Cloning iPads

[Christopher Casal]

The one problem I have with the iPad, and the one issue I don't see anyone bringing up (maybe it isn't an issue?) is the idea of cloning.

What I mean is if I get a class set of 30, how do I easily make them identical in terms of apps, connections settings, etc?

When I get new MacBooks in I wipe the drive and install a new custom image that drops on all of my school's internet settings (proxies, etc) as well as all the software we use (saves me the time of sitting there and dropping software in piece by piece).

I suppose my questions break down like this:

• Can I sync 30 iPads to 1 Mac's iTunes?
• If not, can I download 1 app multiple times to different systems for installation under 1 account name?
• Speaking of apps, how are schools handling iTunes App store, school account, teacher personal account?
• I can use Apple Remote Desktop to quickly copy software to a new machine, or new software to all machines.  Is there a solution like this to easily update the iPads?

Thanks

c

[Sam Gliksman]

Yes, you can easily synchronize multiple iPads to one iTunes account. You should also check out the new Apple Volume Purchasing Plan regarding their policy on purchasing of applications for multiple devices.

Generally schools lock the iTunes account so that only administrators have access. You can also implement Parental Controls on certain applications - you'll find that in Settings.

[JW]

You can implement Parent controls on certain Apps, but there is no way to 'push' those out settings via the ITunes account, correct?

[Jim]

Some setting could be pushed/ "imaged" with the Iphone configuration utitlity not ideal but it gets you part way there http://support.apple.com/kb/DL926

[Michele Velthuizen]

The Apple Volume Purchasing Plan is currently only available in the USA. Apple couldn't tell me when it will become available worldwide.

Sam Gliksman said:

Yes, you can easily synchronize multiple iPads to one iTunes account. You should also check out the new Apple Volume Purchasing Plan regarding their policy on purchasing of applications for multiple devices.

Generally schools lock the iTunes account so that only administrators have access. You can also implement Parental Controls on certain applications - you'll find that in Settings.

[Christopher Casal]

Thanks for the feedback.

 

Unfortunately, the New York City Dept of Ed has not approved the Volume Pricing Program yet, probably wont for this school year, so for now we are going with free apps.

 

We have teachers up and running on iPads and are getting 20 for our science labs. 

 

Fun times, good stuff...

[Jim]

I believe this has been mentioned elsewhere, but keep in mind that syncing large numbers of idevices to a computer works OK with a mac--we have been much less successful doing more than 6 devices with a PC. I've had conversations with some of engineers at the cart vendors that indicate that this is pretty much the way it is.

[Steve Adcock]

I could suggest http://www.jamfsoftware.com/products/casper-suite for large numbers of iPads and soon i presume Lion server will also do similar. This product not only allows configuration but also apps 'management of devices. Its reasonably cheap for education at the moment but again probably becomes cost effective when your iPads number in the 100's. Its at least worth a look and some discussion.

[Charles Randolph]

Datamation Systems Inc
> www.ipadcart.info

 

No simple situation for updating iPads due to Apple's every two week update process.  My school has 30 iPads and I have to sync each iPad with the new updates.  You also have to keep up the the update of iTunes also.  With blocking the iPad, this can be done in the "Preference" setting in iTunes or on the iPad's under the "Setting" and then "Restrictions" tab.  Also, in the "Preference" tab, the "Device" tab is great for letting you know when you lastly updated your iPad.

[Christopher Casal]

Thanks for the replies.

 

I've got it sorted. Datamation has a multi-function cart we have purchased. The internal dividers are adjustable so it can fit 14 laptops or 30 iPads. I've got 20 iPads and a MacBook Pro in it.

 

Each iPad was synced to the MacBook Pro and given a unique name, number, and home image (corresponding #). The iTunes account on the MacBook has all the free apps we use (DropBox, PlainText, NASA, etc...).

 

In Sept Datamation will have a "syncing" adapter available for the cart so I'll be able to sync all 20 at once (right now I do them individually, every Friday afternoon so as not to disrupt instruction).

 

Keep coming with the insights, always good to hear how others are doing it. 

 

I'll update this thread with any/all issues we come across...

 

thanks again

[Jim]

For anyone interested in this challenge, I'd strongly recommend getting a copy ofthe book

Enterprise iphone and ipad administrator's guide

http://www.amazon.com/Enterprise-iPhone-Administrators-Guide-Profes...

 

It covers a lot of information that is hard to find elsewhere and provides a good overview of MDM vendors like jamfsoftware and others

[Robert Grimes]

I set up an iTunes account for my iPad cart.  I have a computer dedicated to the cart.  I sync all iPads to that single iTunes account.  When I purchase an app it is synced on every iPad.  My teacher sync there iPad to their personal accounts and the students normally do not use their iPads.  

[Jim]

Obviously iOS 5/iCloud made all of this much more complicated--I have a chart with what can be synced/backup over at iear, constructive feedback welcomed---iear.wikispaces.com/Comparison+of+iOS+5+Syncing+Options