Board Packets: Printed versus Digital
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@Dashrender said:
If they get a 3g version of the kindle - wouldn't that pick it up?
You are assuming that they will have 3G Internet access where they are. Perhaps, but in rural Kentucky where people don't even have Internet at home, what are the chances that they will have good 3G coverage.
For cheaper you could run a WAN link to their house and build them a home office!
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@Dashrender said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@Dashrender said:
Although just to keep the conversation going - instead of a kindle which you can't publish data to, but can side load data to (can you email it? but do you really want to email the 100 page file?)
Yes, you can mail. But not if the person doesn't have Internet access.
If they get a 3g version of the kindle - wouldn't that pick it up?
It would, but then you get into the expense of a cellular device. And though most of the areas i drive through does have service, there are areas of our region which does now.
And then you get into Data rates and misuse. -
Can the "board" misuse things?
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Since I have a Kindle Fire at home, I'll see if I can't 'attach' it to One Drive or SharePoint.
A Lenovo A7-40 has the appearance of an option since it's about $100... But it of course is a must get approved process. And though I'm not really a part of the discussion, I was asked since I am 'all knowing of things dealing with IT' (rolls eyes)
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The kindle doesn't pay for 3g access - it's included in the price of the 3g device. It's only usable to download Kindle purchases/sends.
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@Dashrender said:
The kindle doesn't pay for 3g access - it's included in the price of the 3g device. It's only usable to download Kindle purchases/sends.
Kindle and Kindle Fire are two completely different things. The Kindle can't be used here, the 3G is locked to the Kindle Whispernet. The Fire isn't a Kindle but is just an Android tablet so can do anything.
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It sounds like this could all become quite a hassle and as a result quite expensive. My gut tells me this is one of those few situations where paper > tech.
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@Carnival-Boy said:
It sounds like this could all become quite a hassle and as a result quite expensive. My gut tells me this is one of those few situations where paper > tech.
That's my feeling too. We aren't talking about handing Kindles or even iPads to board members at a meeting in the office. This is an extreme level of complication and "what do we do" to get technology into the hands of people whom it sounds like are probably not used to it. At best you are going to save a few dollars. At worst you are going to do this, make them angry and have to do it again on paper anyway. Then it will cost double and they won't be happy.
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Why not offer a digital copy via iPad for the competent board members and keep it as is for the others? That will save some and be simple. Only those with home internet who know how to use an iPad or an Android tablet get one. Make it purely optional. Might cut the paper by 25%. Over time as the board gets replaced the percentages will slowly shift.
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@scottalanmiller said:
Why not offer a digital copy via iPad for the competent board members and keep it as is for the others? That will save some and be simple. Only those with home internet who know how to use an iPad or an Android tablet get one. Make it purely optional. Might cut the paper by 25%. Over time as the board gets replaced the percentages will slowly shift.
This would be my recommendation. Set up a method of distribution via sharepoint or something and then ask who wants the packet and who wants the tablet.
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This topic was approached to me again today. Some details / requests:
Camera in event unable to attend meeting
Lock it down - prevent purchansing apps and other items
Simple access to the Packet
Need about 25 unitsIt is explained to me that each member gets about 5 reams of paper per year from all the packets and supplemental information.
Since I have to control these - it might be nice to be able to remote wipe them. There is a chance that they could be forget or stolen..
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If you need a camera, that is going to limit you to more advanced devices like an Android tablet, iPad or maybe something like a Chromebook. Cheaper devices, like a Kindle, would be rules out.
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Tablet or Chromebooks are really your only options. You could go with a Dell Venue they come with Standard Windows 8 on them (not RT) so you could put a remote access client such as LMI etc. on them. Would also give you the ability to install office on them and PDF reader etc. They are not the greatest tablets on the market but at $199 what can you expect.
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iPads will definitely work best, but the cost is very high. You can get cheap Androids.
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The other nice thing about being windows is it is something people will know. Chromebooks are also easy to use. However I am not sure how the remote management etc. is on these.
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@scottalanmiller
That is my concern - iPads are expensive.. And have a tendency to grow legs and vanish. If I went with them, I'd want to establish a lock down..
Another bad thing about iPads is the setup requirements and access to iTunes and the APP store. -
@g.jacobse said:
@scottalanmiller
That is my concern - iPads are expensive.. And have a tendency to grow legs and vanish. If I went with them, I'd want to establish a lock down..
Another bad thing about iPads is the setup requirements and access to iTunes and the APP store.If your board members are thieves.... do you care?
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I would think an iPad with MDM software would be cake to lock down.
As for loss or theft, is that really your concern? Where will these devices be stored? And since we're talking about loss and theft, will you have to ensure they are all charged as well? That's one thing they don't have to worry about with their stack of paper.
I'm being mostly facetious, but not entirely. I have a doc or two who refuse to be responsible for charging their own gear, well at least they were until they started buying devices that didn't have changeable batteries, but now i have to keep whole additional laptops ready for them.
Back on topic - Why is the company worried about keeping the device locked down? I'm willing to bet that even the luddites in your group will probably find them more useful if they are allowed to use them more than for just reading these forms.
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@Dashrender said:
As for loss or theft, is that really your concern?
That's my thought. These are the "big bosses." As close as you get to owners. If they are stealing things, intentionally or because they are forgetful kleptos, I wouldn't choose to "own" that problem. It's their domain, let them do as they choose. If they drive the company into debt, who cares?
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@scottalanmiller said:
@Dashrender said:
As for loss or theft, is that really your concern?
That's my thought. These are the "big bosses." As close as you get to owners. If they are stealing things, intentionally or because they are forgetful kleptos, I wouldn't choose to "own" that problem. It's their domain, let them do as they choose. If they drive the company into debt, who cares?
Well, other than you don't want them bankrupting the company because you'd like to keep your job.
