, you could easily afford low-end
> notebooks or high-end netbooks with Windows.  You can then choose to install
> Linux or not, or dual-boot for more learning options.
> 
> You would have wireless built in, so you could explore networking as a
> learning option, without the need for a dedicated server.
> 
> Depending on the models you pick, you would likely have built-in cameras, so
> video taking/editing would be open to you at no additional cost.
> 
> If one computer goes down, you still have many computers.  If one server
> goes down, all of your thin clients are down.
> 
> Lending the computers would be an option, even if you don't want to go that
> way to start.
> 
> Search and browse slickdeals.net for a few weeks, and you will see many
> deals on inexpensive hardware.  For example, this one was linked yesterday:
> 
> http://sellout.woot.com/?ts=1270979906&sig=512f37c2f5cfe136
> 
> 11.6" netbook with a lot of extras for $270.
> 
> I think you would really limit your teaching/learning choices with a
> thin-client solution.
> 
> Full disclosure: I am not affiliated with any of the sites I list above, but
> I have found good deals through slickdeals.net and I have purchased from
> woot.com.
> 
> John Lambertson
> III/Website Systems Administrator
> Arapahoe Library District
> webmaster at ald.lib.co.us
> 303.792.8948
> arapahoelibraries.org
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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