Apps List: 1st Day of School

On the first day of school, you should have the following apps ready:

Scan:  http://tinyurl.com/CBS-Scan-App

WebAccess:  http://tinyurl.com/CBSWebAccess

For more information, go to our CBS-Tech Apps site for apps.

Can the iPad be 3G/4G?

The Internet access at Christian Brothers School is placed behind the Archdiocese of New Orleans firewall: a software that accomplishes two specific tasks: 1) helps to prevent any "hacker" attacks on any equipment using the Internet on our campus, and 2) prevents any accidental (or intentional) access of inappropriate materials on the Internet.  The Wi-Fi here at CBS is connected through that same firewall.

An iPad can have 3G or 4G capabilities, meaning it can go onto the Internet without using a Wi-Fi signal by accessing a data plan for a cell phone carrier, such as AT &T, Verizon or Sprint.  An iPad that has 3G or 4G capabilities uses what the carriers call a SIM card, very similar to what is in some cell phones.  This SIM card "activates" the iPad, making it part of whatever data plan is assigned to that SIM card.  Thus, an iPad with a 3G or 4G antenna and a SIM card will be able to bypass our firewall protection.  Not being able to protect the students entrusted to our care to the best of our ability is not acceptable.

The question crops up that a parent's 3G/4G iPad doesn't have a SIM card, so everything should be alright.  However, after doing research into this, our IT person, Mr. Constant, tells us the 3G and 4G capabilities on the iPad can be turned on just by inserting a SIM card from an iPhone into the iPad and changing a few settings.  So, even though the iPad has not been officially activated, the SIM card makes it think that it is. 

Apple and AT & T will tell you that it can't be done, but there are articles galore on the Internet that tell us otherwise, along with the advice of our IT.  Thus, a 3G or 4G iPad will not be acceptable.

For more in depth information, please go to our Frequently Asked Questions page.

How about Insurance?

Though not required, insurance is strongly suggested.  Most insurance groups require the policy to be purchased within a specified number of days after the actual purchase.

Apple offers a two-year policy called Apple Care.  The $99.00 price tag covers two years, allows two incidents of repair with a $49.00 deductible, and unlimited service calls.

When the Christian Brothers Alumni Association graciously purchased a set of ten iPads for the CBS Library, it was decided to purchase a policy from a third party.  The two, SquareTrade and Worth Ave Group, were close in price, but Worth Ave had better coverage in case of theft.  Each had an adjustable deductible, anywhere from $0 to $100.00. 

We went with Worth Ave Group for the Library iPads, who allowed us to purchase the policy within 60-days of the acquisition and had a $50.00 deductible.

For more in depth information, please go to our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Which Case to Get...

Middle school boys can be hard on electronics.  That is why we strongly suggest a Griffin Survivor.  The links provided are to the manufacturer's websites, however, purchases may be made through third-party vendors, such as Amazon.com, Best Buy, etc.

For more in depth information, please go to our Frequently Asked Questions page.