Beaumont ISD Approves $11.19M Apple Lease for 14,585 Devices
The Beaumont Independent School District board approved an $11.19 million four-year lease to provide 14,585 Apple devices to teachers and students, replacing its Chromebook fleet.
The Beaumont Independent School District board approved an $11.19 million four-year lease to upgrade its technology ecosystem, providing 14,585 Apple devices to teachers and students from pre-K through 12th grade. The new Apple gear will replace an aging collection of Chromebooks.
The initiative includes more than 4,000 iPads for students in pre-K through second grade, 9,500 MacBook Neo units for third through 12th grade students, and 1,000 MacBook Neo devices for teachers.
The district compared the MacBook Neo to products from Lenovo and Asus and concluded the MacBook Neo had the strongest performance and reliability among the devices evaluated. Apple's financing terms were also more favorable, and access to AppleCare influenced the decision.
According to 9to5mac.com, the district was spending nearly half a million dollars on repairs and support for its Chromebook fleet, and many of the Chromebooks being replaced were purchased more than five years ago.
In its comparison, the district found the Lenovo model had a minimum financing rate of 4%, a higher four-year cost, and a guaranteed buyback value of $10 per device. The Asus model had competitive upfront pricing and met instructional needs but also cost more over four years, and its plastic parts would require more repairs.
Quick answers
How many Apple devices will Beaumont ISD provide?
The district will provide 14,585 Apple devices to teachers and students from pre-K through 12th grade.
What devices are included in the Beaumont ISD Apple lease?
The initiative includes more than 4,000 iPads for pre-K through second grade, 9,500 MacBook Neo units for third through 12th grade students, and 1,000 MacBook Neo devices for teachers.
Why did Beaumont ISD choose Apple over Lenovo and Asus?
The district concluded the MacBook Neo had the strongest performance and reliability among the devices evaluated, Apple's financing terms were more favorable, and access to AppleCare influenced the decision.