Buying Tech
August is traditionally the busiest month for computer sales. Most business people really do not know what kind of computer they actually need, and the options can be daunting when presented with a catalog or a website.
Desktops are personal computer systems that are explicitly designed for use on a desk at an office or in a home. Desktops provide a good combination of performance and price and should almost always be the obvious choice when the time comes to outfit the office with new computers.
Laptop or notebook computers are personal computer systems that are designed to be portable. Fortunately, in recent years, the price of laptop computers has decreased, and the performance has risen to be comparable to that of desktop computers. A whole class of laptop computers is now offered, called desktop replacements, that either include or have separate accessories called docking bays that allow an individual to easily use a traditional monitor and mouse at a desk, yet retain the ability to disconnect the laptop and take it out of the office. A desktop replacement laptop is significantly better than a traditional desktop if there is a foreseeable need to bring electronic work out of the office, or if there is any travel involved. The additional cost of a laptop can be offset by a few trips out of the office or a long flight.
A tablet PC is a computer in the shape of a notebook that features a touch screen, or a screen that can be written on with a stylus. While not very popular at the moment, some newer laptops, called convertibles or hybrids include tablet functionality by allowing the monitor to rotate over the keyboard, and the display to be written on. Tablets that feature no mouse or keyboard are referred to as slates. New tablets often run Windows XP Table PC Edition, and include features such as handwriting recognition. A laptop-tablet hybrid could be of real benefit over a traditional laptop, especially in the realm of taking notes directly onto the screen, or drawing rough sketches. Of course, more sophisticated graphics work can be done with tablets, but a desktop workstation is often a better choice.
Workstations are high-performance laptop or desktop computers. A workstation often has the latest and greatest technology, along with better internal components to improve both reliability and performance. Many business people get sold into the idea of an expensive high-performance workstation when a regular laptop or desktop would suffice. A workstation is almost wholly unnecessary if all that is to be done with the computer is word processing, e-mail, and Internet access. Workstations really shine when it comes to multimedia applications, like 3D modeling, graphic design work, and video editing. Without a serious need, most of the power of a workstation will never really be exploited, and is certainly not cost effective.
A server is a computer system that is designed to run server software packages. Server software generally provide services to other computers over a network. Examples of server software include software that delivers websites over the Internet, or that sends and receives email for an organization. Servers are not bought unless there is a specific task that needs to be accomplished that a server is needed for, and are not suitable for desktop usage.
Whatever class of computer, the internals are relatively similar, and although there is no given formula of what to look for, there are some minimums that should be maintained. New computers should be equipped with at least 512 MB of RAM, a 40 GB hard disk, and a 2 GHz processor. A wired network card is also a necessity, and on a laptop computer Bluetooth and Wifi wireless networking technologies are also very nice additions that should not be overlooked. In nearly all situations Flat Panel displays are preferential to older CRT monitors, the power savings alone are worth the small additional cost. Optical mice are also very nice accessories, and are not particularly expensive. Advanced sound or video cards are often unnecessary, and can be quite expensive, unless the system is to be used for advanced audio or video functionality. CD/DVD writers can also be very useful for transporting large documents, but the additional expense is unnecessary unless there is a demonstrated need.
Windows Vista, the latest version of the Windows Operating System is scheduled to be released sometime in 2006. Dual core and 64-bit processors are also starting to make their way into desktop computing, but are not highly prevalent at this point. As always, technology advances every day, and tomorrow something newer, faster, and generally better will be available, and in all likelihood for less money as well. Technology should be purchased as it is needed, not for the sake of always having the greatest systems. Most early technologies experience growing pains, and early adopters pay heavily for the latest and the greatest. Additionally, the next big thing is always six months away.
Most large computer system builders today such as Dell and Compaq manufacture relatively reliable systems with good warranty coverage, often including on-site repair for several years. Smaller, local system builders can usually readily compete on both price and quality with the larger shops, and can provide the most reliable components as well as comparable service contracts. Local builders can also ensure that the systems that are purchased are designed specifically for the job at hand.
Computer purchases are a major expense, and there is no cure all for every potential computer usage situation. It is necessary to weigh price and performance to provide the best system that will effectively get the job done.
August 27, 2005 10:55 PM posted by J. Michael Cunningham
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