Is your computer long overdue for an upgrade? Before you start shopping, you have some decisions to make: Do you want a desktop computer or an ultra-mobile laptop? A Mac or a PC? Each offers certain advantages for your business. So how do you choose? Well, first you have to know how to size up your options.

 

•    What’s Your Preference: Real Life Stories

•    7 Things to Consider Before You Buy

•    Know These Terms: Computer Glossary

•    Product Guide

 

 

 

What’s Your Preference: Real Life Stories

 

Desktop loyalist. Sandra Paulow, sales associate RE/MAX Pine Country Realty, in Show Low, Ariz., might be considered a traditionalist when it comes to computers. She works comfortably between a pair of Windows desktop systems in her home and company office. When meeting with clients, she carries essential information on a Palm PDA. “I never liked typing on the laptop’s smaller keyboard,” she says. “The laptop also seemed fragile, I worried about breaking it. …When the hard drive suddenly fried one day and I lost everything, I decided I’m going back to a desktop system.” Desktop computers not only have a bigger keyboard comfortable for typing, but they also tend to have more power than a laptop and bigger monitors for viewing documents. Plus, you won’t have to worry as much about someone walking away with your computer when it’s unattended.

 

Mixing and Matching. Broker-owner Harry Disbrow Jr. of BayShore Agency, Tuckerton, N.J., relies on a hybrid solution, combining the mobile advantages of a laptop, with the less restrictive working environment of an office computer. In the field, he carries a Dell Latitude laptop. At home or at one of the company’s two locations, he slips the Latitude into a docking station, transforming it into a desktop system with a 21-inch flat-screen monitor, connected to peripherals. His wife, Diane, company co-owner, has an identical system. “In the past we had different systems for when we travel and for when we’re in the office,” he says. “It was a nightmare trying to keep all the computers synchronized. Now, no matter where I go, I’m working on my computer, using the same system, all the time.” Each Saturday, he updates files between the Latitudes with Symantec’s PCAnywhere Software.  He also copies all data to a hard drive kept at home as a redundant back-up, accessible over the Web. “We’ve got the system we need in place for all our needs, wherever we are,” he says.

 

Portability. Broker Darla McIntosh of Native Homes and Land in Fort Myers, Fla., relies on a Hewlett Packard Tablet PC for creating a mobile office. She’s been so pleased with tablet computing as a real estate solution, she recently purchased her second, the HP Pavillion tx2000, to take advantage of the latest features. “The new model has voice activated commands, which I’ll use to send e-mails or write letters without touching the keyboard,” she says. She also can easily switch between standard laptop and Tablet mode with a twist of the monitor.

She considers the tablet’s ability to capture anything written on its touch-sensitive screen a compelling benefit, too. “I’ve used it to take notes during meetings and to sign it and respond to faxes without printing them out,” McIntosh says. “I’ve also had some clients sign forms on the screen electronically, then e-mailed copies.”

 

Apple or PC? There has been growing momentum in the real estate world over the past two years for Apple’s Macintosh desktop and laptop systems. Specifically, it’s Apple’s adoption of Intel chips that empower its systems to run both operating systems that first draws the interest, which ultimately convinces some to “go Mac.” (See “Mac Tempts PC Users to Make a Switch.”) 

 

Craig Frooninckx, e-Pro, with DPR Realty in Glendale, Ariz., views Apple’s presence in real estate as an emerging trend. “If more real estate agents took a look at a Mac, the ease of use and the kind of marketing materials they can produce on it, it could really start to take off,” he says. He carries a MacBook Pro as his primary system, and keeps a Windows PC in his office for real estate software programs and services that are not compatible. Since the Mac can be equipped to run Windows, he’s considering updating to an iMac in the office as well. “I just like the fact that it works as it should,” he says of his Mac experience.

 

 

7 Things to Consider Before You Buy

 

Want the best match to your computer needs in your next system? Keep these considerations top of mind as you shop.

 

•          Budget. Functional systems, including laptops, now start in the $500 range, so there is a system for you, no matter what your budget. One sure way to extend the useful life of any system is to purchase the best you can afford, whenever you buy.

 

•          Primary use. Let “how” and “where” you work dictate the type of system you buy. Desktop computers tend to be for those who prefer to work in a conventional office. If that’s not you, concentrate on the range of portable solutions.

 

•          Tradeoffs. Unless cost is an incidental concern, you’ll want to opt for some step-up features and settle for less on others. Is the processor speed and hard drive capacity most important? Are you willing to sacrifice screen size or portability for battery life in a laptop? Know your priorities, then compare systems.

 

•          PC or Mac. Ultimately, your choice in operating system will also narrow your choices in hardware. It’s not as easy as saying “Windows” anymore. Vista comes in several flavors, with features directly tied to price. One real estate professional might be adequately served by the Home Basic edition, another may require all the bells and whistles of the Ultimate version. And some may resist, preferring to stay with what they know and trust in Windows XP. Today’s real estate user also shouldn’t overlook Apple’s OS X — which can also run Windows — as an alternative that will allow you to run software in both platforms.

 

•          Sufficient specs. Collectively, the specs of the computer describe the power of the system. In general, the larger the number, the better the performance. Key components include the processor, amount of RAM, size and type of hard drive, type of optical drive, etc. 

 

•          Expandability. Expanding or upgrading your system’s components will also extend its life. It’s not only the ability to upgrade, but how easily it can be accomplished that matters. Expect that you will want to add more RAM, increase hard drive size, and upgrade graphics or wireless at some point. Input and output ports can be as important for connecting peripherals as adding functions.

 

•          Warranty. As fast as technology evolves, consider three years a reasonable lifespan for hardware purchased today. If the manufacturer’s original warranty doesn’t provide replacement/repair coverage for that period, take advantage of an extended service plan that does. If you ever need it, you‘ll be glad you bought it.

 

 

Know These Words: Computer Glossary

 

You’ll want to understand these key terms when shopping for a computer so you’ll have points of comparison. The terms are listed below in order that they usually appear on listed computer specs.

 

Operating system (OS): This is the software at the core of the computer, controlling its functions and the user interface, and determining which software applications it runs.

 

Processor: The central processing unit or CPU is the chip that processes data and makes the calculations that empower computer and software functions. It is rated by its speed, expressed in Gigahertz (GHz). Many computers now have dual core processors, which can process more information while requiring less power than previous generations of chips.

 

RAM: Random Access Memory describes the amount of internal memory available to the processor as it does its work. The more there, the more efficiently the system operates. Look for 1GB RAM, minimum, in new systems. Video RAM (VRAM) is dedicated to processing graphics data for enhanced system display.

 

Hard drive: The internal drive where software applications and user data are stored. Its capacity is expressed in gigabytes. Conventional hard drives have moving parts, while the latest “flash hard drives” do not, take up less space, and require less power to operate.

 

Optical drive: This is a computer drive with a laser capable of reading from/writing to optical CD or DVD disks.

 

Monitor: The computer screen or display. Today’s systems employ some form of flat panel screen, typically an LCD, but LED screens have also started to appear on some high-end notebooks. Monitors are described in terms of screen size and pixel resolution. Widescreen monitors have a 16:9 aspect ratio, which defines the relation of the width of the screen to its height.

 

Input/output ports: The slots or connectors built into a computer system for connecting other devices either by cable or by plugging the device directly into the port. These can include USB and IEEE 1394 (Firewire) ports, media card readers, and ports specially for connecting with some form of external video display.

 

Wireless support: Built-in compatibility with wireless networking solutions, as opposed to Ethernet, which requires a cable connection. Bluetooth is for short range connections (30 to 50 feet) with compatible devices like headsets, printers, and cameras. Wi-Fi a/b/g/n describes compatibility with the Wi-Fi standard for wireless networking, which “n” is the latest standard. Some notebook systems now come prepared for or can be equipped to connect to wireless cellular networks.

 

Product Guide: Computers

 

In the market for a new computer? Check out a sampling of the latest options in desktops, laptops, and ultra-mobiles.

 

 

Vostro 1000

 

Dell Computing

877-755-3355

$439

*Special pricing available for NAR members

 

A no frills but fully functional system for those seeking an inexpensive answer for productivity in the field. This configuration comes loaded with an AMD 1.9GHz dual core processor, 15.4 inch widescreen LCD, 1GB RAM, 80GB hard drive, DVD burner, and Dell Wi-Fi card. Windows XP Home edition is included but upgrade options are available. Weight: 6.26 pounds

 

 

 

Vostro 410 Tower Desktop

 

Dell Computer

888-782-3355

$779

*Special pricing available for NAR members

 

This is the productivity configuration in Dell’s Vostro line for small/home office users. Specifically designed for energy efficiency, the system includes a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 20-inch widescreen flat panel display, 2GB RAM, an 80GB hard drive, and DVD burner. It includes Windows XP Home edition but the operating system and other features can be upgraded.

 

 

 

Aspire 6920

 

Acer Inc.

800-571-2237

$849

 

Its distinctive gemstone blue color and features make this another attractive option for less than $1,000. Pre-loaded with Windows Vista Home Premium, this system has a 1,83GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 3GB RAM, 320GB hard drive, a 16-inch high definition monitor with a 16:9 aspect ratio, integrated Webcam, and a DVD burner. Weight: 7.3 pounds.

 

 

 

Gateway GT5685E

 

Gateway computer

866-380-7353

$899

 

For less than $1,000, this is the top-of-the-line configuration in Gateway’s GT desktop series. Standard system components include the 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 22-inch widescreen high definition display, 4GB RAM, 500GB hard drive, DVD burner, 15-in-1 media card reader and a pair of USB speakers. The system is pre-loaded with Windows Vista Home Premium edition.

 

 

 

LifeBook U810 Mini-Notebook

 

Fujitsu Computer Systems

800-385-4878

$999

 

An alternative to a full-sized notebook, this compact also functions as a Tablet PC. The basic configuration includes an Intel 800MHz processor, 5.6-inch display, 1GB RAM, 40 GB hard drive, Wi-Fi a/b/g, and Bluetooth wireless support, and an integrated fingerprint reader. It is offered with either Windows Vista or XP Tablet edition. Weight: 1.56 pounds

 

 

 

iMac 2.4GHz

 

Apple Computer

800-692-7753

$1,199

 

This is the entry level version of Apple’s all-in-one self contained desktop system. Its aluminum case contains the 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 1GB RAM, and 250GB hard drive. It also boasts a 20-inch widescreen DVD burner, iSight Web cam, stereo speakers, and microphone. The iMac runs Apple OS X Leopard operating system and can also be configured to run Windows XP or Vista with installation of an authorized copy.

 

 

 

Tecra M9

 

Toshiba America

800-316-0920

$1,349 (for M9-S5516X configuration)

 

Designed for durability and productivity, the system has a 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 14.1-inch widescreen display, 1GB RAM, 80GB hard drive DVD burner, and support for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi- a/g/n/. A three-year warranty, covering parts and labor is included. The system comes loaded with Windows XP Professional. Weight: 5.13 pounds.

 

 

 

Toughbook 52

 

Panasonic

800-211-7262

$1,649

 

This desktop replacement system has a magnesium alloy case and shock mounted screen for added durability. It has been tested to resist damage on all sides if dropped up to 2.5 feet. System specifications include an 1.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 1GB RAM, 80GB hard drive, spill resistant keyboard, and 15.4-inch screen. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi a/b/g support is built in. The system has a wireless ready design easily upgraded for wireless cellular networks. Weight: 7.3 pounds

 

 

 

HP Compaq 2710P  

 

Hewlett Packard

800-888-0262

$1,679

 

The design and touch-sensitive screen of this model equip it for double duty as a standard notebook or Tablet PC. Loaded with Windows Vista Business edition, it features an Intel Core 2 Duo 1.2GHz processor, 2GB RAM, 80GB hard drive, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi a/b/g support. The 12.1-inch screen twists to covert between notebook and Tablet mode. You can enter data by typing on its full-sized keyboard or by writing on the tablet screen with an electronic stylus. Weight: 3.7 pounds

 

 

 

VAIO VGN-TZ250N/B

 

Sony Electronics

877-865-7669

$2,199

 

You can carry a smaller computer, without giving up portable productivity with a compact like this. A carbon fiber case protects its internal components, including a 1.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB RAM, 100GB processor, 11.1-inch thin panel LCD display, 1.3 megapixel Webcam, and biometric fingerprint reader. There is built in support for Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth, and Sprint’s Mobile Broadband wireless network. Weight: 2.65 pounds

 

 

 

MacBook Pro 2.5GHz/15-inch

 

Apple Computer

800-692-7753

$2,599

 

This is the mid-level configuration of Apple’s MacBook Pro notebook for business users. It runs Apple OS X Leopard, which can also run an authorized version of Windows XP or Vista and compatible applications. The system comes with a 2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB RAM, 250GB hard drive, DVD burner, 15.4-inch widescreen display, and a built-in camera. It has a full-sized keyboard with Multi-Touch track pad. Support for Wi-Fi b/g/n and Bluetooth is built in. Weight: 5.3 pounds

 

 

 

 

Thinkpad x300

 

Lenovo

866-968-4465

$3,225

*Special pricing available for NAR members

 

Innovative features of this ultra-portable include a 64GB solid state flash hard drive and a 13.3-inch widescreen display. Loaded with Windows Vista Business, it also has a 1.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 1GB RAM, integrated camera, GPS navigation capability, integrated fingerprint reader, and support for Wi-Fi a/g/n. The case is made of carbon glass fiber and the system is designed to protect internal hardware against damage when dropped. Weight: 2.9 pounds