Apple ’s waiver of the iMac Education Configuration — essentially a 17 - inch two-fold - nucleus iMac — complete Apple ’s migration to an all - LCD product pedigree , and represent one more whole step toward finish its transition to Intel - based computers . What does this intend for educators and IT administrator who are consider such information processing system for schools ? There are many positives , but a few issues to weigh as schools deploy these fresh estimator .
The new iMac is smaller , lighter , and more energy effective than its eMac harbinger . That ’s dependable for everyone . The iMac takes up less than half the space of the eMac , leave more room for other cloth like books , notebook , and peripheral . Some school may be concerned about the iMac ’s shape factor : At first glimpse , the iMac look like it could fall over at the slightest touch . However , the iMac ’s invention has proven to be solid . My minor , both under six years of age , tip , rotate , and wield our flat - panel iMac day by day , and it is no worse for article of clothing .
With the transition to Intel architecture , however , schools will have to carefully review their software titles . Most current bone X - ready applications that have not yet been liberate in Universal Binary format should run very well in Rosetta , but many schools that are still relying on their older Classic version of software ( those that require OS 9 ) will need to kick upstairs to OS X versions of these apps , as Classic diligence do n’t run on Intel - ground machines . In addition , school should be aware that AppleWorks , though not a Universal Binary , will endure on the Intel iMac , but it is no longer pre - installed . This is a important change for instruction customers as Apple no longer includes a productivity suite with the hardware .
AppleWorks licenses , when purchase in bulk ( 10 - 99 ) get down at $ 29 each . likewise , Microsoft Office is not in Universal Binary format , and will add $ 55 per licence ( minimum 5 license ) to the Mary Leontyne Price tag plus an extra $ 26.75 for the medium solidifying — and it lacks database , drawing , and paint tools . Apple ’s own iWork suite ( $ 29 per permit , minimum of 10 licenses , plus an extra $ 15 for the installation DVD ) hold very good programs , but iWork also miss database , drawing , and paint putz as well as a spreadsheet . Schools can take advantage of loose open - source alternatives likeOpenOffice.orgorNeoOfficeprovided student , teachers , and IT administrators are comfortable with the risk underlying in open - source software . While commercial ware suffer from bugs and performance issue from time to time , open - germ programs generally lack commercial-grade product supporting and are update frequently , which could add work to your IT administrator ’s home plate .
The iMac ’s built - in iSight camera is a very useful tool . The power to plainly photograph a caput shot from Photo Booth or use iMovie to record a video podcast without the pauperization to unite an international camera will simplify these kind of schoolroom assignment .
The fact that an Intel - establish iMac can now run Windows , whether via Apple ’s free Boot Camp software or third - party package like Parallels Desktop ( ) , is a positive exploitation . Many school maintain multi - platform surroundings , and the power of the iMac and all other Intel - based Macs to draw Windows ( or Linux ) creates a multi - platform potential , while at the same clock time observe a single computer hardware trafficker , and simplifying purchasing and hardware livelihood .
Overall , the iMac in Education is a effective offer for schools . The intellection that went into its configuration illustrates that Apple is still aware of the needs of schools and has maltreat up to the crustal plate in supply computers that are indestructible , promiscuous to utilize , and run transverse - platform applications . One can only hope that Apple will furnish the same vantage on the new MacBook .
iMac checklist: What to consider
Considering upgrading from eMacs to iMacs ? Here are some things every school day IT decision maker should look at :
[ Jeff Mao is the Coordinator of Educational Technology for the Maine Department of Education . ]
