Our grade level has been allotted money to purchase one computer per teacher. I would like to propose we buy our new computers from the Apple Store. They have generated all-in-one computers that would be perfect for teachers such as us to reduce clutter in the classroom. The computer I suggest that we look into is the 27-inch iMac. It is the largest they make and in a classroom this is perfect for viewing assignments, videos, and presentations. It has all in one: display, hard drive, graphics card, optical drive, memory, and more. To justify this machine better I need to analyze each component it has.
This computer would certainly benefit the students in more ways than one. The first apparent reason is the 27-inch LCD screen. The resolution is 2560by1440 which is beyond HD. This will help the students in the whole classroom see the screen better. It will also help us as teachers when showing our power points, videos, and photos. The speakers the iMac comes equipped with are louder and better than ever. They have less distortion and good bass response, so when we’re viewing films students will not have any problems identifying the facts we have ask them to. The speakers require no extra plugs because they are already attached, even though the output jack is easily accessible on the back of the monitor. The audio input jack is also located in the back of the monitor, but the microphone is already built in. Since this is an all-in-one computer it only made since for the camera to be included as well. It is hidden at the top of the monitor and takes high quality pictures that can be edited right there on the computer. There is also a SDXC card slot for memory cards in the case that we want to upload pictures from a digital camera. The iSight camera on the computer can also be used for live chats. So as you can see the iMac has many desirable features.
We’ve talked mainly about the outside of the computer; now let’s talk about what is powering the computer that we are investing in. The iMac has the fastest RAM possible for this machine. This computer is running on 16GB of RAM which exceeds the necessary amount needed for the classroom. The iMac has a 2.93GHz Quad-Core Intel Processor, which is also the highest possible for this model. If we have this running underneath our screen the children will have no delays and will be able to comprehend more material in a day. Having the two of these working together will help our students succeed. On the back of the monitor there are four USB ports, one firewire mini display port, and one internet port. On the side of the computer there is the CD/DVD port. All of the ports are accessible and sufficient for classroom use. I do not for see us needing more of any of them. I have added the feature of Microsoft Office Mac 2008- Home and Student Edition; to the computer given that we are going to be using it in a classroom setting. Students will be using Microsoft Office almost every day on these computers. As far as hardware goes this computer is fully loaded for the classroom.
The extras this computer contains are all necessary. The printer we are ordering with it is the Epson WorkForce 615 All-in-One Printer. This printer prints 38 ppm and is an inkjet printer. It is very cost efficient because it is cordless. Being an all-in-one it can print, scan, and fax. The resolution on its scan is 5760x1440. This will be wonderful in the classroom for students’ projects and homework. Another extra feature is the Magic Mouse. The seamless design makes it easier to scroll and easier to use for everyone. The keyboard picked for this computer is wireless. It requires its own batteries but because it will work from anywhere in the room I can run class while sitting in the back of the room. This could make students pay more attention knowing the teacher is watching them. The last feature added is the Apple Remote this also makes it easy to control the iMac from anywhere in the room. This will be incredible convenient for power points and films. All of these extras will help the iMac an amazing computer to add to the classroom.
The iMac is the best choice for our grade level. The whole package will come out to a total of $4,615.90. For a computer with these features is an amazing price. With these computers we can enhance the students learning through better quality and more interaction. I hope you seriously consider my proposal.
Apple.com
