David Robinson

robinson@ulibnet.mtsu.edu

Don Craig

Library

Open computer labs

Library

Replacement of Existing Technology

Old Panasonic Toughbooks are out of date, slow processor speed, repair parts are very hard to find. Batteries can no longer be recharged, replacement batteries are very expensive. @ ~$250 each.

Laptop computers for student use in the library. Since Spring 2000, the library has offered 12 Panasonic Toughbook laptop computers for student use in the building. Based on Circulation records, these laptop computers have been loaned out 5,250 times. This is an in-house loan of two hours each. They have been a very popular service. We propose to replace these old Panasonic computers with 20 new Dell Latitude C640 (or current equivalent) laptops. These laptop computers will be equipped with Microsoft Office, and will offer full Internet access either through the new wireless network or via the approximately 700 available data ports in the building. The primary limiting factor for use of the old laptops was short battery life. We propose to purchase extra batteries with external chargers. This way we can keep the new laptops in circulation with greater frequency.