K2 Enterprises
Technology Best Practices Recommendations for Desktops
An Independent Review of Today's Top Hardware for Business
This Site is a K2 Enterprises sponsored site primarily intended to augment our educational seminars.
Those looking for independent information are welcome to review content and contact us if you have questions or need help.
Randy Johnston Editor-In-Charge - Dr. Bob Spencer Editor-At-Large
For more information please contact:  Randy Johnston
Network Management Group Inc.
324 East Fourth Avenue
Hutchinson, KS  67501
(620) 664-6000  Fax: (620) 669-8302
Network Management Group - Technical Recommendations
 
Opening Page Laptops Monitors Servers Printers Scanners Other


Our first goal here is to define what we consider to be an appropriate configuration based on the two most common types of users. First, the standard or office user. This configuration will easily fit the casual user as well, who primarily uses a single, or limited applications and mostly does e-mail, runs reports and does research or regular posting of general accounting transactions.  The Advanced, or Power User as they are sometimes referred to, tends to look for more powerful solutions for either personal reward, gaming, or high-graphical intense applications.  With minor variations the vast majority of all users will fall into one of the classifications.


Standard or Casual User *

Advanced or Power User *

Intel or AMD Dual-core processor 2.2Ghz or better
2-4GB of RAM (3 for 32-bit OS, 4 for 64-OS installs, if in doubt, go with 4)
80-250GB  SATA fixed disk drive 7200 RPM minimum (this is the speed the disk turns. The faster the speed, the quicker your data is stored and accessed)
OS (Windows Vista with appropriate upgrading of applications software is still a wise and easy business choice. However, for many single purpose workstations, such as inventory receiving, Linux is a very acceptable OS. Also, Apple Mac OS X works fine in many areas where Windows compatible software is not required, or using a Virtual Machine running a Windows OS where application compatibility is an issue.)
Minimum of 4
USB (version 2.0 is most popular, but version 3.0 was released to Intel in August 2008)
Multi-media ports for flash memory
High-speed 1GB Ethernet
802.11G Wireless, depending on LAN connectivity strategy
256MB (on-board) Graphics card with dual DVI interface
High resolution 1600 DPI mouse or better and high-quality tactile keyboard

Estimated Pricing:  $800 - $1600

Intel or AMD Dual-core processor 3.0Ghz or better (Quad-core for high graphics demand)
4-8GB of RAM (64-OS installs)
150-500GB  SATA fixed disk drive
10,000/15,0000 RPM
Plus  1 1TB 7200 SATA fixed drive (primarily for backup and large quantity local file storage)
OS (Windows Vista with appropriate upgrading of applications software is still a wise and easy business choice. However, for many single purpose workstations, such as inventory receiving, Linux is a very acceptable OS. Also, Apple Mac OS X works fine in many areas where Windows compatible software is not required, or using a Virtual Machine running a Windows OS where application compatibility is an issue.)
Minimum of 6-8
USB (version 2.0 is most popular, but version 3.0 was released to Intel in August 2008)
Multi-media ports for flash memory
High-speed 1GB Ethernet
802.11G Wireless, depending on LAN connectivity strategy
Dual 384MB, or higher (on-board) Graphics card with dual DVI interface (total of four monitor ports)
High resolution 1600 DPI mouse or better and high-quality tactile keyboard

Estimated Pricing $1600 - $2400 (High-end augmented systems up to $4400)
HP Personal Workstations  or HP 7000 Series Desktop PCs HP xw6600 Workstation or HP xw8600 Workstation
Dell Precision T3400 Workstation Dell Precision T5400 Workstation or Dell Precision T7400 Workstation
Lenovo ThinkCentre M Series Lenovo ThinkStation S10
 

Thin Client Solutions

HP All-in-one Thin client

Both models listed above are classic tower configuration with front access to USB and flash memory ports. It should be noted that Thin Workstations are gaining popularity again and may be considered in larger organizations as viable solutions. There is not a lot of differences currently in the Thin Client configuration from the standard configuration above with the exception that the internal fixed disk has a smaller capacity or may be entirely solid state memory (flash.)  The footprint of the Thin Client is migrating to an all-in-one where the unit is self contained and may include the monitor as well.  The OS of the Thin Client may be Windows XPe or Linux and may boot to a Virtual Server via boot ROM without any internal application space at all. Models are available from Hewlett-Packard or the Lenovo IBM NetVista line of Thin Clients.

   

* Some augmentation of manufacturers listed products may be required to meet recommended specifications noted above. 

The information provided herein is not warranted in anyway and is subject to change without notice. We recommend that you confirm information contained herein with the appropriate manufacturer or reseller.

 

Site design 2008 by Digital Inke  www.digitalinke.com - Search Engine Management by www.spencersem.com