[OPLINLIST] AWE Computer Input Needed

[Bob Neeper]

Our history for 2 + 2 units

05/2012. Bought (2) ASUS ELS's
12/2012 Upgrade s/w from 8 to 9
08/2013 Bought (2) ASUS ELS's
10/2013 Upgrade s/w from 8 to 9 for first (2) units
10/2013 (1) of the first order was replaced as touch screen was not responding.
    Problem began 2 weeks after the upgrade, probably not related.
12/2013 Second of original order replaced as WSOD. (White screen Of Death)

Both replacement were a different unit.
Not really concerned as warranty still applies.

I agree with Chad's comments.

When a private contractor for Toledo Scale (Mettler-Toledo) I had a high end 
(and very high $$$) IBM Thinkpad.
Extended (more $$$) the warranty twice (to 7 years) and able to get a 5 day 
repair turn around with original unit back.
Time included shipping to/from the Nashville (or maybe Atlanta) Repair Center.
As my work unit, I knew its history and care and wanted to keep it.
Still have it 10 years later and fire it up every so often.

Probably would not do this now.

Definitely wouldn't pay extra for run of the mill units like ELS's

Email Signature

R. W. (Bob) Neeper
Community Library  <http://sunbury.cool-cat.org>
44 Burrer Dr.Map  <http://maps.google.com/maps?q=40.243961,+-82.863007>
Sunbury, Oh 43074
Tel:  (740)-965-3901

cool-cat.org  <http://info.cool-cat.org>

On 7/11/2014 4:20 PM, Chad Neeper wrote:
> 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 
> <mailto: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 <mailto: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 <tel:330-674-5972%2C%20ext.%20210>
>         mskolmutch at holmeslib.org <mailto:mskolmutch at holmeslib.org>
>         www.holmeslibrary.org <http://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 <tel:330-674-5972%2C%20ext.%20210>
>     mskolmutch at holmeslib.org <mailto:mskolmutch at holmeslib.org>
>     www.holmeslibrary.org <http://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./
>
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