Syncing multiple iPads to one computer

[brad wright]

Hello. This question has been partially addressed but if somebody with experience doing this can give a more detailed description of the process I would appreciate it. If I buy 20 iPads for our school how do I buy apps and sync the apps to the iPads? I know that apple has a volume licensing program now so I assume that I would buy 20 licenses for a particular app. Would I then be able to download the app in iTunes and sync it to each individual iPad one by one? Would I be able to connect multiple iPads at the same time through a USB hub and sync them all at once to the same computer? Thanks in advance for your help.

[Kim Beiderman]

Do you lose student data once you sync (i.e. mail, photos, app data like Evernotes, etc.)?

[Christopher Casal]

I posted a more detailed response in the Cloning thread, but generally in a cart situation they are not student-specific iPads but rather generic devices meant for sharing so there is no unique mail/photos data and apps like Evernote are either configured to a shared account or students log in and out at the start/end of class.

Kim Beiderman said:

Do you lose student data once you sync (i.e. mail, photos, app data like Evernotes, etc.)?

[Kim Beiderman]

I saw your other reply. Thank you! (and sorry for cross-posting). We are using the iPads in a 9-12 ESL class 1:1, so they all have GMail accounts. So, I see what your saying and I'll stew on it a bit. We did lose data from a non-sign in app (StripDesign) when we did a sync. We are expecting our Griffin Multidock in about 2 weeks and hopefully that will solve a lot of our syncing issues. I think our problem right is trying to do it as a Restore. Thank you again, Kim

[Christopher Casal]

If it's 1:1 there shouldn't be an issue. Each student has their own device which no other student will use.

 

In addition, with iOS 5 there is no need to sync to a computer iTunes account anymore.

 

Worst case, have them access their GMail accounts via the Safari browser or download the GMail app and have them log in and out at the start/end of class.

 

But again, if it's a 1:1 each student will have their own unique device so a multi-sync doesn't apply.

[Kim Beiderman]

Yes, but I still want them all to have the same apps in the same organizational folders.

[Christopher Casal]

In that case you'll have to do a multi-sync and then have the students use either Safari or the GMail app to access email.

 

If you are cloning the devices I don't think you can have different email configurations (although I could be wrong, I've never tried it).

 

You could have the students create the folders and do the organization themselves as part of an initial lesson on proper use...

Kim Beiderman said:

Yes, but I still want them all to have the same apps in the same organizational folders.

[Joseph Dioguardi]

In the 20 iPads scenario you buy 20 licenses for an app from the Apple Store Volume Purchasing Program and redeem one of the licenses to one iTunes account. You can then sync the 20 ipads to one computer using a usb hub or the Apple/Bretford Sync products (We use the cart). The process of setting up an ASVPP account and deploying to multiple ipads is detailed in Apple's iOS 4 Education Deployment Guide.

[Deborah Dubb]

I have used the apple volume purchasing program and bought 20 apps which have to be installed on 20 iPads. But I found that if you turn on automatic downloads on each iPad , they get installed automatically on all the iPads that have the same apple id. First you need to install the app on one ipad, then sync it with itunes account on your laptop . Go to settings, then store, then turn on automatic downloads next to the apps on all your iPads.You do need to put in the password, however

[Robert Grimes]

I purchase the app on the computer I have dedicated to my iPad cart and I only pay for the app one time and download to all iPads in the cart.  No need for volume purchasing.  

[Joseph Dioguardi]

While there is no technical need for volume purchasing, if you are using 20 iPads you need to buy 20 licenses to be legal even if you redeem only one. The ASVPP gives a 50% discount on 20+ licenses on any app.

[John J Caprice]

Sorry Dean,

Ergotron could care less about their plastic cart solution, they do have some really cute videos though. They have a compact and mobile solution. However the doors do not fully open flush and are in the way, they will break if someone leans upon them.

There are a few reliable and responsible US manufacturers producing storing, charging and syncing solutions for iPads, tablets and eReaders. Datamation, Datum and Parat. I know each of these companies and their management. They all produce great solutions in this emerging market. I recommend that any school or commerical user of multiple devices review their products for a reliable slution. I prefer to sell products that have a personal company behind them.

John J Caprice....Visualedtech

Dean Smith said:

Thanks for your comments!   We have passed them on to Ergotron.  It is, however, a compact and easily manueverable cart.   I have seen many carts and the ABS material make the strong light yet sturdy!

[Kathy Colavito]

We purchased a Bretford cart, Macbook and it will sync 30 ipads with no problem.  We also have the VVP and deliver the apps through a program called JAMF software which very well