Denise Spurlock
February 7, 2004
EVOC 519 – WR2 Computer Hardware Report
The purpose of this assignment was to research, then compare and contrast a Windows-based personal computer and a Macintosh computer, either two desktop models or two notebook models, and to make a recommendation for purchased based on the system’s ability to support the software selected for use in WR1 Computer Software Report. The software I selected included Microsoft Office (office productivity software), ExamView (test generation software), and GamePak Interactive (game application).
I find that more and more often I use my notebook, rather than my desktop. Based on that, I chose to compare two notebook computers classified as desktop-replacement models. In checking the reviews at cnet.com and zdnet.com, I found only two Macintosh models identified and chose the Apple 15-inch PowerBook G4. There are so many Windows-based personal computers that I decided to go with IBM, the first manufacturer of personal computers, and chose the IBM ThinkPad R50.
Following is a summary chart of the minimum system requirements necessary to support the software selected:
|
Platform |
Operating System |
Processor |
Hard Drive Space (Total) |
Random Access Memory (RAM) |
Peripherals |
|
Windows |
Windows 2000 with Service Pac 3 or Windows XP |
Intel Pentium 233 MHz or faster (Pentium III recommended) |
276 MB |
128 MB |
VGA monitor, CD-ROM or DVD drive |
|
Macintosh |
Apple MacOS X 10.1 or later |
PowerPC G3 |
106 MB |
128 MB |
VGA monitor, CD-ROM, mouse or compatible device |
Both systems easily meet the minimum requirements for the software as shown in the following table:
|
System |
Operating System |
Processor |
Hard Drive Space (Total) |
Random Access Memory (RAM) |
Peripherals |
|
IBM ThinkPad R50 |
Windows XP Professional |
Intel Pentium M 1.5 GHz |
60 GB |
2 GB |
14.1 inch TFT active matrix, DVD/CD-RW combo drive |
|
Apple PowerBook G4 |
Apple MacOS X 10.2.8 |
PowerPC G4 1.25 GHz |
80 GB |
512 MB, up to 2 GB |
15.2 inch TFT active matrix, DVD/R |
In addition to the hardware specifications, I also looked at price, weight, and the ranking given to the system by the editors at cnet.com. The ThinkPad R50 retails for a minimum of $2,049, while the PowerBook G4 is somewhat more expensive at a minimum of $2,379. The ThinkPad weighed in at 6.8 pounds and the PowerBook at 5.5 pounds. Both received a rating of 8.1 out of 10, classified as very good.
Either of the two selected systems would support the software requirements; prices and weight were relatively comparable. The Macintosh line of computers is generally regarded to be more reliable. However, more software titles are available for the Windows-based personal computer. Macintosh systems are more widely used in education, publishing, and the arts, while personal computers are seen more often in business. Because I teach students to use computers as a tool for business, I would purchase the IBM ThinkPad R50.
CNET Reviews – http://reviews.cnet.com/
Apple 15-inch PowerBook G4 – http://reviews.cnet.com/4505-3121_7-30543941-3.html;
http://reviews.cnet.com/4507-3121_7-30543941.html
IBM ThinkPad R50 – http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/4507-3121_16-30567430.html