Repair rate on Tablets vs Traditional laptops

[Tami Brass]

I see many benefits of providing children with tablets rather than traditional laptops. One concern looming as we ponder whether or not to switch students to tablets (faculty already have them) is the repair issue.

Is anyone willing to share repair rates of tablets?
Ideas to support students with tablets to prevent damage? What about stylus loss?

Is anyone using an "always on" case for students with tablets? Other suggestions for damage prevention?

Our teachers currently have Toshiba tablets - Satellite R10s and Portege M400s. I've been told the current model in the line is the M700. Any other brands/models we should consider for grades 7-12?

[Demetri Orlando]

Hi Tami,
On your last question: I queried the ISED list about tablet models for 08-09 and posted the results to the "Tablet Purchasing Data" discussion in this group. I recently heard that the M700 has improved its hinge function as this has been a common failure point. They also have improved the locking clip (done away with the clip and added spring function to the hinge) -- this was another failure point.

I looked at the info-case "always on" but it interfered with opening/closing/swiveling because of the tightness of the zipper, so I don't think it works for tablets. I saw that Dwight-Englewood school requires purchase of an always-on case for their tablets. It comes from a different manufacturer whose name escapes me at this moment.

Regarding repair rates, I've heard figures that range as high as 50%. I think Harpeth Hall has some good data on this... I remember hearing at Lausanne that their repair rates improved considerably after switching to Lenovos. (I'm not positive it was Harpeth Hall.) At my school, we currently have about 220 tablets in a one-to-one student program and usually have about 10 out for repairs.

I think the wisest thing I've heard on this topic is that tablets tend to create conditions for greater use (a good thing!) and greater use inevitably leads to greater accident rates.

I am certainly glad that we required purchase of accidental damage insurance with all of our tablets. I am very interested in comparing rates among providers of this type of insurance. I am looking at Student Insurance Group as a possible alternative next year.

[Karen Douse]

Repairs dipped significantly after changing from Toshiba to Lenovo - about 50% fewer. They have stayed pretty steady with tablets. They are no more prone to breaks than regular laptops. I don't know if the same is true for other models, but the Lenovo tablet is very sturdy.

As for the stylus, we use a tether than keeps the stylus attached to the tablet. They cost only a few dollars each. Works great as long as the students don't remove the tether!

Karen

[Tami Brass]

Karen,

Can you tell me more about the tethers? Are these Lenovo-specific or generic? Can you share the vendor?

Thanks!

Tami

[Karen Douse]

Tami - they are from ITXchange. Only $4.00 for a three pack. You do need to make sure your tablet has a slot for this. The Lenovos do, but I seem to remember some models that we looked at could not use these tethers. With the cost of the pens, this was a must for us. Hope this helps. Karen