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Digital Inclusion Equity Give It Get It
  • Date: January 31, 2025
  • Category: get IT

The Importance of Sustainable Device Ownership

As we are well into the new year, I want to share my thoughts about sponsoring individuals and families for computer device ownership. Ownership, rather than lending, is a far more cost-effective and sustainable solution that aligns with the principles of true digital equity. Borrowed equity is temporary; only ownership fosters long-term digital inclusion and empowerment.

Why Device Ownership Matters

Device ownership is the cornerstone of meaningful digital equity. When individuals own their devices, they gain autonomy, stability, and the opportunity to fully integrate technology into their daily lives. Lending models, while well-intentioned, are inherently limited in scope and sustainability. They often create recurring costs, administrative burdens, and a temporary sense of inclusion that ends when the device is returned. Ownership, on the other hand, offers permanence, fosters personal responsibility, and empowers users to build digital literacy without the looming deadline of returning a borrowed tool.

Organizations that support device ownership invest in a future where users are not just passive recipients of technology but active participants in the digital world. By equipping individuals and families with their own devices, we ensure that digital equity initiatives create lasting change, bridging the digital divide in a meaningful and enduring way.

Evaluating Vendors and Programs

 

It’s essential to thoroughly assess all options, as the vendor you choose will have a significant impact on the success of your program.

Key Considerations for Program Success

 

Language Accessibility:

  • Windows laptops have limited language pack options, posing challenges for ESL clients.
  • Linux operating systems offer over 200 language options, free of charge, making them a superior choice for multilingual support

System Recovery and Maintenance:

  • Linux devices can be easily repaired using a USB thumb drive for system reinstalls in under 20 minutes. This level of simplicity and accessibility is not possible with Windows devices, which require technician intervention for similar issues.

Battery Life and Refurbished Devices:

  • Refurbished laptop batteries generally have reduced capacities (30 to 90 minutes). We offer an option to replace these with new batteries for about $45 per unit, ensuring longer usability.

Delivery Costs:

  • We can coordinate bulk deliveries within Maine to significantly reduce costs. Vendors like PCs for People in the Midwest rely on parcel shipping methods such as USPS, UPS, or FedEx, which can increase per-unit costs unless pallet freight is an option.

Data Privacy and Security in Lending Models:

  • Loaner devices require stringent data sanitation protocols to comply with federal confidentiality regulations (e.g., HIPAA, COPPA). Public access computers we provide are equipped with software that automates this process, but lending still incurs higher administrative costs compared to ownership.

Hardware Specifications:

  • For most users, storage requirements are minimal due to the availability of free cloud storage. The critical factors are drive speed and RAM. We install brand-new solid-state drives (SSDs) with a warranty, ensuring devices are significantly faster than their original configurations. Additionally, we equip devices with 8GB of RAM to optimize performance, even for older models.

Comprehensive Support and Training

 

Our program offers unparalleled user support:

  • A warranty, with assistance often extended beyond this period for clients still in college or experiencing device failures.
  • On-demand technical support provided by experienced IT professionals based in Maine.
  • Per-diem training sessions tailored to user needs.
  • Support for equipment issues, ensuring users can fully engage with their devices.
  • Final Recommendations

Transitioning to a device ownership model will:

  • Eliminate recurring costs associated with device lending.
  • Reduce administrative overhead.
  • Foster true digital equity by providing users with a sense of ownership and long-term access to technology.

We specialize in providing reliable, refurbished business-class computers to bridge the digital divide. This approach addresses the environmental impact of e-waste and ensures longer device lifespans, while also providing high-quality technology at an affordable cost.

 

Partner with us to empower individuals and families with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age. Prioritize device ownership to create a lasting impact on digital equity and build a more inclusive future. 

~ Chris Martin

Contact us today online at giveitgetit.org to learn more about our sustainable and impactful solutions.

 

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