Standard or Casual User

Intel iSeries processor 1.7 or better. The iSeries includes the i3,i5, and i7. The higher end options include the new Extreme iSeries with Sandy Bridge technology that has much improved performance and energy conservation. There are a number of comparision charts of the Intel Core iSeries to help you decide.

4GB of RAM (32-bit OS can only manage 3GB of RAM, but for the investment go with 4)

360GBSATA 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)

Windows 7 Home Premium will most likely be the operating system of choice for standard, or light duty, users, but reporting as high at 10% of the world-wide market, Apple's Mac OS is a strong contender. Dr. Bob, for example, carries a 2011 Mac Air Thin Laptop, running Windows 7 Professional and all the Windows based software he needs, in a VMWare Fusion virtual machine with great performance, giving him the best of both worlds. We are beginning to see more Apple desktops, and particularly laptops in the workplace. Visit www.bobspencer.com/app/apple.htm for more discussion on Macs in the business world.

Data Ports  to include a minimum of 4 USB (version 2.0 is pretty standard, but look for at least one USB 3.0 in the grouping and at least two of the ports should be Powered Ports.) Make sure you have a multi-media port for flash memory sticks and camera flash devices.

High-speed  10/100/1000 Ethernet (pretty standard)

802.11G/N Wireless, depending on LAN connectivity strategy

256-512 MB (on-board) Graphics card with dual DVI interface

High resolution DPI mouse or better and high-quality tactile keyboard - We have lectured heavily this year of the value to upgrade to a quality laser mouse with high resolution, 1000 DPI or better, especially with multiple monitors this will improve productivity and reduce mouse stress.

Estimated Pricing: $650 - $1100

The following brand name options are for example purposes only and not a specific recommendation.

 

Advanced or Power User

Intel iSeries processor 2.0 or better. See note to the left. 

6-8GB of RAM

128-256 Solid State Drive.  SSD drives are becoming much more popular for those wishing the fastest possible access times. Current trend is to use a SSD as the primary boot drive with applications loaded and files used most often, then have a large capacity secondary drive for all other data files.

Plus 1 1TB 7200 SATA fixed drive (primarily for backup and large quantity local file storage)

Windows 7 Professional  is the choice for business or office environment where computers are networked and have heavy data processing requirements. See note to the left.

Minimum of 6-8 USB Ports with a mix of USB 2.0 powered and un-powered and USB 3.0 Superspeed ports. Include a port for multi-media flash memory as well.

Dual 10/100/1000 Ethernet Ports for faster throughput. Depending on your office connectivity you might have an 802.11N/G Wireless port as well.

Dual 512MB, or higher (on-board) Graphics cards with dual DVI interface (total of four monitor ports) This is a real power-user system where the use of multiple monitors is expected.

High resolution 1000 DPI mouse or better and high-quality tactile keyboard, see note to the left.

Estimated Pricing $1200 - $2400

The following brand name options are for example purposes only and not a specific recommendation.