[LINK] RFC: Notebooks and IWBs

[Tom Worthington]

At 01:54 AM 21/03/2008, stephen at melbpc.org.au wrote:
> > On 19/03/2008, Berkeley Fitzhardinge <edgecb at gmail.com> wrote:
>... notebooks for use with IWBs in a Kimberley Aboriginal school.... 
>Invidia or AYI graphics adapter rather than say the Intel one. ... 
>school's budget is around $1400 per notebook for the 6 new 
>ones.  The requested operating system is Windows XP. ...

The graphics adaptor in the laptop is not an issue, unless a specific 
one is required by the software which comes with the Interactive 
White Board (IWB) 
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interactive_whiteboard>. But it is 
preferable that the computer is set to the native resolution of the 
video projector used in the IWB.

As you point out, the aspect ratio of the laptop and IWB should be 
the same (a 3:4 laptop should be used with a 3:4 projector and a wide 
screen laptop in the unlikely event you have a wide screen IWB). 
However, it can be uncomfortable using a laptop for extended periods 
and so it might be better to use a desktop LCD display, mouse and 
keyboard, instead of the laptop interface. In that case it doesn't 
matter what screen the laptop has, as it will not be used.

Another issue is what software the IWB expects for the pointer 
interface (IWBs don't just display a picture, they let you interact 
with it). You need to make sure the laptop has enough memory and a 
suitable driver is available for the operating system. If the laptop 
is only going to be used to drive the IWB, then it need not be high 
performance. One for around $500 might do (then you can buy a laptop 
with the leftover money).

If the computer is going to be permanently attached to the IWB, then 
a desktop PC might be better than a laptop. This will be cheaper and 
you can secure it in place better. As an extreme example I have 
suggested computers and IWBs be built into the walls of classrooms.

ASUS are bringing out new models of their Eee PC which could be very 
useful for a classroom: 
<http://www.tomw.net.au/blog/2008/02/desktop-and-screen-mounted-eee-pcs.html>. 
The "E-DT" is to be a desktop version for under $US300, due by May 
2008, which will be in a small box. This will essentially be the 
components of the Eeee PC notebook, minus the screen, keyboard and 
battery. So should be robust, as well as cheap. Other companies will 
have similar products, or at the very least you can threaten to buy 
an ASUS one, to get a better price on a conventional computer from 
your current supplier.  ;-)

See also my proposal for building prefabricated classrooms for 
indigenous communities 
<http://www.tomw.net.au/blog/2007/07/flexible-learning-modules-for.html>. 
The bit about parachuting them out of the back of RAAF C-17 transport 
aircraft (with the teachers strapped in their seats), was not to be 
take seriously.  ;-)

See also: Flexible learning 
<http://www.tomw.net.au/blog/labels/flexible%20learning%20centre.html>.



Tom Worthington FACS HLM tom.worthington at tomw.net.au Ph: 0419 496150
Director, Tomw Communications Pty Ltd            ABN: 17 088 714 309
PO Box 13, Belconnen ACT 2617                      http://www.tomw.net.au/
Adjunct Senior Lecturer, ANU