In a message dated 4/1/02 3:42:33 PM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< At Crossett Brook we have established a 2-year leasing program for
replacement of our lab computers.  Our lease with Compaq ends with a $1
buyout if we choose to keep the machines (we will!) Although we do end up
paying more over time (interest adds up to about one computer per year),
there are several reasons why we decided to lease:  1) This allowed us to
purchase a larger number of identical machines in one year If we only
purchased a couple each year, we would have "many generations" in the lab 2)
Setting aside a known amount of budget money each year allows us to plan more
effectively  3) If we plan 2-year leases, our entire inventory will "trickle
down" on a 2-year cycle.  Our lab computers will never be older than four
years old, and computers will eventually move fromt he lab to the classrooms.

The reality we face is that we will always have several generations of
computers in the building, and that we will use them for 5-7 years at least!
Having more computers of each generation is certainly easier to maintain, and
keeps us as up-to-date as possible. >>

Not to belabor the point, but Eric was there when we did the three-year deal
at Barre City and should remember some of the frustrations we faced.  It
meant that our tech budget was tied up for three years with little room for
more than paying off the debt, the 84 computers we bought were still being
bought (through installment) at three-year old prices at the end of the term,
trickle-down would mean the recipients were getting four-year old technology
(geologic ages in computer years, and those who received them were not
overjoyed), a considerable amount of dollars went to bankers instead of
purchasing more hardware, software or training.  Other than slam-dunking 84
computers into the building at once, it was a disaster.  Even getting 84
computers at once meant we had to hire people for a couple of extra weeks to
get them configured and installed before school opened.  That added s
ignificantly to the cost.

I grant that better arrangements than those at Barre City could be done, but
that was not entered into lightly.  There was a considerable amount of
wheeling and dealing with Compaq and leasing companies, and we finally
settled on a bank loan as the cheapest way.  No return, no buy-out - we owned
the computers.

I urge anybody considering leasing to brainstorm all the possible nuances and
implications.

Tommy Walz
Technology Coordinator
Barre Supervisory Union #61
Barre VT 05641
802-476-5011