Notebooks for Teachers - News

1. Pre-leased Notebooks - notebooks returned due to retirements and resignations are usually available for reassignment. They are checked, cleaned and re-imaged prior to reassignment, and are available only for the remaining duration of their lease rather than a full three years. These notebooks can usually be forwarded to school within a week of application. Please follow the link for details and registration forms.

   
   

2. Occupational Health and Safety: - if used according to some simple guidelines available here, notebook computers are not believed to offer significant occupational health and safety risks.

   
   

3. 18th round of NFT offers: - the Term 4 round of offers on new NFT Program computers ran from 5 September 2008 to 25 September 2008. Details remain available here for reference. This is the final offer on new notebooks for 2008.

   
   

4. 17th round of NFT offers: - the Term 3 round of offers on new NFT Program computers ran from 16 June 2008 to 25 July 2008. Details remain available here for reference.
   
   
5. 16th round of NFT offers: - the Term 2 round of offers on new NFT Program computers ran from 31 March 2008 to 2 May 2008. Details remain available here for reference.
   
   
6. 15th round of NFT offers: - the Term 1 round of offers on new NFT Program computers ran from 31 January 2008 to 7 March 2008. Details remain available here for reference. 
   
   
7. Deduction Rate Change for Round 14: - the contribution rate for Round 14 notebooks was initially set at $12.60 per fortnight.  A review has taken place and the deduction has now been returned to the $10 per fortnight rate.  Any "extra" contributions made to date will serve to slightly decrease the time over which the deduction is payable.  Many deductions are not yet in place and participating teachers are reminded to request their school to attend to the processing lest arrears build up.
   
   
8. NFT Internet Dialer change: - a single new Telstra telephone number is now in service state-wide. Short guides are available here for Apples and here for Acers.
   
   
9. Private offers of leased or purchase notebooks: - private firms sometimes make offers directly to schools involving notebooks for private purchase or leasing.  Please be aware that such offers are not endorsed or subsidized by the Department, nor associated with the NFT Program in any way.

   
   

10. 14th round of NFT offers now closed. The 2007 offer and collections of retired Round 5 notebooks are now concluded. Supporting documents remain available for reference via the link above.  Please see the 'Pre-leased Notebooks' link above if you wish to apply for a reassigned unit.

    
    

11. Internet Access Service - information on the basic Internet service for participants.
    
    
12. Lightning Damage to Notebooks -  this is not an urban myth! There are usually many cases of 'zapped' notebooks following power surges during thunderstorms. There could even be a small chance of injury too, so please stay safe - follow the link for information on avoiding problems during electrical storms.
    
    
13. Battery Care: - a document giving guidelines that will allow you to get the most out of your notebook's battery may be downloaded here.
    
    
14. "Dead pixels": - not all notebook computers arrive with perfect screens, but this is not always considered a warrantable fault. Acer's Imperfect Pixels Policy for PC notebooks will help you be aware of policy for screens which are delivered with slight pixel imperfections (or which develop such imperfections over time).
    
    
15. End of lease: - participants nearing the end of a lease are urged to read our brief guide to processes for the return of notebooks and the issues and problems which can arise. This is an area in which risks exist for both participating teachers and the Department as a whole - participants are encouraged to contact the NFT Program administration team if they have any queries or concerns.  
    
    
16. FAQ for account/password issues: - all participants are encouraged to download and retain a copy of this handy guide.   
    
    
17. Faulty batteries: - during Semester 1 2007 Acer Computer announced a recall of faulty batteries supplied with some notebook models. Apple Computer also announced a recall of faulty batteries in 2006. The Department has received confirmation that all NFT Program Acer and Apple computers have safe batteries, but like all batteries they may lose performance over time. Participants are requested to follow the manufacturer's instructions for care of batteries (see item above), but if performance does degrade significantly they may call the Department's Customer Service Centre on (08) 9264 5555 for further advice.
    
    
18. Privately-owned notebooks: - please note that it is generally not possible to connect privately-owned notebooks to DET networks, for a number of technical and security reasons. Further information can be found under the Networks section of the NFT Frequently-Asked Questions page, here.

Please feel free to contact the Notebooks for Teachers Program administration team by email if you would like any further information on the program.