We currently loan our board members either iPads or laptops to access their electronic board portal (Diligent). iPads have only been in circulation since 2010 but are already up to Version 4, with a new Version 5 on the horizon. Our mandate for hardware is - screen size needs to be similar to an 8-1/2x11 sheet of paper; good memory; secure; under $1,000; lightweight.
I am developing a policy for hardware refresh/buy-out, and wonder what experience others have had. It seems that a common refresh period for laptops is 3 years; thoughts on iPads? We also prefer that a departing board member buys out the hardware (at a much depreciated rate) rather than refurbish for a new/incoming board member.
What are other organizations doing?
Susan Porter