Black Screens and Cheap Chargers: Why Learning Lab Computers Are Failing Students

M.P. Hassel

January 22, 2025

The computers in the Learning Lab on the Main Campus of Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) are essential tools for students. Yet, many of these machines are plagued by technical issues that interrupt productivity and leave students frustrated.

A significant number of Learning Lab computers frequently black out after a period of inactivity. The issue is most prevalent among the Dell 7070 Ultra computers, which are mounted on the backs of monitors. Students entering the lab from the 17th Street entrance near Saxby’s often encounter these computers with black, blank screens.

This has frustrated students relying on these computers, causing lost work and stress from frequent blackouts. In contrast, the Dell OptiPlex 7050 towers, located toward the back of the Learning Lab near 16th Street, rarely exhibit such issues.

Some IT staff theorize that excessive data saved by multiple users causes the 7070 Ultra to overheat. While plausible, this explanation falters because the computers’ memory is wiped during winter break, yet the blackouts persist, indicating the issue lies elsewhere.

The power adapters used by the Dell 7070 Ultra computers are the likely culprit. These machines use inexpensive universal replacement chargers (SM65CL-01) that cost a third of the price of more reliable Dell chargers (LA65NS2-01) used with the OptiPlex 7050 towers. Reviews of the SM65CL-01 highlight durability issues. As one Amazon reviewer, Deja, noted, “It’s an amazing charger while it lasts, but not worth the constant need to repurchase it.” These chargers, suitable for light personal use, struggle to meet the demands of a busy computer lab, often failing to supply enough power, causing the computers to enter a deep sleep mode.

The technical issues extend beyond hardware. Helpdesk staff frequently patrol the lab to reboot blacked-out computers. At any given time, about half of the lab’s computers are non-functional.

For many CCP students, who commute and may lack personal computers, the Learning Lab’s reliability is crucial. The blackouts hinder their ability to complete work and access online resources, creating extra barriers to academic success.

CCP must invest in reliable equipment and proactive maintenance to ensure students have the tools they need to succeed. Solutions include replacing the SM65CL-01 chargers with higher-quality models and reassessing the use of Dell 7070 Ultra computers.

The college’s Board of Trustees has the authority to approve such changes. Their next meeting is scheduled for February 6, 2025, and all meetings allow time for public comments. Students and faculty should seize this opportunity to voice concerns and advocate for improvements. The tools meant to empower students must not continue to fail them.