Gartner, in association with several educator associations, developed a tool for calculating and reporting total cost to a school deploying personal computers for school business and instruction.

For example, using their tool, they estimated that California spent $6 per client for software in AY 2002-2003.

Total cost of ownership of mobile PCs in schools requires a systematic analysis across a range of variables. Gartner estimates that over 1,900 variables contribute to the total cost of owning and operating a PC in some businesses. They consider fewer variables in schools.

In May 15, 2003, published results from using their tool, including four case studies. They report costs of desktops.

Probably today, a thoughtful local school administrator can review their model and report in order to estimate current local costs. It's at least worth the effort in order to answer questions board members will ask when administrators present proposals to migrate to mobile PCs from desktops.


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