After construction problems delayed its opening last year, the Eaton computer lab is two months into its first full year of operation with an expanded base of computers. Although the lab design is high tech and attractive, some students are complaining that more PCs and fewer Macs are needed.
Tony Sulprizio, director of Information Technical Services (ITS), said he is pleased with the lab's condition. "I've heard only positive things from students since last spring when we reopened," Sulprizio said. "The renovation, in addition to making the facility a much more pleasant place to be, afforded us the room to expand from 65 computers to 154."
Of the 154 computers, there are 109 PCs in the downstairs and upstairs labs and 45 Macintoshes upstairs. ITS raised the number of Macintoshes from 36. "We determined the number of Macs needed based on previous experience in the Jackson Lab," Sulprizio said. "There were 36 Macs there and there were often students waiting."
But some students say the ratio is unfair. "I come here a lot this year," senior Benjamin Hayden said. "Sometimes, you have to wait for a PC. Those puppies over there never seem to be busy," he added, referring to the Macintoshes.
Sulprizio said he has not witnessed or heard about a problem. There are enough PCs in the lab, he said. "I've not heard of anyone having to wait to use a PC since the renovation."
Though students say there are ample PCs, many complain that they are only available on the bottom floor of the lab. Students say they do not often wait for a PC upstairs, but junior Clare Dooley, a regular PC user, was forced to use a Macintosh yesterday. "Sometimes I use a Mac because all the PCs are taken," she said. "There are enough PCs downstairs, but I usually like the natural light upstairs."
Sulprizio said the department will probably never find the perfect number and ratio of computers, but ITS will keep trying. "It's a moving target, but we're paying attention and plan to have the type of computers and the appropriate number of computers to meet student needs," he said. "At a minimum, we still need Macs so that students can complete coursework."
The department replaced 25 of the older PCs with newer IMB-compatible P4's and some of the old Macintoshes with new G4's this semester, for the same price. "The IMacs in the lab are no more expensive than the PCs," Sulprizio said.
The department plans to cycle out older computers every three years. Despite these measures, Hayden said the lab has room for improvement. "It's my best option, but they have problems," he said. "They freeze up a lot and it's a pain. Other than the fact that there are more computers, it's pretty much the same thing."
