Hi Matt!
 MS>     One politician here even made the (dubious) 
 MS> statement that kids would near-instantly destroy them!
CB> less.  However, I feel that this is a misconception due to over 
CB> promotion of new software/hardware.  Given proper equipment 
CB> purchases, most hardware 
CB> can be kept in service for at least 10 years.
 MS> Been there, done that with a 286 clone desktop.
CB> (WP51), 
CB> is no longer in production, but it is not going to wear out and, 
 MS> This is an important point regarding software: it doesn't wear out.
CB> have 
CB> been told, the tool of choice for many law firms even now.  
 MS> Including me.
 MS> Most HS grads will not even be seeing the latest software on the job.
CB> Our problem is that the hardware we have was five years old when 
CB> purchased, out of production, and with no reguard for its life-span 
CB> or upgrade path (a PS/2 lab).
 MS> This is idiocy in procurement.
CB> Effectiveness of a tool depends upon training, schools have spent 
CB> very little to train teachers--result, unused equipment, wasted money, 
 MS> That's the real problem.
Ok, it looks like you've got a real appreciation of the problem, Matt;
the ball is in *your* court now.  I'd be stringing up some politicians 
if I were you.  You could be such a _positive_ influence in your area!
I'm writing this on a '386/25 Compaq Contura laptop with 4Megs RAM, a
64Meg HD and a 14.4 V.32 internal modem that I just picked up out of 
our local SAC4SALE Echo for an even $100.00 -- two batteries too.
One bran new!  ...charger, PC-DOS 7.0 and Stacker came with it.
There's a *lot* you can do!  I hope you help your local teachers out.
Best,
-frank:)
--- Maximus 2.01wb
---------------