I think you're approaching the problem wrong. It isn't as important how much you pay for storage as it is that you don't overpay for your organization/division. Its ok for you to ask about their calculation and what went into the $30/mo figure.. but, its clear from your post that you don't really understand what that figure is comprised of.

A better approach would be to let the storage dept. know that you're challenged by these figures and you would like a better understanding of how they arrived at them. This discussion may identify services you may be receiving (such as site-to-site replication) that you don't need. They, in turn, may be able to reduce your storage bill by eliminating this overhead from your data.

On the other hand, if you approach them with 'Hey, I read around on the internet and I can get HDD's from Newegg for $1/GB!'... they're going to go on the defensive. First, they're going to be annoyed because you don't know what you're talking about and then they're going to use your ignorance as evidence that they can discount anything you say.

I can assure you... if they've taken the time to distill down a specific number ($30/GB/mo)... then, there's something that went into that calculation. Don't assume they're ignorant of their own technologies and how to deliver them.

I haven't read the entire thread.. but, I haven't seen it suggested yet: Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

With VDI, you would use thin clients inside the school (for faculty, students, conference rooms, etc). You could also allow connection to the VDI desktops from outside the building with SSL. I think it is typical for most students to have a PC...so, what they need is access to the school work and the applications they have installed on their desktop at school. They don't necessarily need a new piece of hardware at home to connect.

Of course, if you did decide to provide them withe a machine for home.. .then it doesn't have to be an expensive laptop. I don't really think that mobility and education are tied so tightly. You could also issue inexpensive thin clients for home use, as well. There are portable thin clients available.. but, I would evaluate whether that is really necessary.

The VDI infrastructure itself will eliminate a lot of hassle with managing desktops. Also, virtualization should be part of your key IT strategy and this will play in nicely with your infrastructure direction.

There are VDI solutions available from a lot of vendors but, the two biggies are Citrix and VMware.