So, which system will it be -- Mac or PC ? If low-cost computing is your foremost concern, then buy PCs. Otherwise, the choice is a matter of personal taste. Try out both systems and decide which you and your employees prefer.
* * *
Features
The purchase of a computer involves a series of decisions on features and peripherals. They include the processing chip that powers the machine, various media for storing information, a keyboard, a monitor, a printer, a modem, and more. The sum of all these items determines the capabilities of the computer -- what kinds of tasks it will be able to perform and at what speed.
Most computers come with a keyboard included in the package. Keyboards have become fairly standardized; the biggest difference between models is often the feel of the keys as you type. Ask employees to try out several keyboards before you buy.
* * *
Random Access Memory (RAM): Memory resides in several different places. RAM is the memory unit that stores programs and files you are actively using.
The amount of RAM in your computer will help determine the sophistication of the work you can do. RAM is measured in megabytes (MB), or millions of bytes; 1 megabyte can store about a 600-page novel. That's a lot of storage, to be sure, but many of the most sophisticated programs use a megabyte or more of memory. If your computer doesn't have sufficient memory, it can't run the program.
How many megabytes should you get? You'll be safe with 2 megabytes for most business applications, but you'll need 4 megabytes for the most sophisticated applications, such as desktop publishing. If you have a particular piece of software in mind, your dealer can tell you how large a RAM you'll need. If in doubt, err on the side of buying more RAM; at $50 to $75 per megabyte, it's a relatively inexpensive upgrade.
* * *
Hard Disk Drives: Another magnetic storage medium is the hard disk drive. It is used for permanent storage of programs and files. Hard disk drives come in many capacities, typically 20, 40, 80, and 100 megabytes. The most common is the 40-megabyte drive, which provides sufficient capacity for average business applications. In typical use, DOS, Windows, and a half dozen other programs take up about 6 megabytes of hard disk storage, leaving 34 megabytes for the files you create. That's plenty of storage, especially if you routinely erase old files you won't need again. However, if you plan to keep big databases, it might be worthwhile to upgrade to a 80-megabyte hard disk.
* * *
Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU is the "brains" directing the flow of work within a computer. When a salesperson asks whether you want a 286 or a 386 machine, he or she is referring to the power of the microprocessor, the tiny chip that forms the core of the CPU.
Most CPUs come in several speeds, given in megahertz (MHz), or millions of clock ticks per second. Typical speeds are 8, 12, 16, and 20 MHz or more. Within a CPU type, the higher the megahertz rating, the faster the computer performs its tasks. Speed is important in many applications that require large amounts of computation, such as the manipulation of a large customer database. What type of machine do you need?
* 8088 and 8086 microprocessors: Computers with these chips are tempting to buy because of their low price -- $750 or so for CPU, monitor, and keyboard. But they are old, slow, and obsolete. They can't handle more than 640 kilobytes of memory, a serious limitation, and cannot run the new Windows or OS/2 programs. They are still acceptable for such basic tasks as letter writing and data entry, but their inability to handle advanced software limits their usefulness. If you already have a few of these machines, they are not worth the cost of repairs if they break.
* 80286 ("286") microprocessors: These machines follow the design of the IBM PC/AT and can typically handle 4 megabytes of memory. They are adequate for most business applications and can run the current versions of Windows and OS/2, provided they have at least 2 megabytes of memory and a CPU with at least 12-MHz speed. Basic computers with 286 chips, complete with hard disk drive and keyboard and monochrome monitor, sell for $900 to $1,400.
But 286 machines are no longer a wise purchase for companies whose computational needs are growing. New versions of software based on Windows and OS/2 that are due in the coming months will not run on a 286 machine. Generally, when the newest and most sophisticated software cannot run on a particular class of computer, its obsolescence as a product is assured.
The comparable product in the Macintosh arena is the Mac Classic. It can run most Mac software. Its main drawbacks are its slow speed and small screen. The Mac Classic sells for about $1,200 and can accept up to 4 megabytes of RAM.
* 80386SX or 386SX microprocessor: These are the minimum recommended for business. They can run all software effectively, including the present and the next versions of Windows and OS/2, provided you get at least 2 megabytes of memory. Prices are very attractive, beginning at $875 to $1,500 with a monochrome display, $1,125 to about $2,500 for color. 386SX machines come in three speeds: 16 MHz, 20 MHz, and 25 MHz, with a spread of about $200 between the 16- and 25-MHz models. The 16-MHz model should be adequate unless you will be manipulating large amounts of data. The equivalent Mac is the LC, which costs about $1,900 with a monochrome monitor, $2,100 with color.
* 80386 or 386 microprocessors: The 386 chip is sometimes called the 386DX to distinguish it from the 386SX. These are medium- to high-performance computers, capable of handling all Windows and OS/2 software well. The 386 machines come in three main speeds: 25 MHz, 33 MHz, and 40 MHz. It's best to buy these models with at least 4 megabytes of RAM.
Many manufacturers now boast that their computers come with what's called "cache memory," a section of the RAM set aside to store information that is frequently accessed. A 386 machine can get a speed boost of roughly 20% with a cache, which costs from $100 to $250.
