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Portable computer Use at client sites

Prepared for Freda Smith, general manager
by Belinda Gibson, training coordinator
March, 1998
All purpose training company

MEMORANDUM
To: Belinda Gibson, Training Coordinator
From: Freda Smith, General Manager
Subject: Portable Computers
Date: January 29 2003

To make the most of the technologies we discussed the other day to provide a quality service to our
customers, it is essential that our training staff be equipped with portable computers which can be used at
client sites.
Over the next couple of weeks, please investigate the portable computers which would be most
appropriate for our staff, and present your findings in the form of a formal management report. The
selected machine needs to be compatible with the Windows software we are currently using. Other
factors which should be considered when comparing the brands and models include:

Initial cost;
Weight and size;
Screen size;
Clarity of the screen image;
RAM and hard disk size;
Speed of the CPU;
Battery capability; and
The availability of on-going service agreements and warranties.

With our training staff so often out at client sites, it would be useful if the machines also had modern
facilities to enable staff to access their email.

Please pass the report to me by the end of the month so I can read it over before discussing your
recommendations with the equipment committee. Let me know if you have any questions.
Freda

MEMORANDUM
To: Freda Smith, General Manager
From: Belinda Gibson, Training Coordinator
Subject: Portable Computers
Date: March 26 2003

Here is the report you requested on the use of portable computers for our training staff to use at client
sites.
Two portable computers were reviewed for this report: the Micro-pro 8500 Series and the Hewlett
Packard 3000CTX model 5/233, both suitable for business purposes.
The report has analysed standard features on both computers, taking your specifications into
consideration.
I am confident that with the use of portable computers our training staff will produce a higher standard of
training presentations.
I would be happy to assist with the implementation of the computers for our training staff to use at future
courses.
Belinda Gibson

Table of contents
Memo of authorisation

Memo of transmittal

ii

List of tables

iv

Executive summary

1 Introduction

1.1 Purpose

1.2 Scope

1.3 Method

1.4 Limitations

1.5 Assumptions

1.6 Background

2 Findings

2.1 Micro-pro 8500 Series

2.2 Hewlett Packard 3000CTX 5/233

3 Discussion

3.1 Comparison of computers

3.2 Initial cost

3.3 Weight and size

3.4 Screen size

3.5 Clarity of screen image

3.6 RAM and hard disk size

3.7 Speed of the CPU

3.8 Battery capability

3.9 Service agreements and warranties

4 Conclusion

5 Recommendations and implementation

References

List of tables
Table 1: Comparison of two portable computers

Executive summary
The purpose of this report was to analyse two portable computers and recommend a suitable machine for
training staff to use at client sites.
This report has considered two machines suitable for corporate use that can accommodate modern
facilities such as e-mail, video conferencing and assist staff with training courses.
The Hewlett Packard Omnibook 3000CTX model 5/233 is a well made portable computer with a good
size screen and keyboard. For the price of this model you would expect to see more memory, a CD drive
and a Windows based power management set up. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, 'PCs and
Notebooks - Reviews', p.82)
Like the Hewlett Packard model the Micro-pro 8500 Series has a good size screen and keyboard but also
comes witha numeric pad. This machine is ideal for the business user who wants usability, comfort and
performance. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, 'PCs and Notebooks - Reviews' , p.81)
After taking both machines into consideration, it is recommended that the Micro-pro 8500 Series would be
the most suitable computer due to its value for money, durability and standard features.

1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this report was to analyse two portable computers and recommend a suitable machine for
our training staff to use at client locations.

1.2 Scope
While investigating these two computers it was important to consider their suitability for corporate use,
standard features, optional benefits and warranties.

1.3 Method
The information used in this report was collected by consulting an independent review by the Australian
PC Authority magazine and contacting the individual companies for additional information on the technical
specifications and warranties on the machines.

1.4 Limitations

Local computer stores did not stock either machine.

Additional information difficult to locate.
Software packages included with the machine not specified.

1.5 Assumptions
It has been assumed that the Microsoft Office software package will be installed on the computers to
ensure our training staff have access to PowerPoint. This program will enable them to present effective
teaching media.
As our staff regularly use computer applications it has been assumed that the implementation of portable
computers will cause little delays for the company.
As most computer companies offer clients an extended warranty, it is assumed that All Purpose Training
Company will have the option to purchase an extended warranty for a period of one year.

1.6 Background
The All Purpose Training Company is a well respected supplier of quality executive training courses for
the business community. The All Purpose Training Company has statewide representation with plans to
expand interstate within the next 12 months.
All Purpose Training Company has a demand to supply new clients with numerous training courses. With
such demands it is crucial that training staff can have computer access for training presentations and be
able to complete day to day operations while mobile.

2. Findings
2.1 Micro-pro 8500 Series

Cost: $7895 RRP

Weight: 4.5 Kg
Size: (W x D x H) 357 x 275 x 50mm
Screen size: 15.1"
Clarity of screen image: Resolution could be higher, set at 1,024 x 768 you can see the pixels,
but very easy on your eyes. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, 'PCs and Notebooks - Reviews,
p. 81)
RAM: 64 Mb, RAM can be raised to a maximum 128Mb for $1140
Disk Drive: CD-ROM and 3.5" FDD
Speed of the CPU: Pentium processor
Battery capabilities: Lithium-ion battery, smart battery option available. Lithium-ion battery lasts
2.5 hours without smart battery upgrade. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, 'PCs and
Notebooks - Reviews, p. 81)
Service agreements and warranties: Two year parts and labour warranty

2.2 Hewlett Packard 3000CTX 5/233

Cost: $8245 RRP

Weight: 3.1 Kg
Size: (W x D x H) 304 x 238 x 47mm
Screen size: 13.3"
Clarity of screen image: Resolution is set at 1,024 x 768. Reasonably easy to read... with normal
working conditions. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, 'PCs and Notebooks - Reviews, p. 81)
RAM: 16Mb, upgrade available, $242 for 16Mb.
Disk drives: 3.5" FDD, CD-ROM available for $570
Speed of the CPU: Pentium processor
Battery capabilities: - 2.5 hours from a lithium-ion battery
Service agreements and warranties: All Hewlett Packard Omnibooks come with a 3 year parts
and labour warranty. (Stephen, 7/5/1998, Telephone Interview, Customer Service Officer, Hewlett
Packard Information Centre, Hewlett Packard)

3 Discussion
3.1 Comparison of computers
The following table summarises the important points of comparison between the two portable computers Hewlett Packard Omnibook and Micropro 8500 Series.

Table 1: Comparison of two portable computers

Hewlett Packard Omnibook

Micropro 8500 Series

Initial cost

$8245

$7895

Weight

3.1 Kg

4.5 Kg

304 x 238 x 47mm

357 x 275 x 50mm

Screen Size

13.3"

15.1"

RAM

16 Mb

64 Mb

2.5 Hours

2.5 Hours

3 Years

2 Years

Size (Dimensions WxDxH)

Battery Time

Warranty Period

3.2 Initial cost

There is a RRP difference between the two computers of $350. In order to have the computers ready for
staff use, upgraded memory size would be required on the Hewlett Packard model.

3.3 Weight and size

The Micro-pro computer weighs an extra 1.4 Kg. This is substantially heavier, but the Micro-pro is a larger
machine with each dimension larger than the Hewlett Packard computer. Micro-pro measures 53W x 37D
x 3H mm larger.

3.4 Screen size

There is a notable gap between screen sizes. Micro-pro has a 14.1 inch screen compared with Hewlett
Packards 13.3 inch screen. When using over long periods a larger screen is preferred to avoid eye strain.

3.5 Clarity of screen image

The resolution on both machines is set a 1,024 x 768. Pixels can be seen on the Micro-pro model, while
the Omnibook is reasonably easy to read. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, PCs and Notebooks Reviews, p. 81 - 82)

3.6 RAM and hard disk size

RAM between the two machines varies greatly. The Australian PC Authority states that the Micro-pro
comes with 64 Mb of RAM standard, with an option of buying the maximum 128 Mb for $1140. They also
state Hewlett Packards Omnibook comes with 16 Mb RAM, but as most computer applications require 32

Mb, this extra memorywill cost you $242. Both machines come with a standard 3.5" FDD. Only the Micropro machine comes with a CD-ROM drive, you must buy this as an extra for the Omnibook for a cost of
$570. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, PCs and Notebooks - Reviews, p. 81- 82)

3.7 Speed of the CPU

With 32 Mb of RAM fitted the Omnibook is one of the fastest portable computers the Australian PC
Authority magazine has ever seen, They also found that with 64 Mb RAM the Micro-pro was not
exceptionally quick but for word processing and other office tasks it was quite acceptable.

3.8 Battery capability

Both machines come with a standard lithium-ion battery which can support the computers for up to 2.5
hours. The computers come with power management tools that will save battery power. A smart battery
option is available on the Micro-pro for $60. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, PCs and Notebooks Reviews, p. 81)

3.9 Service agreements and warranties

Micro-pro supplies their clients with a two year part and labour warranty, while Hewlett Packard supplies a
three year parts and labour warranty. It is assumed that when the machines are purchased a service
agreement will be negotiated with the option to extend the warranty.

4. Conclusion
After investigating the Hewlett Packard Omnibook 3000CTX 5/233 and the Micro-pro 8500 Series
portable computers, it was found that both models are suitable for corporate use and would meet All
Purpose Training Company requirements.
It is important to consider the long term benefits to the company when considering which computer was
best suited. Apart from initial purchasing expenses, warranty, speed, size and memory were some factors
which have been taken into account. Software suitability was also considered.
The computers had to be easily adaptable for new technology such as e-mail, video conferencing and
presentation aids, for future company requirements.
Both computers are distinct from each other and, although both companies have the corporate user in
mind, Micro-pro appears to be offering an exceptional package.

5. Recommendations and implementation

The findings and conclusion in this report support the following recommendations:
1. The Micro-pro 8500 Series portable computer is purchased at a rate of one computer per training
staff member.

2. The smart battery option is purchased with each computer; this will assist with heavy workloads
and long training programs.
3. Staff must have e-mail access on their computers to enable them to be in contact with the
company.
4. All Purpose Training Company should negotiate price, warranty and on going service agreements
with Micro-pro direct.
5. To reduce company long term expenses:
o The company could investigate the viability of staff leasing the computers
o A staff option of buying the computers for personal use after the warranty period expires.
6. Computers should be available to staff after a maximum of 6 weeks.

References
1. Australian PC Authority, April 1998, PCs and Notebooks - Reviews, p. 81 - 82.
2. Micro-pro, 1998, 8500 Series Brochure, Micro-pro Computer (Imports) Pty Ltd, Melbourne,
Australia.
3. Gray, K. 1998, Director, Turnstone Technologies Pty Ltd, Australia.
4. Stephen, 1998, Customer Service Officer, Hewlett Packard Information Centre, Hewlett Packard,
Australia.
5. Guffey, M. 1997, Business Communication: Process and Product, South - Western College
Publishing, Ohio, USA.
6. Kimberly, N. and Cotesta, P, 1998, Student Q Manual, Faculty of Business and Economics,
Monash University, Caulfield, Australia.
7. Distance Education Centre, 1998, Business Communication Subject Guide, Monash University,
Churchill, Australia.