Computer Upgrade
We are upgrading our computer systems.
Critical components
Input devices: monitor and keyboard.
The keyboard and the monitor are the single most
important components of a machine--the practical
usability is entirely dependent on these channels
of accessibility. Together these compromise the
most microscopic of investments, the primary
ones devoted to the computing machine itself,
but they are the final evaluator of human
satisfaction and the worth of the machine.
- NEC AccuSync AS90 19/18" monitor,
1600x1200 @ 76Hz, .26mm dot pitch.
$205 (ClubMac #814435).
$205 (MacMall #814435).
- NEC/Mitsubishi MultiSync FE990 19/18"
flat-screen monitor, 1792x1344 @ 68Hz,
.20-24mm dot pitch.
$249 (MacMall #452571).
- NEC MultiSync FP955 19/18"
flat-screen monitor, 1920x1440 @ 73Hz,
.24mm grille pitch (Macworld 2002,
New York City, Best of Show).
$353 (ClubMac #948444).
$349 (MacMall #948444).
http://www.macmall.com/macmall/shop/detail.asp?dpno=948444
(available with SpectraView, FP955-SV)
- New computers include keyboards. The DataDesk
SmartBoard is an alternative
Software
Software is often sold at discount with new computers.
Buyers are more satisfied that they can do more, and
that they have gotten a good deal. Computer companies
are happy that they can attract more customers. Software
publishers are glad to sell more software.
- Adobe InDesign 2.0.
(http://www.apple.com/promo/designfreely/ Free InDesign
with a Power Mac G4)
- Microsoft Office X for Mac OS X. $188.99 with
purchase of any Apple computer. (ClubMac #660562).
(MacMall #660562).
Network
A computer is not an island. Connectivity--to the
Internet, other computers, printers, and yourself--is
essential. Cables and switches and connectors and screens
are hookups that allow your computer to exist "outside
the box."
- Asante FS5008 8-port 10/100 ethernet switch.
$71.99 (ClubMac #851912).
$59.99 (MacMall #851912).
- ABL CAT5 RJ-45 ethernet cable,
7-ft, $6.99.
(MacMall #898558).
- ABL CAT5 RJ-45 ethernet cable,
50-ft, $21.99.
(MacMall #898568).
Storage
Storage is essential, and critically essential.
- Seagate Barracuda IV ATA/100, 80 GB, 7200 RPM,
600,000-hour MTBF (mean time between failures).
$113.99 (ClubMac #797415).
$113.99 (MacMall #797415).
Computer system
The computer itself should be good, very good.
- Apple 867 MHz DP G4, 256 MB plus 516 MB free
(with $39.99 installation fee; worth $179.99).
$1,694 (ClubMac #664358).
$1,694 (MacMall #664358).