Home &gt TechTalk Archives &gt TechTalk

Computer Discounts for Educators

Meg A. Byte, a pseudonym for technology writer, educator, and educational technology consultant Constance Bleiler, is Education World's technology expert.

Dear Meg A. Byte,
Can you tell me the best Web site for figuring out the cost of computers for classroom use. Do vendors have special rates for educators?
Lehua

Dear Lehua,
These days, the computers that are used in classrooms are virtually indistinguishable from computers used in any other non-high-tech arena. So when buying computers, educators can focus primarily on two general areas: features and price.

The best way to find out which vendor offers the best price for the system you need is to determine what features you want and then price that group of features at different vendor Web sites. Most sites will allow you to "build" a system online and instantly calculate the cost. Then contact the companies you're interested in to negotiate the best price. (Don't forget to factor in items such as service contracts, software, hardware, and even shipping.)

And, yes, Lehua! Most vendors do have discounted prices for educators. Apple Computer, for example, has a long history of supplying computers for classroom use at discount prices. Additionally, as major PC manufacturers, such as Dell, Gateway, IBM, and Compaq, introduced their computers into classrooms, they also began to offer discounts to school systems. Many large vendors even offer discounts to education professionals who are purchasing a computer for personal use. Every vendor seems to have a different discount rate, however most fall in the 4 percent to 8 percent range.

Educators who work at state universities or other government facilities are often afforded the same privilege, although to get the discount they usually have to purchase their computers directly through the state, an authorized supplier, or a campus bookstore.

When you have your new discounted computer up and running, be sure to check out the Education World article Software Bargains for Teachers! for information on discounted software as well.

Aloha!

Meg