Radical New Education Computer Released

Insite Technology press release

Radical New Education Computer Released

New Zealand version of successful UK all-in-one computer for educational institutions released.

17 August 2005. – Insite Technology, a wholly owned subsidiary of listed company Renaissance Limited, has announced the release of the R1, an all-in-one personal computer (PC) purpose-built for the education market.

“As a long term provider of computers to schools we realised there was gap in the PC market for this sector,” says Jan Paterson, General Manager of Insite Technology, New Zealand’s largest local assembler of PCs.

“While traditional PCs were suitable for certain uses, issues such as space limitations, portability and the security of machines often left in semi-public areas were not being addressed.

Ms Paterson pointed to other education-specific features such as a toughened screen, vandal proof casing, security clamps and carry handles.

“While the R1s are education-specific, these New Zealand assembled machines are manufactured from industry standard components sourced from respected multinational companies.”

Schools and other educational institutions needed to get maximum value out of their IT expenditure, said Ms Paterson, “The R1 gives them a computer that will take less space, perform more reliably and better withstand the rigours of day-to-day learning.”

“Initial interest from schools and tertiary providers has been excellent, and we expect the R1 to gain significant market share over the next 12-18 months.”

Takapuna Grammar School, with a roll of 1400 students, have 60 R1 computers and intend to make them the standard at the school as they exchange PCs in a three year replacement cycle, says Deputy-Principal Brian Wynn.

“What attracted us initially was that it was built specifically for educational purposes,” says Mr Wynn. “Our teachers love the R1 – our head of Information Technology said in 15 years of teaching it was the first time she had seen a computer that was designed for the learning environment, and effectively supported her focus on teaching and learning.”

He pointed to a number of benefits, particularly the smaller size of the R1 foot print which gave more space on desks and the ability to fit more machines in computer labs and in the library. “In our library we’ve only been able to fit 16 PCs, we can now fit 25 R1 computers.”

Other great aspects of the R1 were its security features and the all-in-one design, said Mr Wynn. “The integrated screen will minimize the accidental damage that has occurred with the previous flat screens – that can’t happen with an R1.”

“The R1 is assisting in the Teaching and Learning initiatives that are the focus of Takapuna Grammar School,” said Mr Wynn.

He said the R1 had even become a marketing tool, with parents of prospective students admiring the R1 Takapuna Grammar have placed in their reception area.

About the new R1 computer

The new R1 computer is an all-in-one purpose built for the education sector. Assembled by Insite Technology in Christchurch, the R1 is based on the popular RM One created by leading UK education IT company Research Machines. RM have sold more than 30,000 RM Ones over the last year in the UK.

The R1 is available now to educational institutions through resellers AllLeasing 0800 623 232 and ITAS 0800 367 482.

www.r-1.co.nz 0800 R1 computer

About Insite Technology

The R1 is supplied and supported in New Zealand by Insite Technology Limited, a division of Renaissance Corporation Limited (RCL).

Insite Technology Ltd was founded in 1992, the company's main business activity the wholesale distribution of computer hardware, PC's and peripherals to the IT industry in New Zealand.

ENDS

www.insite.co.nz

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