QAs

MI 375 - Computer Purchases (50 points) Individual Assignment (see Moodle course page for due date)

In each of the scenarios listed below, you are asked to help select a computing device to purchase, as well as two applications for each type of computing device. The first computing device should be a desktop, laptop, netbook, or all-in-one. The second computing device is a tablet. You are also to help them determine if they should purchase the first device (desktop/laptop/netbook) or if they should purchase the second device, the tablet. You will choose one scenario from the options below.

In selecting the best devices, you want to buy the most possible features for the amount of money that has been allocated for the purchase – essentially, the best value. Based upon the needs of the people in each situation, help him/her/them find a computer to purchase. You will need to consider required RAM, hard drive size, speed, storage media (e.g., flash, USB ports, DVD or DVD-RW), as well as the applications he/she will want to run. You may want to consider factory refurbished machines as well as new ones.

Find devices to recommend for your selected scenario. Use the Recommendation Form to provide details of the products you have selected (i.e., RAM, speed, storage media, hard drive size, etc.). Also, suggest two applications that he/she should purchase for each recommended device based upon his/her plans for it. (You will need to consider application requirements when choosing the computer.) Then, explain your recommendations in the area indicated and suggest which items should be purchased now and which ones should be purchased later. Assume that the devices come with an operating system and the Microsoft Office suite pre-installed; if you are ordering online, assume that you will receive free shipping. You may want to consider open source/free applications. Provide the location or site addresses of the products chosen (hardware and software).

There can be more than one correct response. I am looking for your justification of the decision, which will demonstrate your understanding of how to choose a computer and what you need to consider. You will need to search the Web for your recommendations.

Deliverables:

Complete the Recommendation Form for your selected scenario. (You will fill in the form using Word and upload it to Moodle.)

Select one scenario listed below. Keep in mind that you are purchasing for the future as well as today!

Scenario 1

You work at a firm having clients scattered throughout the tri-state region. Your company has 5 employees who spend approximately 80% of their time at clients' offices. You have been asked to buy computers for these five employees. However, the company is not sure whether they should buy a traditional computer or a tablet. The company does not want to spend over $800 for each computer/software purchase (i.e., a total budget of $4,000 to make the purchases for the 5 employees). The company will, however, spend more if the extra expenses are justified. The president of the company wants the computers to last approximately 5 years. The employees will be making presentations to clients as well as writing reports and memos. They will also need to use one

other piece of productivity software based upon the type of company. Thus, if it is a CPA firm, they will choose accounting software; a financial firm may use a finance package or statistical package, etc. They are not sure whether they should buy (a) laptops, desktops, or netbooks, or (b) tablets. You are to help them make this decision. In the answer sheet:

a. Compare two laptops or two desktops or two netbooks and select the best one. b. Compare two tablets and select the best one. c. Suggest two applications to run on your selection for (a). d. Suggest two applications to run on your selection for (b). *** At least one program and one app should be specific to the industry chosen. For instance, the CPA firm needs one accounting-oriented program. Keep in mind that the operating system and Microsoft Office are pre-installed.

Scenario 2

Your friend is a young married person on a tight budget. He would like to buy a computer for word processing, accessing the Internet, daily home budgeting, and to run educational programs for his four year old son. (He would like to find something that would keep his son entertained on long car trips, if possible.) He has $600 to spend on this purchase. He may have to buy the software later.

Since computers become out-of-date quickly, he would like to buy a product that will last about five years. Thus, he does not have to have the absolute best product. You may have to include the software costs in the items to be "Purchased Later" if he does not have enough money to purchase the software now. (You can look up age-appropriate children’s software.)

They are not sure whether they should buy (a) a laptop, desktop, netbook, or (b) a tablet. You are to help them make this decision. In the answer sheet:

a. Compare two laptops or two desktops or two netbooks and select the best one. b. Compare two tablets and select the best one. c. Suggest two applications to run on your selection for (a). d. Suggest two apps to run on your selection for (b). *** At least one program and one app should be for productivity and one for their son. Keep in mind that the operating system and Microsoft Office are pre-installed.

Scenario 3

A friend at an out-of-state college is about to graduate. She has the same major and minor as you do, and wishes to go into the same career. She has been given $1,100 to use to purchase a computer, and has spent $200 of that gift on a scanner and headset. She would like to purchase a device that will last her about three to five years. She likes to buy and mix music and she wants a program that will help with her specific intended career. Based upon her intended career and interests, what do you recommend? She is not sure whether she should buy (a) a laptop, desktop, or netbook, or (b) a tablet. You are to help her make this decision. In the answer sheet:

a. Compare two laptops or two desktops or two netbooks and select the best one. b. Compare two tablets and select the best one. c. Suggest two applications to run on your selection for (a). d. Suggest two apps to run on your selection for (b). *** At least one program and one app should be for productivity. Keep in mind, MS-Office is pre-installed.