“Issues of size versus extra cost have been raised about the purchase of new laptop computers for Nebraska state senators — although the purchase has plenty of defenders within the Capitol,” Paul Hammel reports for The Omaha World-Herald.
“About 70 new Apple MacBook Air computers were purchased this session for state legislators at a cost of $1,524 each,” Hammel reports. “The aluminum-encased laptops, which can fit inside a 10-by-13-inch Manila envelope, are billed as the ‘world’s thinnest’ notebook computers. They weigh in at a svelte 3 pounds — 5 pounds less than the laptops they replaced — and are 0.75 of an inch thick.”
“At least one state senator, Tony Fulton of Lincoln, has questioned the purchase, saying the Legislature could have managed with less than ‘designer laptops,’ particularly during these tough economic times,” Hammel reports. “The state might have been able to buy laptops for $400 to $500 each, said Fulton, an engineer. ‘The decision was made with proper authority, and I’ll accept it,’ he said, ‘but I don’t like it.'”
MacDailyNews Take: Who wants to bet that Tony Fulton has never used a Mac?
Hammel continues, “Three past and present legislators, and the assistant clerk of the Legislature who recommended the lighter laptops, defended the purchase. They pointed out that Fulton sits on the Appropriations Committee, which authorized the purchase. Fulton said that although he approved an appropriation for renovating the legislative chambers, which included the laptop purchase, committee members were not given details about the computers being purchased.”
Hammel reports, “Dick Brown, assistant clerk of the Legislature, said his office reviewed a handful of other laptop models, ranging in price from $1,100 to $2,200, to replace the Fujitsu Lifebook laptops purchased four years ago. When a MacBook Air was provided to his office for a trial run last summer, Brown said, ‘We stopped looking. The primary reasons were portability and weight.’ Senators carry their laptops home, to their offices and into the legislative chambers, where they use them to display the text of bills and amendments.”
“The assistant clerk said he negotiated a discount for the equipment, from $1,799 per unit to $1,524. The purchase was approved by the Legislature’s executive board and reviewed by the Department of Administrative Services,” Hammel reports. “Brown said the final price was $1 less per unit than the old [Fujitsu Lifebook laptops], whose warranties have expired.”
Hammel reports, “Former State Sen. Pat Engel of South Sioux City was Executive Board chairman when it approved the laptop purchase last year. ‘I think you can always buy something cheaper, but you get what you pay for,’ said Engel [who left because of term limits after 15 years in Lincoln.]”
MacDailyNews Take: Repeal terms limits! Let the voters decide! No forced lame ducks means no stagnation! Engel was obviously a rarity in government and should have be allowed to continue serving for as long he desired.
Hammel continues, “Fulton, who initially said he would refuse a new laptop, said he’s had to renege on that because his old laptop was not compatible with the new programming.”
Full article here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Fred Mertz” for the heads up.]
Well, to the grey masses, cost is the deciding factor. To those who know better, well, who listens anyway…?
While I’m all for Macs, the MacBook would have been a better choice.
It won’t be long till all state legislators are using the MacBook Air. They will be to embarrassed to tote their 8 pound PC laptops along side the Nebraska politicians
Well, although I would say I’m pleased that Macs are being adopted, I don’t think government (state or federal) should be spending more money, right now. I’d say the same for PCs, too, by the way.
If politicians had even a smidgen of sense, they would have bought Macs long ago, rather than add yet more ‘expenses’ for their slaves — er — constituents, to subsidize.
Anyway, the senators would probably wonder why their notebooks no longer play solitaire.
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if I remember correctly, Nebraska’s unicameral has term limits. they changed their law not too long ago to get rid of ernie chambers, I think. mr. chambers is an interesting character I googled about a while back.
Some state senators may put Windows on it, the rest will get it.
State Senile-tors? Get rid of the lot and start over. Dingy Harry Reid should be the first to go. Leave the laptops behind. Don’t take example from Hillary when she ripped of stuff from the Whitehouse.
Hmm. Nice to see macs getting some credit. I would think that the macbook would be a better buy for the government, $300/ less per unit, more capable. But who am I to criticize. I think a senator has a pretty important job. Methinks he should be able to choose what ever laptop he wants within reason- say $500 to $3000. But it will be a sight to see 70 macbooks open in the chamber. . .
I love this quote at the end
“Fulton, who initially said he would refuse a new laptop, said he’s had to renege on that because his old laptop was not compatible with the new programming.”
He sounds like a real stubborn minded short sighted type.
Waste of money.
Yes, this is the first session since Ernie Chambers was forced to leave after nearly 40 yrs. of service in our legislature. Of course, it is purely speculation, but given the fact that he often defended the “under represented” and minorities, he’d have been perfectly happy with the purchase of new MacBook Airs.
I’m just happy to see that I live in a state that has some in the government that are progressive enough to look to embrace change.
In Pennsylvania, we demand our State reps have a slightly greater constitution. I say give all Pennsylvania state reps 17″ Macbook Pros. (Oh, and make me a state rep.)
Way to go, Nebraska!!! Now if they’d only vote to get rid of our taxes.
(I’m a fellow Nebraskan)
“About 70 new Apple MacBook Air computers were purchased this session for state legislators at a cost of $1,524 each,”
Engel was obviously a rarity in government and should have be allowed to continue serving for as long he desired.
A rarity?? The legislators purchased the Macs for themselves!!
What next? We The Taxpayers buy them all iPods too?
Why weren’t those MacBooks put where they were needed, such as in schools?
I’m proud to be a Nebraskan (said as a tear works its way down my cheek).
If that purchase agreement included AppleCare, then it was indeed a sweet deal. A base Macbook with AppleCare would run about $1,500.
State senator Tony Fulton of Lincoln, I salute you! Citizens of Nebraska you are well served by this brilliant public servant.
Price is the most important criteria in considering technology purchases. Two other questions that should be asked are 1) What version of Windows comes preinstalled? and 2) Again, How much does it cost? Once those three issues are answered, you’ll know what to do.
Your potential. Our passion.™
Nebraska should have bought refurbs. They’re cheaper and just as good as new.
MacBooks and MacBook Pros would have been a better choice.
MacBook Airs are a bitch to service as well.
Ah yes, Zune Tang’s tired act is alive and well.
terms limits, like the 2nd amendment, protect citizens.
learn and think about why we have such rights in the constitution!!!
you want emperors in a feudal system? (not that we aren’t already).
@idiots
Don’t know why I’m bothering trying to write this to a person who would call perfect strangers ‘idots’ but I thought I’d point out a couple of things about the Nebraska unicameral legislature.
First of all, the senators in Nebraska make next to nothing in terms of salaries. It’s a laughably low figure. That means only certain individuals can even afford to run for office, and I’d argue not many people are in that position.
With that said, my view is that Nebraska voters goofed up with term limits. We already limit our pool of candidates by making it a position that would starve you to do for a living if you’re not already independently wealthy (or Ernie Chambers, who is the exact opposite). Then we take people with experience and kick them to the curb.
Term limits don’t exist in the Federal system, yet you think they should in all state systems? I agree that executive positions like governors and presidents should have term limits for the exact reason you state (feudal systems), but it makes no sense to limit our best representatives just because you’re uncomfortable with it.
I’m sorry to disagree with some of you, but I WANT senators to feel grateful to work for the government and have good tools- I enjoy working on stuff so much more since I switched to a mac, and I think they will be really happy and encouraged to take their MBA with them everywhere they can, work on things, and be proud of it! Come on all you complainers, think about if you were a senator and had to lug an 8lb Fujitsu around- it would seriously change your desire to use your computer. Right tool for the right job.
Could it be that some decry the purchase out of sheer envy? Hmmm?
Are they getting a special version called HotAir?
Way to go guys….keep spending OUR money. It is not like your deficit spending is costing anyone their jobs.
just my $0.02