Principals 3G-embedded laptops

During Term 4 2010, the Computers for Teachers team rolled out 3G embedded wireless technology to all Queensland state school principals.

The major benefits of this new technology include increased connectivity, reliability and mobility to access online resources such as OneSchool and the Learning Place.

This means Principals will be able to access the department's network 24/7 from home, out-of-school, during professional development or when travelling.

It will also ensure schools have at least one laptop onsite that can connect to department's network in the event that the school server, internet connection or the DETE network experiences an outage.

The 3G embedded wireless network is a content filtered service.

Principals are reminded the use of this new technology is in accordance with the Acceptable Use of the Department's Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Network and Systems and all other policies.

What was rolled out?

For PC laptop users

Principals currently issued with PC model laptops were allocated a new Dell Latitude E5410 model laptop.

The new Dell model laptops will feature:

• 3G embedded wireless technology
• The MOE 3.0 image - featuring Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010.

For Apple MacBook users

Principals currently using Apple MacBook laptops received a 3G USB Ultimate wireless adapter and SIM card.

Prior to the rollout, the Computers for Teachers team provided Principals with:

• a Dell laptop computer with 3G access SIM card for Principals with a PC laptop OR:
• 3G access SIM card and Ultimate USB for Principals with a AppleMac laptop computer
• step-by-step guide for inserting and activating the 3G embedded wireless technology
• an expected delivery date for the new model laptops
• instructions for processing the new laptops
• conditions of use.

Allocating Principal's Dell model laptops

Schools are required to undergo the Computers for Teachers standard procedure for processing and distributing Principal's Dell model laptops.

View instructions on distributing Computers for Teachers PC laptops.

Activating 3G embedded wireless technology

Step-by step instructions are available on inserting and activating your 3G embedded wireless SIM card on Dell and Apple MacBook laptops.

How to insert a 3G card into a 3G enabled laptop

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• Step-by-step instructions on how to insert a 3G embedded SIM card on a Dell model laptop (PDF, 146k)
• Connecting to the EQ 3G Network on a Dell laptop (PDF, 830k)
• Insert and activate a 3G embedded wireless SIM card on an Apple Macbook (PDF, 905k)

Data use charges

The data pool for 3G access has been purchased centrally. Schools will not incur any extra charge for data, providing consumption is within reasonable business usage.

Collection of principal's old laptops

Laptops being replaced by the new Dell model laptops will be required to undergo the Computers for Teachers disposal and collection process.

The collection date will vary depending on the laptop model each Principal is currently allocated.

All HP 6530b model laptops will be collected approximately two weeks after delivery of the new Dell laptops. The collection agent will advise your school of the proposed collection date close to when they will be collected.

All Lenovo ThinkPad R61 model laptops will be collected by the supplier who originally provided the laptops. Your school will be advised of the proposed collection date.

All Lenovo ThinkPad R400 model laptops will remain at your school as a surplus until the Computers for Teachers team requires the surplus R400 model laptops for redistribution to another school. The Computers for Teachers team will advise you if this needs to occur.

Apple MacBook laptops are not required for disposal or collection.

Please be aware if you do not have the old laptops ready for collection on the time and date advised by the supplier, your school will incur a missed collection fee and will be responsible for couriering the laptop back to the supplier.

Content filtering

To ensure all departmental devices that access the internet are protected against common web-based threats such as malware, trojans and phishing scams, this 3G service is content filtered.

Websites currently blocked to staff on the corporate and school ICT network are also blocked on these 3G devices.

All internet traffic including websites visited will continue to be logged and can be reported on through the MIS reporting tools.

Further information

More information about the new model laptops and 3G-embedded technology is available on the Computers for Teachers website. If you have urgent enquires please contact us.