Union passes savings on to members in computer deal

By John Dixon

Federation has negotiated with Dell computers to save members hundreds of dollars on the purchase of notebook computers.

Members purchasing Dell notebook computers through this arrangement will receive a substantial discount compared to Dell's normal retail prices -- saving between $600 and $1700 on recommended retail price.

Initially a range of four new current model notebook computers will be offered:

• The Vostro 1000 at $713 (including GST and delivery): a low-cost mainstream model for general purpose use for teachers who aren't using high graphics, video and want to use applications such as Office, internet and email.
• Latitude D531 at $990 (including GST and delivery): A Dual Core general purpose workhorse that matches the Department's July 2007 Technology for Learning (T4L) specifications and comes with many connectivity options including Firewire.
• Latitude D420 at $1738 (including GST and delivery): a lightweight and highly portable unit for teachers who travel or would rather a less bulky model.
• Latitude ATG (All Terrain Gear) at $2079 (including GST and delivery): a robust model for field, trades and science teachers in all environments.

Models come with a three year (except the D531 which has a four year) onsite warranty and technical support to both metropolitan and regional NSW. Optionally you can purchase insurance coverage, system upgrades, warranty extensions and a host of installation services.

Federation is not receiving a commission on these sales. All savings are being passed on to members and direct members of their families. The union is simply using its collective buying power through the number of members it has.

Financial members will access the Dell computer offer through the Members' Area of the Federation website, for which members will need to have a username and password. If members currently don't have a username and password they should contact Federation's membership section on 1300 654 363.

Members who are DET/TAFE employees can access software through the DET's arrangement with Microsoft through Simply International. Other members will probably wish to purchase software for their computer from Dell. Microsoft Office options are available. All models include Microsoft Windows XP or Vista.

As DET employees, members can choose to salary sacrifice through Smartsalary. The notebook is also potentially a tax deduction, if it is used substantially for work.

For more than a decade various state Labor governments (and opposition parties in election mode) have made promises about notebooks for teachers along with other promises about technology in schools and colleges. Teachers are still waiting.

Some of these promises have been made during salaries campaigns as potential offsets against salary increases to teachers.

Federation has always taken the view that while notebooks are increasing becoming part of many teachers "tools of trade" the decision to purchase is best left to the individual teacher as a discretionary purchase rather than being mandated by the employer. In addition it was felt that by the teacher owning the notebook the employer could not tell a teacher what work could be or not be done on the teacher's own machine.

I believe this is an excellent offer which should be very popular with members looking to buy a notebook computer. Please feel free to compare the prices in the offer with those on the public Dell website or with similar computers in shops. More details on the specifications of each model are provided on Federation's website. In the end, however, it will be a decision for each member as to whether they wish to purchase a notebook computer from Dell.

John Dixon is Assistant General Secretary (Communications and Administration).

For further information

August 2007 contents