TABLET PC INFORMATION
Class of 2016
In order to leverage the power of technology, all students at Mount Saint Mary Academy use a convertible
Tablet PC. A Tablet PC works like a laptop computer, but the touch screen also accepts input from a
special digitizer “pen” that enables students to write directly onto the screen in both “laptop mode” and
rotated into “tablet mode”. It is lightweight and connects wirelessly to the school’s computer network and
the Internet. Students use these devices throughout the curriculum, and the texts for some courses are now
delivered electronically.
We know that many parents and students have questions surrounding our One to One Computing Initiative
with Tablet PC’s. After reviewing this document, if you have specific questions that were not addressed,
please feel free to contact our Director of Technology, Mrs. Carolynn Parisi, via email at
[email protected]
What is the cost of the Tablet PC?
The cost of the Tablet PC includes much more than just the physical Tablet PC. It includes software,
extended warranties, on-site service, loaner tablets, extra batteries, etc. The next page of this document
outlines the major items included in the Tablet PC package. For the Class of 2016, the estimated price is
approximately $2200.00. However, the final pricing and model specifications are not determined until May
of each year. Depending on the model chosen, the price could go down.
How do I pay for the Tablet PC?
The purchase price of the Tablet PC is added to your first year tuition bill. Payment can be made in full by
August 1 or can be made through the FACTS payment plan you selected.
What about a carrying case?
Students are required to purchase either a Laptop carrying case or a Laptop sleeve. Specific instructions
are included in the April mailing.
When will the Tablet PC’s be distributed?
All freshmen will receive their Tablet PC’s during their Technology Orientation session in August.
What is the Technology Orientation Session?
All incoming students are asked to attend 6 hours of Technology Orientation in August. The sessions are
held at various times to accommodate most students. During these sessions, students receive training in the
use of their Tablet PCs as well as many other technology tools used by MSMA. Some examples include
Moodle, Google Apps., LAN use, various Tablet PC hardware and software, etc.
How do I sign up for these summer sessions?
Session registration forms are included in the April Tablet PC mailing will also be available on our website.
Classes are filled on a first come, first served basis. Every effort is made to accommodate all students and
their busy summer schedules.
What does the Tablet PC Package include?
For the class of 2015, the Tablet PC package included the following items.
Fujitsu Tablet PC - LIFEBOOK T901  Windows 7 Professional (64bit) Operating System
 Intel Core i5-520M ((2.4 GHz, 3 MB L3 cache) with Turbo Boost Technology)
 4 GB DDR3 1066 MHz SDRAM memory (2 x 2)
 320 GB SATA, 7200 rpm hard drive (protected by Fujitsu Shock Sensor)
 Intel® HD Graphics
 13.3" WXGA LED backlight bright LCD with wide-viewing angles
 Integrated ambient light sensor
 Built-in webcam with dual digital array microphones for video chat
 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN and Multinational 56K V.92 modem
 Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6200 (A,B,G,N) wireless card
 Gigabit LAN (RJ-45)
 Integrated Bluetooth Wireless v2.1
 Active Digitizer (pen input)
 Modular Dual-Layer Super-Multi DVD Writer
 Embedded Fingerprint Sensor
 Express Card slot
 Memory Stick/SD Card slot
 Smart Card slot
 SIM Card slot
 HDMI port
 Firewire port (IEEE 1394)
 2 USB 2.0 port, 1 USB 3.0 port
 Full-size, spill-resistant keyboard with touchpad (includes scroll sensor)
 High-capacity Main battery: Lithium ion (6-cell, 5800mAh)
 Modular Bay Battery (second battery)
 4-Year Standard International Limited Warranty
 4-Year Accidental Damage Protection (Covers all non-warranty damage)
 Battery Replacement Warranty for Main battery only (one free replacement)
Additional Items included in purchase price:
 Microsoft Office 2010 Professional Suite
 Microsoft OneNote 2010
 4 years Anti-Virus software
 4 years Anti-Malware software
 16 GB Flash Drive
 Onsite Service and Support by certified Fujitsu support personnel
 Loaner Tablets for students awaiting parts or servicing
Laptop PCs are less expensive than Tablet PCs. Why do we need to buy a Tablet PC?
The main advantage of a Tablet PC over a laptop is the rotatable screen and digital ink pen. Students in
many courses, especially math, science and the arts, cannot use a keyboard to take notes and complete
assignments. We use several software packages designed especially for digital ink input.
I saw a Fujitsu Tablet PC advertised for less money. Why do we have to pay more?
It is very unlikely you saw the exact same device (matching hardware specifications) along with our bundle
of software, 4 year Warranty, 4 year Accidental Damage Protection, etc. Like purchasing a car, the options
available vary greatly and significantly influence on the price. Our price includes the Tablet PC and many
other items.
Will I need to purchase another Tablet PC during the four years my daughter is at MSMA?
No, the projected life cycle of the machine is approximately four years. Of course, if the tablet is not
properly cared for by your daughter, that may impact the life of the machine.
Will I need to purchase new batteries for the Tablet PC sometime during the 4 years here?
Yes. The Tablet PC comes with 2 batteries, an internal battery and a second external battery. Together,
these batteries provide approximately 6 -7 hours of battery power to get students through the day without
recharging. HOWERVER, the life span of these batteries is approximately 500 charges. Therefore, you
will need to replace both batteries at least once during the course of your four years at MSMA.
How often will the students use this Tablet PC in school?
Most students will use the Tablet PC daily as a personal digital assistant to keep track of all of their
electronic resources such as documents, books, schedules, homework, etc. Part of the benefit of Tablet
computing is that it eliminates the need for students to carry around 3 ring binders and spiral notebooks.
Most work is written or typed into the Tablet, thereby eliminating the chance of lost notes and misplaced
homework.
Will the Tablets replace textbooks?
Many textbook manufactures offer their textbooks in both CD and Web versions along with traditional hard
copies. Many teachers use physical textbooks in the classroom and have the students use the digital
textbook at home or vice versa. This eliminates the need for students to carry some textbooks in their
backpacks.
How are Tablet PC repairs handled?
Mount Saint Mary Academy is a certified Fujitsu repair center. You should never attempt to service the
Tablet PC yourself or let anyone else service the Tablet PC. Allowing anyone else to service the Tablet PC
will void all your warranties and could seriously compromise the Tablet PC. Our repair center is staffed by
a full time Tablet PC technician. Simple hardware repairs as well as all software issues and hard drive
reloads are handled by our technician. Tablets requiring more extensive hardware repairs are handled by a
Fujitsu technician who makes weekly visits to the school.
What should my daughter do if her Tablet PC requires service?
Students are expected to bring their Tablet PC to the Tablet PC Repair room when they encounter a
problem they cannot resolve. Our Tablet PC Technician will examine the Tablet to determine the proper
course of action.
What happens if my daughter’s Tablet is broken and has to wait for service?
Mount Saint Mary Academy has a number of Loaner Tablets available to students who experience a
technical problem with their Tablet. Whenever possible, we will also copy her files onto the Loaner Tablet,
so that her ability to work is uninterrupted.