Microsoft Ironically Puts iPads in Schools

February 01, 2012

Madison, Wisconsin will buy more than 600 Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPads for use next fall. District administrators recently attended a demonstration in Chicago Public Schools and felt that students were more engaged when using tablets in the classroom. Bill Smojver, director of technical services for the school district said, “This is the most significant transition point for having digital learning at the optimal level…” Smojver said that hasn’t happened with desktops or laptops.

Quite an investment for a school district, but there is more to the story. The money came from Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)!!

The state of Wisconsin negotiated a settlement with Microsoft for a lawsuit that concerned consumer software. As part of the settlement, the state received $80 million in technology vouchers. The Madison school district decided to purchase iPads with their windfall.

Apples recent iBooks application was noted by Smojver as a “significant development…” And deputy superintendent Sue Abplanalp said, “We’re very open to what technology is going to bring us next…” Microsoft helps put iPads in schools. Steve Ballmer must be proud.

Here’s how Apple and Microsoft shares most recently traded:

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT): MSFT shares recently traded at $29.80, up $0.27, or 0.91%. They have traded in a 52-week range of $23.65 to $29.95. Volume today was 4,007,627 shares versus a 3-month average volume of 54,974,100 shares. The company’s trailing P/E is 10.80, while trailing earnings are $2.76 per share.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL): AAPL shares recently traded at $457.56, up $1.08, or 0.24%. They have traded in a 52-week range of $310.50 to $458.24. Volume today was 1,291,793 shares versus a 3-month average volume of 12,748,300 shares. The company’s trailing P/E is 13.02, while trailing earnings are $35.14 per share.

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To contact the reporter on this story: at staff.writers@wallstcheatsheet.com

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Damien Hoffman at editors@wallstcheatsheet.com