[OPLINLIST] AWE Computer Input Needed

[Chad Neeper]

I know about one or two ELS failures/returns, but I'm pretty certain none
of the libraries I work with have had your bad luck with them. That's a
bummer.

A little insight into the different computers being returned to you:
It's about turn-around time. If your home/business computer to be repaired,
you would darned well want your own specific computer back. After all, it
has all of your files and configuration on it! However, the AWE ELS
computers are pretty well locked down and self-contained. They should have
very little that's specific to the end-user (maybe a log file or two). AWE
is probably prioritizing a speedy turn-around time over returning your
exact computer back to you. If they had to diagnose and fix your specific
computer and *then* return it to you, there would be a *minimum* of one
extra day (and almost certainly more...possibly up to weeks) before you had
your own specific working computer back. Instead, as soon as they receive
your non-working unit, they probably just pull an identical model off the
shelf that has already been fixed/re-installed and immediately return that
one to you.

(Just FWIW to explain why your getting a different unit back every time you
send in a non-working one.)

At any rate, I'm glad you posted the follow-up. I'll have to ask around and
see if any of "my" libraries have had to return an ELS computer more than
once. I'm curious now.

I kind of like the idea of having a portable device loaded with
kid-friendly apps/links. That's something to mull over. I'd think it might
have to be a ruggedized device if younger kids are to use it...

Good luck!

Chad

______________________________
*Chad Neeper*
Senior Systems Engineer

*Level 9 Networks*
740-548-8070 (voice)
866-214-6607 (fax)

*Full LAN/WAN consulting services -- Specialized in libraries and schools*


On Fri, Jul 11, 2014 at 3:34 PM, Michele Skolmutch <mskolmutch at holmeslib.org
> wrote:

> Thanks to everyone who responded to my AWE conundrum. Of the responses I
> received, most are happy with their AWE units.
>
> A couple of things to clarify. First, I in no way mean any ill will
> towards the AWE company. However, each time we sent our unit back to be
> repaired, we were sent a *different* one in return which seemed to end up
> having its own set of problems. One lemon, I can overlook. But 3 or 4
> different units which did not last long or work well is cause to reconsider
> them as a source which is why I wanted to see what the library world had to
> say on the matter.
>
> We are looking into using iPads as well as Windows 8 systems with
> touchscreens and loaded with kid-friendly apps and dedicated sites like
> ABCmouse.com.
>
> I'll keep you posted as to how this turns out.
>
> Regards,
> Michele
>
>
> On Mon, Jul 7, 2014 at 7:20 PM, Michele Skolmutch <
> mskolmutch at holmeslib.org> wrote:
>
>> Hello Everyone
>>
>>
>>
>> Has anyone purchased the newer AWE Early Literacy Computers? Are they
>> more reliable than the older models? Ours died just when the warranty ran
>> out a couple of months ago. During the last 2 years we have sent it back 3,
>> maybe 4 times for repairs. I’m not 100% sold on spending the money on
>> something that may wear out in 3 year’s time. (I realize that’s a long time
>> when it comes to technology.) I've been talking with the REP from AWE, but
>> I'm still having reservations.
>>
>>
>>
>> The AWE is extremely popular at our library to the point that we've had
>> kids fighting over it. If the newer versions are up to the task, that's
>> great. If not, has anyone tried any alternatives?
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks, in advance, for your input!
>>
>>
>> Michele
>>
>> --
>> Michele Skolmutch
>> Head of Children's Services and Children's Collection Development /
>> Public Relations Specialist
>> Holmes County District Public Library
>> 3102 Glen Drive
>> Millersburg, OH  44654
>> 330-674-5972, ext. 210
>> mskolmutch at holmeslib.org
>> www.holmeslibrary.org
>>
>> *This message and any response to it may constitute a public record and
>> thus may be publicly available to anyone who requests it.*
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Michele Skolmutch
> Head of Children's Services and Children's Collection Development /
> Public Relations Specialist
> Holmes County District Public Library
> 3102 Glen Drive
> Millersburg, OH  44654
> 330-674-5972, ext. 210
> mskolmutch at holmeslib.org
> www.holmeslibrary.org
>
> *This message and any response to it may constitute a public record and
> thus may be publicly available to anyone who requests it.*
>
> _______________________________________________
> OPLINLIST mailing list -- OPLINLIST at lists.oplin.org
> http://lists.oplin.org/mailman/listinfo/oplinlist
>
> http://aboutbooks.info -- Search for author, title, subject... anything
> about books.
>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.oplin.org/pipermail/oplinlist/attachments/20140711/bdf1490f/attachment.html>