NCompass Live: Computers: What to Know Before You Buy

Computers: What to Know Before You Buy Diane Wells & Michael Sauers Nebraska Library Commission NCompass Live 4 March 2009

Desktop recommendations

Processor

Intel Core™2 Duo or Core™2 Quad or compatible. Processor clock speed: 2.40 GHz or higher.

CPU Comparisons (from Tom's Hardware)

Operating system

For workstations, the Library Commission recommends Microsoft Windows Vista Business or Ultimate edition.

The 64-Bit version of Windows is a reasonable option. Check your mission-critical software for compatibility issues.

Vista Versions

Memory (ram)

2GB minimum, 4GB if feasible

(more is better, but 32-bit workstations can only fully utilize approximately 3.5GB)

Hard drive

120 GB or larger

Monitor

17 inch or larger LCD

Video

If the workstation will be used for gaming or Second Life, be sure to specify a compatible video card.

Video Benchmarks (Tom's Hardware)

Second Life System Requirements

Sound

Be sure to include speakers and/or headphones as appropriate.

Microphones are not a bad idea any more.

Removable Media

DVD-RW

DVD - Specifications, Terminology, History, etc. (from Wikipedia)

Have plenty of USB ports on the front of the computer.

You really don’t need floppy drives any more.

Media Reader/writer

Provides access to memory cards from cameras and other portable devices.

Keyboard and Mouse

Keyboard and mouse may use either PS/2 or USB ports. If you are planning on re-using an existing keyboard or mouse, be sure your new computer includes the necessary ports or adapters.

Note: the same caution applies to barcode readers, trackballs, and other input devices.

Network Card

Gigabit Ethernet card

Printer

Ink-jet or laser printer

[Higher resolutions are better: 600 dots per inch is better than 300 dpi, for example. Higher pages per minute ratings are better: 8 ppm is better than 4 ppm, for example.]

A 24-pin dot matrix print may be required for continuous feed forms.

Laptop recommendations

General considerations

Weight

screen size

battery life (# of cells)

keyboard touch & size

also a bag to carry it in and its accessories.

Wifi

802.11b/g or 802.11b/g/n integrated wireless network card.

How Stuff Works: WiFi

Optical Drive

Laptops generally come with at least DVD/CD-RW drives at a minimum; extremely light-weight laptops may not include an optical drive.

Consider having a USB optical drive available for laptops that don’t include one.

Odds & Ends

Support & warranties

Purchasing a technical support agreement is up to the user depending on cost and how much the user feels they will need help.

Warranties are recommended on mobile workstations tend to take some abuse during travel. If you are especially hard on such equipment, check out your options for "no-fault" warranties that will repair or replace your laptop no matter how your laptop was damaged.

Software

The Nebraska Department of Education negotiated a contract for purchase of Microsoft software products with Softchoice located in St. Louis, Missouri. Interested public libraries and school media centers should contact them for pricing and availability.

TechSoup Stock now serves U.S. public libraries . TechSoup Stock connects nonprofits with donated and discounted technology products in the supportive environment of the TechSoup Website. Choose from over 240 products from the 25 providers including Cisco and Microsoft.

Additional resources