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Q

What are the specifications of the New Portege M750 Tablet PC?

A

Hardware • Processor Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 / 2.4 GHz ( Dual-Core ) • Cache Memory 3 MB - L2 cache • RAM 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM - 800 MHz - PC2-6400 ( 1 x 2 GB ) • Intel Centrino 2 with vPro Technology • System Type Tablet PC - convertible • Built-in Devices Stereo speakers, wireless LAN antenna, Bluetooth antenna • Embedded Security Trusted Platform Module (TPM 1.2) Security Chip , fingerprint reader • Card Reader Yes • Hard Drive 160 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm • Optical Storage DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM • Display 12.1" TFT 1280 x 800 ( WXGA ) • Graphics Controller Intel GMA 4500MHD • Memory Allocation Technology Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0 • Audio Output Sound card • Telecom Fax / modem - 53 Kbps • Networking Network adapter - Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft), • Bluetooth 2.1 EDR • Wireless NIC Intel WiFi Link 5100 • Notebook Camera Integrated - 1.3 Megapixel • Input Device Keyboard, digitizer, touch-screen, touchpad, Tablet Pen • Power AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz ) • Battery Lithium ion • Run Time (Up To) 5 hour(s) • Dimensions (WxDxH) 12 in x 9.4 in x 1.5 in, Weight 4.4 lbs • Environmental Standards EPA Energy Star • Manufacturer Warranty 4 years warranty Software • Microsoft Windows XP Professional Operating System, Tablet PC Edition • Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise Edition (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, OneNote) • Symantec Corporate Edition antivirus • Inspiration Software Services • Manufacturer’s standard warranty: 4-year parts and labor (1-year on battery, 1-year on stylus) • Toshiba SystemGuard warranty: 4-years accidental breakage covered up to approximately $1,500 • GFS Maintenance Program: drop-off for repairs at the Technology Office. Includes courier service to/from a Toshiba Premier Service Facility and access to repair services nationwide • Loaner Program: access to loaners when the unit is out for repair • System Reloading: rapid restoration of standard software images when software becomes corrupted or when significant upgrades become available • System Integration: networking and application configuration for GFS Pricing • Toshiba Portege M750 tablet PC bundle $1,890

Q

Must I purchase a new Tablet PC this year?

A

The intended working lifetime of a Tablet PC used at Garrison Forest is four years, and warranty coverage extends for this period of time. Tablet PCs that are now four years old and out of warranty must be replaced. These include HP tc4200s purchased at the beginning of the 2005-06 school year. If you are not sure what model Tablet PC you have please contact the Office of Technology Support.

Q

What is the expected working lifetime of a Tablet PC at GFS?

A

We plan for Tablet PCs purchased at Garrison Forest to have a useful working lifetime of four years. This coincides well with our academic program: a new Tablet would typically be purchased for students entering Fifth and Ninth Grade, so that two Tablets would suffice for a student’s tenure in Grades Fifth through Twelfth at Garrison Forest. Having said this, it is important to point out that users must take proper care of their machines to achieve this longevity. In our experience, higher than usual wear and tear is the most common reason for a computer to last less than four years.

Q

Should I replace my Tablet PC early?

A

There are a number of relevant considerations. For example, if your child will be entering Grades Six through 11 next year, then you will be facing the purchase of another Tablet PC sometime during the remainder of your child’s GFS career. If, due to wear and tear, your Tablet PC is having frequent maintenance problems now, then purchasing a new Tablet this year may be the way to go. If your child is experiencing significant performance problems, and your child is a power user, then a new Tablet will reduce the level of frustration, but you should also consider the possibility of a RAM upgrade instead. In any case we anticipate that Toshiba Portege M700 tablet PCs will be available for purchase through the end of calendar year 2010, so you may make your decision to replace your current Tablet as events dictate during the school year.

Q

How much RAM does my computer have?

A

• Log onto your computer. • From the Start menu, choose Control Panel. • Double-click on System to open the System Properties window. • In the System Properties window, the bottom line under Computer lists the amount of RAM in GB or MB. • Sometimes the amount of RAM displayed is somewhat less than what is actually installed, e.g. 1.99 GB instead of 2 GB or 504MD instead of 512MB.

Q

Do I need a RAM upgrade for my HP tc4200 Tablet PC?

A

HP tc4200 tablet PCs were originally supplied with 512 MB of RAM. The tc4200 has two slots for RAM modules. One slot with a single 512-MB module installed and with the other slot empty. We have found that Windows XP performs much better when at least 1 GB of RAM is installed, and so for units with less than 1 GB, we recommend that you purchase a single 1-GB module bringing the total RAM to 1.5 GB. The maximum RAM capacity of the tc4200 is 2 GB, consisting of two 1-GB modules, which would replace any existing RAM. The benefit of increasing RAM from 1.5 GB to 2 GB is marginal, so in almost all cases we would recommend that you purchase just a single 1 GB module.

Q

Do I need a RAM upgrade for my HP tc4400 Tablet PC?

A

HP tc4400 tablet PCs purchased in 2006 were originally supplied with 1 GB of RAM. The tc4400 has two slots for RAM modules. Older units may have both slots occupied by 512-MB modules for a total of 1 GB, or they may have a single 1 GB module installed and one slot empty. We recommend a minimum of 2 GB of RAM for tc4400s and so for units with 1 GB, we recommend that you purchase a single 1-GB module. The maximum RAM capacity of the tc4400 is 4 GB, consisting of two 2-GB modules, which would replace any existing RAM. Increasing RAM from 2.5 or 3 GB to 4 GB by purchasing two 2-GB modules instead of one may benefit some users, for example, those who edit graphics or video.

Q

Should I buy a new battery for my HP 4200 or 4400 Tablet PC?

A

If your battery pack is two years old, i.e. your have a HP 4200 or 4400 purchased in the fall of 2005, then you should replace your battery pack. If you use your computer on battery power frequently, you may need to replace the battery pack sooner. In any case if your Tablet PC won’t run for an hour or more on battery power, then you should consider replacing the battery pack. You can purchase a new battery pack for your Tablet PC from the Office of Technology Support. You should be aware that HP warrants its battery packs against manufacturing defects for a period of one year, even though there is a four-year warranty on the rest of the system. Batteries that fail to hold a charge during the first year of use should be brought to the Office of Technology Support for a warranty replacement. Finally, although lithium ion batteries are not officially classified as hazardous waste, it is appropriate to recycle them rather than disposing of them in the solid waste stream. The Office of Technology Support has a battery recycling container, and we will be happy to recycle your old batteries for you.

Q

Should I buy a new battery for my Toshiba M700 Tablet PC?

A

The Portege M700, and M750, use the same Toshiba 4700 mAh lithium ion battery pack. The lifetime of a lithium ion battery is determined primarily by two factors: the number of charge-discharge cycles and age. After approximately 2000 charge-discharge cycles, or at about three years of age, whichever occurs first, lithium ion batteries can no longer hold a significant charge and need to be replaced. You can maximize the useful life of lithium ion batteries by limiting the number of charge-discharge cycles, i.e. by operating your tablet PC with the power adapter plugged in whenever possible. Unlike older types of rechargeable batteries, lithium ion batteries are not damaged by keeping the power adapter plugged in. In fact a microcontroller chip in the battery module prevents overcharging. Also unlike older types of rechargeable batteries, which have a so called “memory effect,” lithium ion batteries do not need to be fully discharged before recharging. You should be aware that Toshiba warrants its battery packs against manufacturing defects for a period of one year, even though there is a four-year warranty on the rest of the system. Batteries that fail to hold a charge during the first year of use should be brought to the Office of Technology Supoort for a warranty replacement. Finally, although lithium ion batteries are not officially classified as hazardous waste, it is appropriate to recycle them rather than disposing of them in the solid waste stream. The Office of Technology Support has a battery recycling container, and we will be happy to recycle your old batteries for you.

Q

Do I need an external storage device?

A

External storage is essential for backing up your data, including school-related documents, and music and video collections. Your laptop may be lost or the hard drive in your laptop may fail, and in either case your data will be lost if it is not backed up. A number of options are available to you. Current Toshiba Tablet PC models have internal optical drives that can write DVDs. Each disc costing about fifty cents has a capacity of 4.7 GB and excellent longevity. Current Toshiba models also have slots for flash media such as SD cards and USB ports for thumb drives. Flash media and thumb drives are available with capacities as high as 32 GB for under $100. For those needing higher backup capacities, we recommend an external USB-attached 250-GB hard drive that can be purchased from any computer retail store ( i.e. Best Buy, Staples or Walmart). You should also be aware that GFS provides server-based storage for each student, otherwise known as your H drive. Nominally each student has about 1 GB of space available, and school policy limits use to school-related, academic documents. No permanent backup for any multimedia files is provided.

Q

Can I set up a compatible wireless network at home?

A

Yes. There are many wireless access points on the market that are designed for home use. These work best with broadband Internet connections such as cable modems (Comcast) or FIOS (Verizon). It is important to set up these devices correctly in order not to disrupt your child’s ability to connect to the network at school.

Q

When can I pick Up my new Tablet PC?

A

Tablet PCs for students entering Grades 6–12 will be available for pickup at the GFS Technology Office from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2009, and again on Wednesday, August 19, from noon to 1 p.m. We must have payment in full before delivering new equipment to students. If you are not available to pick up your new tablet PC August 18 or 19, please call the Technology Office at (410) 559-3456 to make other arrangements. We will deliver tablet PCs to students entering fifth grade at the Out-of-the-Box Day program beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2009.

Q

Which Tablet PC Orientation Session must my child attend?

A

All students in Grades 6–12 who are new to GFS for the 2009-10 school year are required to attend both orientation sessions on Tuesday, August 18, and Wednesday, August 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. The orientation will cover Windows and Office, effective document management, backup procedures, printing, and other day-to-day computer skills needed at GFS. The orientation will also cover use of the Tablet PC’s digital pen and ink technology and other unique features of tablet PCs. Returning GFS students in Grades 6–12 who are purchasing a new Tablet PC this year are required to attend a single one-hour orientation session on either Tuesday, August 18, or Wednesday, August 19, from 1 to 2 p.m. This orientation will cover new software and features, including the Windows Vista operating system. Orientation for Fifth Graders and their parents will occur at Tablet PC Out-of-the-Box Day on Friday, September 4, 2009, from 8 to 10 a.m.

Q

Why am I prohibited from using a non-standard portable computer?

A

We sometimes receive inquiries from parents about providing their child with a non-standard computer purchased outside of GFS. Usually this is because of a perceived lower cost of doing so. We do not permit the use of non-standard computers by students at GFS. Here’s why: • Over the years we have found that the few students who have purchased nonstandard computers have had significant difficulties keeping their machines updated, upgraded, and repaired. • The perceived lower cost is illusory based on the lack of an “apples-to-apples” comparison. GFS Tablet PCs are bundled with specific software needed to operate in our environment. We provide significant value-added services in the area of maintenance and support. Purchasing these items separately almost always results in a higher total cost than the GFS bundle. • It is important to understand that with all portable computers, breakage and repairs are facts of life. We have structured our repair services at GFS to maximize convenience and minimize downtime. Students having non-standard computers are not able to use our repair facility or loaner pool. • We carefully configure GFS standard computers to operate efficiently with our application software and in our networking environment. We provide a system that allows standard computers to be quickly reloaded in the aftermath of software corruption. We are not able to provide this service for non-standard computers. See also the Non-standard Computer Use Policy statement.

Q

What does the Tablet PC warranty cover?

A

A SystemGuard warranty will be included with each new Portege M750 tablet PC sold, and we will not offer coverage under the previous insurance policy. This was also the case for Portege M700 Tablet PCs sold last year. SystemGuard covers the repair of breakage for any reason up to approximately $1,500. For example, it would be possible to have a broken screen replaced and other significant case damage repaired under SystemGuard before exhausting the coverage. SystemGuard makes such repairs easier to get done.

Q

What are the policies and procedures for the loaner pool?

A

Our loaner pool is available to assure to the greatest extent possible that each student has a functioning Tablet PC each day. See the Loaner Pool Usage Policy statement.

Q

How do I get my Tablet PC repaired when I am no longer at GFS?

A

Repair services are available worldwide directly from Toshiba. Procedures for accessing repair services are described in detail on Toshiba’s web site at http://pcrepair.toshiba.com. GFS is not able to provide repair services or loaner computers for students no longer attending the school. Because of the licensing restrictions, GFS is not able to reimage the software on computers for students no longer attending the school. GFS will provide a copy of Toshiba’s system restore DVDs on request. These DVDs can be used to restore the computer to its factory default software configuration. Contact the Office of Technology Support at (410) 559-3215 or technologysupport@gfs.org for assistance.