The government is distributing laptops, but not students. The new rules are surprising

The government has announced another program to equip schools with computer equipment. This time, however, it is not about laptops owned for students, as was the case in the end of the edition of the fourth graders. The new rules provide for the delivery of laptops and tablets directly to schools, where they will become their permanent equipment.

Money from KPO

The order will cover over 17,000 educational institutions throughout Poland, and the financing of the project will be provided by the national reconstruction plan. Although the idea itself enjoys support, the details about the specifications of the equipment arouse controversy.

As planned, a total of 735 thousand will go to schools. devices: 404 250 Windows laptops, 220,500 tablets and 110 250 chromebooks. The latter, based on the Chromeos system, have limited functions – they do not launch traditional Windows programs, and most of the tasks are performed in a web browser. According to calculations, one school can receive an average of 24 laptops, 13 tablets and 6 chromebooks.

Device specification

The program also assumes strict requirements for device certification. The tender specification indicates two specific certificates: Swedish TCO Certified and American EPEAT. These are private certification systems, which – as indicated by prof. Ewelina Sokołowska from the Gdańsk University of Technology – are not recognized by EU or national regulations as accredited. Despite this, only equipment that meets both conditions can be offered in the tender.

The effect of this decision is the exclusion of some manufacturers, including Apple – MacBooks do not meet the requirements. In practice, this means that the equipment will reach school only from four manufacturers, including Dell, HP and Lenovo. None of the Polish manufacturers currently offer devices that meet both certificates.

The Ministry of Digitization explains that the criteria were established after consultations with the General Prosecutor’s Office and the CBA, and their goal is to ensure high quality and compliance with environmental standards. At the same time, it was assured that the requirements do not discriminate against Polish suppliers, because the certification process is open to everyone.

Companies interested in participating in the tender can submit offers until July 9.