RESEARCH STEPS
A phone call to Dell [(800) WWW-DELL] Computers brought nothing but continual transfers and no answers concerning the Optiplex System. Dell refused to answer questions, rather insisted on having my contact information, “in case we get disconnected.” I explained that I did not wish to purchase a computer at this time, just in need of some answers about the Optiplex System and the connection was conveniently lost.
A phone call to I-Clicker [(888) 938-8881] brought an immediate result. I explained who I was and my need for information. The representative said she would e-mail me some extra literature and prices for a “Teacher’s Packet,” with 40 remotes, by day’s end. A response has been posted on my blog page.
A call to White Boards and More [(800) 508-1735] also brought instant results. I explained who I was and what my needs were and the representative gave me two item numbers to look at in my leisure. She did explain that the one white board (Item # BS1348) was not electronic (not my need) but portable. The second board (Item # PWB1025[seen below]) was electronic (Windows compatible), but not on castors (I can fix that)
A call into AVDEALS.COM [(877) 722-8948] was quickly answered and after I explained my needs, the representative asked for me to send him an e-mail documenting my questions and he would reply by day’s end. He also said that that his company also deals with some of the other components for the “Smart Cart” and that he would look into those pieces as well as the projector I called about.
A phone call into the ELMO Company[(800) 947-ELMO] had me bouncing form distributor to distributor; no direct sales. I finally landed with AJ Brothers in Livonia and, after telling them of my needs, a representative said that he would e-mail me the necessary documentation. He also directed me towards another video projector system (information also to be sent) that might better fit my “Smart Cart” needs; because it is collapsible and USP port run (ELMO is not).
Looking for a DVD/VCR player, I noted the prices listed on the web page (see Smart Cart Parts Information document). I also called ABC Warehouse because I have had great success in negotiating prices with them in many areas. The salesman directed me to the same one I was looking at on the web page (see below) (I did not tell him anything about my research) and told me that he could sell me this component for $85.
The details for cart itself are listed on the web page (see Smart Cart Parts Information document). I left this portion stand as is.
A phone call into pssl.com [(800) 268-5520] had me with a representative that led me through their web page. He gave me the name of the recommended product (Dalite) and let me peruse the video screens on my own time. The first four items that came up were collapsible screens, with the Dalite 84815 10' x 13' Fastfold Truss Screen * (Item # 68689) being the best fit for me (shown below).
A call into EPSON [(800) 873-7766] took me to a sales representative, but she could not answer my technological answers. She transferred me to their Technology Department and this gentleman took care of all my questions concerning the ELPDC05 High Resolution Document Imager (shown below, first). He also directed me to a smaller/cheaper version, the ELPDC10S (shown below, second), but this one does not fit my needs as well. Before hanging up, the Technology representative told me about EPSON’s “Brighter Futures Program,” where, as an education entity, my school would be eligible for discounts on EPSON products. The price for the ELPDC05 would drop from $3795.00 to $2038.00 by registering for their program. It would be well worth looking into; if/when the time comes.