What to do, what to do?

Ok, so a little roadmap is in order to layout all the functions I need to be able to accomplish with my little teacher computer that could.

1. Create handouts with lists, pictures, underlines, and all the other goodies people like to put on documents.
2. Create slideshows with animation, graphics, and sound.
3. Create slideshows that integrate with the CPS system.
4. Create Spreadsheets with formulaic goodness.
5. Play DVDs, and CDs.
   
6. Connect to the Epson Wireless Projectors, reliably.
7. Browse the internet (with flash)
8. Print to printers throughout the school
9. Connect to network drives
10. Take attendance
11. Access and edit the gradebook
12. Connect to the school's wireless network
13. Use the SD card slot to transfer files
14. Use the Stylus/Touchscreen
15. Have a notetaking program A la OneNote
16. Have all email accounts and contacts in one program
17. Be able to have a iTunes-like music database for personal and classroom use.
18. Transfer pictures taken in class to the computer
19. Sync my 755p to the computer
20. Get the fingerprint scanner to work to lock/unlock the pc, and enter passwords online
21. Install new programs
22. Install new WINDOWS programs (ugh)
23. Capture an image of the computer so that it can be duplicated
24. Configure the screen so that when it is flipped closed, the screen rotates
25. Have a Webconferencing client so that teachers and students can talk remotely to other teachers and students
26. Use GIMP to create images, manipulate photos, and use Photoshop plugins
27. Find an easy way to create and upload webpages a la Frontpage
    

Whew. That's a tall order.

The good news and bad news is that some things on this list are done as soon as I install gOS. The bad news is, some will have to wait a long time (maybe even indefinately) before I get the go ahead from the school to connect to network services. I certainly don't want to go galavanting around the network without the appropriate people knowing about it and signing off on it. Hopefully the work will show enough promise to take it seriously, and work toward a solution. Also, I don't know all of what we use the Lotus Domino server for beyond email, contacts, and calendar sharing, so there might be some more projects brewing there.

A final tally:
Windows XP $150
Office $389
Lotus Notes $I don't know, but I imagine a whole boatload of cash
Adobe Creative Suite 3 $1289 (although I sincerely hope we get a good deal on that!)

Call it $600-$700 in cash that we would be saving PER COMPUTER!

Even if it were $100 in cash per computer, across a school with 200 odd teachers, and 3000 students, you are talking about significant savings!

IT BEGINS!