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$ : Belinda Gibson, Training Coordinator


: Freda Smith, General Manager

%& Portable Computers

#& January 29 2003

?
To make the most of the technologies we discussed the other day to provide a quality service to our
customers, it is essential that our training staff be equipped with portable computers which can be used at
client sites.?

Over the next couple of weeks, please investigate the portable computers which would be most
appropriate for our staff, and present your findings in the form of a formal management report. The
selected machine needs to be compatible with the Windows software we are currently using. Other
factors which should be considered when comparing the brands and models include:

á Initial cost;
á Weight and size;
á Screen size;
á Clarity of the screen image;
á RAM and hard disk size;
á Speed of the CPU;
á Battery capability; and
á The availability of on-going service agreements and warranties.

With our training staff so often out at client sites, it would be useful if the machines also had modern
facilities to enable staff to access their email.

Please pass the report to me by the end of the month so I can read it over before discussing your
recommendations with the equipment committee. Let me know if you have any questions.

u

 ?

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$ : Freda Smith, General Manager


: Belinda Gibson, Training Coordinator

%& Portable Computers

#& March 26 2003

?
ere is the report you requested on the use of portable computers for our training staff to use at client
sites.?

Two portable computers were reviewed for this report: the Micro-pro 8500 Series and the ewlett
Packard 3000CTX model 5/233, both suitable for business purposes.

The report has analysed standard features on both computers, taking your specifications into
consideration.

I am confident that with the use of portable computers our training staff will produce a higher standard of
training presentations.

I would be happy to assist with the implementation of the computers for our training staff to use at future
courses.

R



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Table 1: Comparison of two portable computers

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The purpose of this report was to analyse two portable computers and recommend a suitable machine for
training staff to use at client sites.

This report has considered two machines suitable for corporate use that can accommodate modern
facilities such as e-mail, video conferencing and assist staff with training courses.

The ewlett Packard Omnibook 3000CTX model 5/233 is a well made portable computer with a good
size screen and keyboard. For the price of this model you would expect to see more memory, a CD drive
and a Windows based power management set up. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, 'PCs and
Notebooks - Reviews', p.82)

Like the ewlett Packard model the Micro-pro 8500 Series has a good size screen and keyboard but also
comes witha numeric pad. This machine is ideal for the business user who wants usability, comfort and
performance. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, 'PCs and Notebooks - Reviews' , p.81)

After taking both machines into consideration, it is recommended that the Micro-pro 8500 Series would be
the most suitable computer due to its value for money, durability and standard features.
 ?

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The purpose of this report was to analyse two portable computers and recommend a suitable machine for
our training staff to use at client locations.

*+


While investigating these two computers it was important to consider their suitability for corporate use,
standard features, optional benefits and warranties.

*, 

The information used in this report was collected by consulting an independent review by the Australian
PC Authority magazine and contacting the individual companies for additional information on the technical
specifications and warranties on the machines.

*-·   

á Local computer stores did not stock either machine.

á Additional information difficult to locate.
á Software packages included with the machine not specified.

*. 
  

 
  : 'To assume' is to accept as being true without proof. This student has assumed that the Microsoft
Office software will be used, that delays will be minimal and that an extended warranty can be purchased.

*. 
  

It has been assumed that the Microsoft Office software package will be installed on the computers to
ensure our training staff have access to PowerPoint. This program will enable them to present effective
teaching media.

As our staff regularly use computer applications it has been assumed that the implementation of portable
computers will cause little delays for the company.

As most computer companies offer clients an extended warranty, it is assumed that All Purpose Training
Company will have the option to purchase an extended warranty for a period of one year.

*/0


The All Purpose Training Company is a well respected supplier of quality executive training courses for
the business community. The All Purpose Training Company has statewide representation with plans to
expand interstate within the next 12 months.
All Purpose Training Company has a demand to supply new clients with numerous training courses. With
such demands it is crucial that training staff can have computer access for training presentations and be
able to complete day to day operations while mobile.

+* ?

+*
1

.22
 

á Cost: $7895 RRP

á Weight: 4.5 Kg
á Size: (W x D x ) 357 x 275 x 50mm
á Screen size: 15.1"
á Clarity of screen image: Resolution could be higher, set at 1,024 x 768 you can see the pixels,
but very easy on your eyes. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, 'PCs and Notebooks - Reviews,
p. 81)
á RAM: 64 Mb, RAM can be raised to a maximum 128Mb for $1140
á Disk Drive: CD-ROM and 3.5" FDD
á Speed of the CPU: Pentium processor
á Battery capabilities: Lithium-ion battery, smart battery option available. Lithium-ion battery lasts
2.5 hours without smart battery upgrade. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, 'PCs and
Notebooks - Reviews, p. 81)
á Service agreements and warranties: Two year parts and labour warranty

+*+34c0
,2225$6.7+,,

á Cost: $8245 RRP

á Weight: 3.1 Kg
á Size: (W x D x ) 304 x 238 x 47mm
á Screen size: 13.3"
á Clarity of screen image: Resolution is set at 1,024 x 768. Reasonably easy to read... with normal
working conditions. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, 'PCs and Notebooks - Reviews, p. 81)
á RAM: 16Mb, upgrade available, $242 for 16Mb.
á Disk drives: 3.5" FDD, CD-ROM available for $570
á Speed of the CPU: Pentium processor
á Battery capabilities: - 2.5 hours from a lithium-ion battery
á Service agreements and warranties: All ewlett Packard Omnibooks come with a 3 year parts
and labour warranty. (Stephen, 7/5/1998, Telephone Interview, Customer Service Officer, ewlett
Packard Information Centre, ewlett Packard)
?

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The following table summarises the important points of comparison between the two portable computers -
ewlett Packard Omnibook and Micropro 8500 Series.
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There is a RRP difference between the two computers of $350. In order to have the computers ready for
staff use, upgraded memory size would be required on the ewlett Packard model.

,*,8 9

The Micro-pro computer weighs an extra 1.4 Kg. This is substantially heavier, but the Micro-pro is a larger
machine with each dimension larger than the ewlett Packard computer. Micro-pro measures 53W x 37D
x 3 mm larger.

,*-
 9

There is a notable gap between screen sizes. Micro-pro has a 14.1 inch screen compared with ewlett
Packards 13.3 inch screen. When using over long periods a larger screen is preferred to avoid eye strain.

,*.5
  
 

The resolution on both machines is set a 1,024 x 768. Pixels can be seen on the Micro-pro model, while
the Omnibook is reasonably easy to read. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, PCs and Notebooks -
Reviews, p. 81 - 82)

,*/!
 0 9
RAM between the two machines varies greatly. The Australian PC Authority states that the Micro-pro
comes with 64 Mb of RAM standard, with an option of buying the maximum 128 Mb for $1140. They also
state ewlett Packards Omnibook comes with 16 Mb RAM, but as most computer applications require 32
Mb, this extra memory will cost you $242. Both machines come with a standard 3.5" FDD. Only the Micro-
pro machine comes with a CD-ROM drive, you must buy this as an extra for the Omnibook for a cost of
$570. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, PCs and Notebooks - Reviews, p. 81- 82)

,*:
 5c

With 32 Mb of RAM fitted the Omnibook is one of the fastest portable computers the Australian PC
Authority magazine has ever seen, They also found that with 64 Mb RAM the Micro-pro was not
exceptionally quick but for word processing and other office tasks it was quite acceptable.

,*



Both machines come with a standard lithium-ion battery which can support the computers for up to 2.5
hours. The computers come with power management tools that will save battery power. A smart battery
option is available on the Micro-pro for $60. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, PCs and Notebooks -
Reviews, p. 81)

,*
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  4

 

Micro-pro supplies their clients with a two year part and labour warranty, while ewlett Packard supplies a
three year parts and labour warranty. It is assumed that when the machines are purchased a service
agreement will be negotiated with the option to extend the warranty.

-*5   ?

After investigating the ewlett Packard Omnibook 3000CTX 5/233 and the Micro-pro 8500 Series
portable computers, it was found that both models are suitable for corporate use and would meet All
Purpose Training Company requirements.

It is important to consider the long term benefits to the company when considering which computer was
best suited. Apart from initial purchasing expenses, warranty, speed, size and memory were some factors
which have been taken into account. Software suitability was also considered.

The computers had to be easily adaptable for new technology such as e-mail, video conferencing and
presentation aids, for future company requirements.

Both computers are distinct from each other and, although both companies have the corporate user in
mind, Micro-pro appears to be offering an exceptional package.

.*!   

  ?

The findings and conclusion in this report support the following recommendations:
 1. The Micro-pro 8500 Series portable computer is purchased at a rate of one computer per training
staff member.
2. The smart battery option is purchased with each computer; this will assist with heavy workloads
and long training programs.
3. Staff must have e-mail access on their computers to enable them to be in contact with the
company.
4. All Purpose Training Company should negotiate price, warranty and on going service agreements
with Micro-pro direct.
5. To reduce company long term expenses:
‘ The company could investigate the viability of staff leasing the computers
‘ A staff option of buying the computers for personal use after the warranty period expires.
6. Computers should be available to staff after a maximum of 6 weeks.
?

!
 ?

1. j
  j  , April 1998, PCs and Notebooks - Reviews, p. 81 - 82.
2. Micro-pro, 1998, 8500 Series Brochure, Micro-pro Computer (Imports) Pty Ltd, Melbourne,
Australia.
3. Gray, K. 1998, Director, Turnstone Technologies Pty Ltd, Australia.
4. Stephen, 1998, Customer Service Officer, ewlett Packard Information Centre, ewlett Packard,
Australia.
5. Guffey, M. 1997, R


  

  , South - Western College

Publishing, Ohio, USA.
6. Kimberly, N. and Cotesta, P, 1998,  
 , Faculty of Business and Economics,
Monash University, Caulfield, Australia.
7. Distance Education Centre, 1998, R


  
 
, Monash University,

Churchill, Australia.
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