IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gateway, Inc., the nation's third-largest PC company, is earning high marks with the announcement of a $2.2 million agreement with the Illinois State Board of Education. As part of the contract, Gateway will provide convertible notebook PCs and support services to five Illinois school districts for the state's Technology Immersion Pilot Project.
Gateway is working in tandem with the Illinois Board of Education to make the Technology Immersion Pilot Project a success. Gateway is providing participating schools a complete solution, including best-in-class technology and excellent service that is delivered from call centers located in North America.
"We are excited to partner with Gateway to help close the digital divide," said Illinois Lt. Governor Pat Quinn. "Laptops are the textbooks of tomorrow. I applaud the Board of Education and these forward-thinking schools for electing to engage in an innovative program that prepares students for success in the workplace and beyond."
The Gateway(R) M285 Convertible Notebook PCs will be given to teachers and sixth graders for use as a teaching tool to support day-to-day instruction and student testing. The convertible notebook's unique design allows it to be easily "converted" from notebook into tablet-mode by simply swiveling and folding down the display. The tablet enables students to use the PC with the digital pen for numerous activities including, solving mathematical equations, drawing diagrams, editing documents and taking notes directly on the widescreen display. Teachers are able to enhance the curriculum and classroom collaboration by taking advantage of the functionality of the convertible notebooks.
The Gateway M285s will be used to support multiple programs within the Technology Immersion Pilot Project, a joint effort between Illinois State Lt. Governor Pat Quinn's office and the Illinois State Board of Education. The project supplies students with the laptops equipped with science and math tutorials; word processing, note taking and spreadsheet software. In addition, educators will benefit from professional development training and schools will receive technical assistance to aid in developing a school-based laptop network.
"We admire Lt. Governor Quinn and the Illinois State Board of Education for their strategic approach to increasing student engagement," said Vin Riera, Gateway vice president, professional sales. "Leveraging technology in the classroom contributes to stronger student involvement and attendance. It's fulfilling to see that our convertible PCs are enriching the learning experience and preparing students for the workplace of the future."
For more information about the Technology Immersion Pilot Project, please visit http://www.illinoisconnect.org/.
North America Based Telephone Technical Support; Service and Warranty Information
Gateway's commitment to quality and reliability is evident in its award-winning line of PCs and displays as well as in its exceptional service and support programs. While many PC vendors go off-shore to save service costs, Gateway's telephone technical support for U.S. customers is 100 percent based in North America(1). Customers are assured their calls are handled by knowledgeable, experienced, well-trained and dedicated support agents close to home.
Gateway's product offerings are supported by the company's standard limited warranty options(2). Additional service and support options are available. In addition, the company's extensive online support center helps customers maximize their PC investment; it gives them easy access to customer support representatives and information on important issues such as warranties, technical issues and upgrading.
Gateway Professional
From ultra-reliable desktops, notebooks and servers to comprehensive services, Gateway has served organizations for 20 years. Gateway makes technology purchase, use and support simple through the programs developed for education, government and business customers. The ProNet Partner Program's channel-friendly benefits help solution providers strengthen and grow their businesses. Gateway customers include many of the world's leading organizations, such as the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency, the University of Arizona, State of California, State of New York and others. For more information on Gateway Professional solutions, visit http://www.gateway.com/business.
About Gateway
Since its founding in 1985, Irvine, Calif.-based Gateway has been a technology pioneer, offering award-winning PCs and related products to consumers, businesses, government agencies and schools. See http://www.gateway.com/ for more information.
(1) Service methods subject to change without notice or obligation.
(2) Limited warranties and service agreements apply; visit gateway.com or
call 1-800-846-2000 for a free copy. Service agreements are issued
and performed by third parties. May not be available in all
locations. Phone charges may apply for tech support.
© 2006 PR Newswire
