Transform your classroom or meeting space into a temporary computer lab. Portable computer labs (PCL’s) are a great way to support specific class learning. A PCL may be reserved by the University of Baltimore staff and faculty for use anywhere in the Business Center, Academic Center, Student Center, Learning Commons,or the Law School. The laptops connect to the University's wireless network and come equipped with standard software.
You can reserve a PCL or for any questions regarding capability or ask questions regarding this service by contacting the OTS Call Center (av@ubalt.edu) with any questions.
PCL General
PCL Policy
PCL Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Currently, the PCL carts include typically 15 Dell XPS laptops, some of our carts do have up to 24 laptops. If you would like to discuss which cart would fit your specific need prior to reservation, contact OTS Call Center (AV@ubalt.edu) with any questions to discuss your specific needs.
- ELIGIBILITY: The Portable Computer Lab (PCL) may be borrowed by current University of Baltimore staff and faculty.
- LIABILITY: The user (user’s department) agrees to assume responsibility for the cost of repair or replacement in the event of theft, damage, negligence or misuse. The Office of Technology Services (OTS) will not assume responsibility for lost files due to viruses, hardware failure and network interruptions.
- AVAILABILITY: The PCL is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Requests should be made e via email to AV@ubalt.edu. All requests for use of the PCL are subject to the approval of the OTS Instructional Technologies Manager.
- USE: The PCL is loaned for on-campus use only. The PCL and its laptops are not to be taken from the designated event location. The PCL and its contents should never be left unattended. Only the number of needed laptops should be removed from the PCL cart. The remaining unused laptops should remain in the cart and the cart should be locked. Key can be stored in the Requestor lock box on the cart.
- LOAN PERIOD: The loan period for the PCL is typically up to 1 ½ to 2 hours (most loans for classes or meetings will be for 3 hours or less). Longer durations are subject to approval by the OTS Instructional Technologies Manager. Extended and even multi-day requests are often accommodated; it is recommended that special cases be discussed with the OTS Instructional Technologies Manager before the request is made. For multi-day events, the cart and keys will be turned over to the requestor and it will be his or her responsibility to ensure the laptops are secured (locked up) when not in use and the laptops are off and charged for the next day’s usage.
- LENDING AGREEMENT: When accepting the keys to the PCL, you and your department become responsible for the PCL cart and its contents. Using the PCL is just like renting a car; we just want it back in the same condition as it was delivered.
- ADVANCE BOOKING: Requests for the PCL may be made via email to AV@ubalt.edu.
-
REPLACEMENT AND DAMAGE FINES : The requestor’s department assumes full responsibility for a lost, stolen or damaged laptop. Laptops which are missing for more than 24 hours are considered lost. Typical replacement fees for lost or stolen laptops (or components) are as follows:
Laptop Computer (range: $1400 to $2000 depending on model)
Power Cord and Adapter $80.00
Any laptop equipment malfunctions should be reported immediately to the OTS Call Center at 410.837.6262. -
RETURNS/PICKUPS : The PCL, its contents and the keys to the PCL cart, must be returned in person to OTS staff at a pre-arranged time and location (which is always the event location). Never leave the PCL keys unattended. Users (Requestors) will be required to make sure all laptops are returned to the PCL cart and lock the keys into the Requesto's lock box.
-
USER FILES (IMPORTANT!!!) : Documents or files can be saved to the laptops for use and reference while the laptop is on / running. Once the laptop is turned off, the added data files are deleted. Therefore, if one wants to retain data or files, they should be saved to your USB or network drive.
PCL Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
Who can borrow the PCL?
All faculty and staff members may borrow the PCL for either meetings or the classroom environment. When you borrow the PCL, you are automatically agreeing to the PCL policies stated above. No individual may borrow the PCL with the intended purpose of allowing another person to use the PCL.
-
Where can I use the PCL?
The PCL can only be used on the University of Baltimore Campus. OTS supports the delivery of the PCL to the following locations: BC, AC, LAP, SC, AL, and LC. Removal of the PCL or any of its components in an unauthorized manner will be treated as a theft.
-
How do I borrow the PCL?
The PCL may be borrowed by initiating a request by emailing AV@ubalt.edu.For unusual requests or extended/ after-hours requests, please contact the Instructional Technologies Manager to discuss the details.
-
Can I book a PCL cart in advance?
The best way to reserve a PCL is to do so in advance. This will ensure that you have the PCL when you need it. The PCL is reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
Be aware that the PCL periodically undergoes maintenance and/or often needs to be recharged. OTS ultimately will determine when the PCL is available. -
What is the loan period?
The typical PCL loan period is for 1 to 2 ½ hours (either a typical class session or average meeting). Longer loan duration should be discussed with the Instructional Technologies Manager.
-
Can my assistant or student accept delivery of the PCL?
The staff or faculty requestor must be present for the PCL delivery. PCLs cannot be delivered to students without a professor being present.
-
Where do I return the PCL cart?
OTS will deliver and pick up the PCL cart for you. When the cart is delivered to your meeting location and the keys are turned over to you, an OTS representative will confirm a pick-up time with you and arrive back at that time to pick up the keys and remove the PCL from the meeting space or classroom. Please wait before leaving to allow time for the OTS staff to verify that all is in good order. If some reason the OTS representative does not show up at the pre-arranged time and you are committed to leave for your next appointment, you can call 410-8376262 (option 3) and ask for immediate pickup. If you still don't reach anyone, lock up the PCL, place the keys in the appropriate lockbox on the cart. The cart is completely secure, as long as it's locked up and the keys are removed from the doors.
-
Who is responsible for theft, damage to, or loss of the PCL?
Your department is responsible for the PCL cart, laptops, and accessories. This is in accordance with the PCL Policies stated previously above.
-
Do you have any security tips for controlling the PCL when it is delivered?
There are several suggestions available for controlling and securing the PCL. Probably the most important suggestion is to have a plan in place before the event occurs. Also critical to your plan is to have an assistant or two ("student volunteers") from your class, to provide extra "eyes" on the PCL and assist in the issuing and return of the laptops. Your plan should include a review of the following items:
- number of attendees (have names ahead of time)
- the location of the event
- start/finish time
- how to handle breaks
- access points into/out of the room
- number of laptops actually needed (don't put them all out if not needed)
Always keep an eye out for individuals that do not belong in the group, class or meeting you are conducting. It is recommended that the PCL sign in/out roster be used whenever possible to assist in controlling the laptops.
The key to success from a security standpoint is to have a plan, have an assistant(s), and to collect the laptops well before the flurry of activity that occurs when a meeting or class ends.
-
What comes with the PCL?
A PCL will typically contain 15 laptops in a secure, locked cart. It also comes with a set of keys to unlock the cart; the cart provides a secure means of housing the laptops until they are needed. Typically the laptops will be fully charged; however, on rare occasions, they may come from a prior event which was not long enough in duration to expend the battery's charge. A fully charged laptop will generally last 3 hours with constant usage. The power bricks and power cords in the PCL cart on each individual shelf should not be removed (they are for permanent charging).
-
What software is available on each of the laptops?
- Windows 10
- Fire Fox
- Internet Explorer
- Adobe Reader
- Windows Media Player
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
- Others
-
Can personal software and documents be saved on the laptop?
Personal software and documents can only be saved on the laptop while the laptop is running. When the laptop is shut down or restarted, all user-installed software and data files are erased. Please save your documents to a USB/jump drive OR to your network drive. There is no way to recover your work once the laptop is shut down or restarted.
-
Can I access the internet from the PCL?
The laptops all have wireless network cards and can be used by current UBalt students, faculty, and staff to connect to the UBalt wireless network. You must have a valid UBalt netID to access the UBalt wireless network. If you have problems connecting, contact the OTS Help Desk at 410-837-6262.
-
Can I print from the PCL?
Unfortunately we don't offer this service. Printers are not provided with the delivery of a PCL cart.
-
Can I use the PCL laptops only on battery power?
For most of the events (those under 5 hours) in which the PCL is issued, the laptops will run solely on battery power. Fully charged, the laptop will normally last 4 to 5 hours. I. There are ways to conserve power on the laptops which will prolong their battery life:
- When the laptop is not needed, power it off, OR close the screen (laptops will go to sleep)
- At the end of the class/meeting, power off the laptop and wait until it's completely off before closing the screen
-
What if I need help?
We expect you to be somewhat familiar with the hardware and software. The OTS Call Center is available during its posted hours to answer basic questions related to the laptops. For a more in-depth look at the details or features of the laptops, it is best for the requestor to arrange a familiarization tour ahead of time with OTS personnel. This can be done by contacting the OTS Call Center at 410.837.6262 (option # 3)
-
Can you say more about the wireless login?
The PCL can be used on the UBalt Wireless network by any student, faculty, or staff with a valid UBalt account. Once the laptop finishes starting up, launch an Internet browser window. If you are in an area with wireless coverage you should be directed to the UBalt wireless authentication screen. From there you log in using your UBalt netID and password.
-
Can you say more about battery stand-by/sleep mode?
The battery life for the laptops/pc is approximately 4 to 5 hours on a charge. The laptops are generally configured to have the screen dim after 10 minutes of no usage, turn the screen off after 20 minutes of no usage and go to 'sleep' after 30 minutes of no usage. Closing the laptop screen will also put the laptop into a sleep mode, thereby saving energy and battery consumption, allowing the laptop to last much longer.
-
What do I do at the end of the class or meeting with the PCL?
Make sure the laptops are completely turned off. This can be accomplished by using "start/shutdown" or holding the power button for 5 seconds. If during the shutdown, the screen is closed, the laptop will not be turned off, rather, it will go to 'sleep mode'. AFTER shutting down the laptop, THEN close the screen.
For deliveries that end after OTS is closed, it is the responsibility of the requestor to make sure that the laptops are plugged in and on the correct shelves, and that the PCL cart is charging. OTS personnel will pick up the cart the next morning. In this case, the PCL keys should be locked up with the cart (via the Requestor's lockbox).
For long-term deliveries, whereby the requestor retains control of the PCL cart for several days, it also is the responsibility of the requestor to make sure that the laptops are plugged in on the correct shelves and that the PCL cart is charging for their on-going event. T