How to Select the Right Computer Hardware for YOUR Organization
With Michael McKean (CDI) and Barb Shaughnessy (TechSoup)November 5, 2015
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Presenters
Assisting with chat: Ale Bezdikian and Kevin Lo, TechSoup
Michael McKeanSales Manager
CDI
Barb ShaughnessySenior Relationship Manager
TechSoup
Ariel Gilbert-KnightContent Director
TechSoup
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Agenda
• Introduction to TechSoup
• The Basics
• Which Hardware is Right for Me?
o Levels of Product
o Desktop vs. Everything else
o Tablet vs. Laptop
o What Should I Look For?
• What Can I Get Through TechSoup?
• Additional Resources
• Q&A
6
About TechSoup
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Where Are You?
We Are Here
7
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Our Story
We are a global network of 62 partner NGOs that provide the best technology resources to over a half-million organizations in 127 countries.
We connect organizations and people with the resources, support, and technology they need to change the world.
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Our Reach
We’re working toward a time when every social benefit organization on the planet has the technology, resources, and knowledge it needs to operate at its full potential.
Countries Served TechSoup Partner Location NetSquared Local Group
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Our Impact
Together, we build a stronger, more resilient civil society.
$5.2Bin technology products and grants employed
by NGOs for the greater good
35languages used to provide education
and support
100+corporate and
foundation partners connected with the
causes and communities they
care about
6.2Mannual visits to our websites
600,000newsletter subscribers
empowered with actionable knowledge
79%of NGOs have improved organizational efficiency with TechSoup Global's
resource offering*
*Source: survey conducted among TechSoup members in 2013
The Basics
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Some Key TermsName Also Known As… What It Does What You Need to Know
CPU (central processing unit) Processor Your computer's brain. It
processes information.
• A faster processor (usually) means a faster computer.
• Performance is affected by number of cores (single, dual, quad, etc.) and processor speed (measured in gigahertz/GHz)
RAM (random access memory) Memory
Temporarily stores information while your computer is running. Different from storage.
• More memory means you can do more things at once without slowing down your computer.
• RAM is measured in gigabytes (GB).
Hard DriveHard disk, hard disk drive, internal drive
This is where all the information on your computer is stored between shut-downs.
Traditional drives are made up of a spinning disk attached to a platter. • Less expensive but susceptible to
mechanical failure.
Solid-state drives • Have no moving parts, are less
susceptible to mechanical failure, but are more expensive.
Amount of storage is measured in GB.
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For minimum recommended specifications for these key terms (and much more!), see
http://www.techsoup.org/support/articles-and-how-tos/investing-in-computers-7-questions-to-consider
AND
http://www.techsoup.org/support/articles-and-how-tos/laptop-versus-tablet-what-to-consider
Learn More
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Image: Jenn (Yana)
14
Which Hardware is Right for YOU?
Brief History of CDI
• Get the most out of your I.T. budget• Improving your technology infrastructure has never been more important
to your organization's success. With CDI as your partner, you can dramatically lower the cost of the technology you bring into your facilities, while relying on the highest quality of equipment and customer service.
• For over 30 years, we've been helping thousands of clients across North America save money on their IT budget. We do this by giving you access to the full computer market. Instead of just buying brand new computers, we give you the option of buying:
– The same brand new computers you've been buying, at lower prices– Factory refurbished versions of those same computers at roughly half the price of brand
new– CDI Certified versions of those same computers, at roughly 1/3 the price of brand new
and backed up with our $0 Cost of Ownership Guarantee
Agenda
1. Levels of Product
2. Desktop vs. Everything else
3. Mobile Computing Tablet vs. Laptop
4. What should I look for in a unit
Levels of Product
Desktop Vs. Everything Else
Laptops long ago surpassed desktops in sales, and tablets and smartphones are taking major market share from laptops. The tendency is clearly towards smaller, lighter, and more portable computing. But there are some good reasons to stick with a big box that sits on or below your desk.
1. Price/performance ratio: Whether you're spending $300 or $3,000, you will get a more powerful computer for your money if you're willing to give up portability.
2. Upgrade options: You have more upgrade options with a desktop. Most laptops will let you easily add RAM and swap out the hard drive. But your average desktop can take more RAM than your average laptop. And with a desktop's multiple bays, your drive options open up considerably. For instance, you don't have to choose between an SSD and a hard drive on a laptop; you can have both. Upgrading a CPU or graphics card--reasonably easy tasks on a desktop--are difficult to impossible (usually impossible) on a laptop.
3. Repair: It's easy to open up a desktop PC, check to make sure the cables are secure, clean out the dust, remove a broken part, and replace it with something generic. Laptop repair takes considerable skill, and many parts are specific to that model.
4. They also use less electricity & desktops have an ergonomic advantage, thanks to the big screen and full-sized keyboard.
Mobile Computing Dominance
• Anywhere, any time computing• Powerful systems• Mobile devices taking over market share• Form factors are becoming blurred – Phone, Phablet, Tablet,
2in1, Laptops
Laptop Vs. Tablet
• Laptops and tablets are wildly popular within different groups and demographics, mostly because they deliver specialized experiences to their users.
Laptops
Laptop is generally characterized as a mobile personal computer -- a device on which you can perform all the tasks available on a desktop but in a mobile, light, compact fashion.
• become lighter and smaller over the years
• have made significant strides in power, functionality and performance.
• laptops have become their preferred computing device because it allows them to complete all the tasks they would need on a desktop but with the convenience of mobility and flexibility.
Tablets
Tablets, on the other hand, are currently the pinnacle of mobile technology. They are compact, very lightweight and extremely easy to carry.
• they do not possess the processing power of a laptop.
• Their functionality as a computing device is limited, although sufficient for most people.
• Tablets are ideal for those who browse the Web casually, such as read the news or popular websites, and those who play "lightweight" games, or want to watch TV or films while traveling.
Laptop Vs. Tablet
Laptop• Powerful• Creation• Not touch• Expensive• Size 11.6” to 17”
Tablets• Battery life• Graphics• Price• Small light – portable• Consumption2 in 1
When trying to decide between a tablet and laptop, remember that there is not necessarily a "winner," only a more preferable choice for your specific needs. Both laptops and tablets offer extremely convenient and powerful features, but the most efficacious for you will be based upon the tasks you seek to complete by the device.
Tablet - Tool not Toy• 235.7 million tablets were sold 2014, and by 2016, 30% of all enterprise end-
user mobile computing devices will be tablets
• For businesses, tablets deliver a significant productivity boost - and not just because employees who use them feel more valued than those forced to lug ancient laptops around. Like smartphones they're always on and wake instantly from sleep, so there's no waiting for the computer to catch up.
• They can go places that normal computers can't, because they're as portable and accessible as clipboards, with integrated wireless networking and in some models, high-speed mobile broadband too. They're almost as light as clipboards too.
• They can run apps that are specifically designed to speed up common tasks such as data entry, note taking and reporting from site visits. That's a particular boon for any organization that currently relies on paperwork and form-filling.
Tablets in Business
• The cloud is making the business world mobile• Access apps or document anywhere anytime• Multiple devices can be used • All new apps are being designed for mobility• Tablets are just another edge device that can be used
– Web activity– Email – Productivity tools– E-readers– On-line or internet accessible apps– Meet on-line
Buying a Tablet - What to consider
So many choices, what do I buy? – It depends
• What are you going to do with it?• What is the environment it will be in?• How long do you want it to last?• Screen size and quality?• What sort of Internet connectivity do you want?• How many gigabytes?• What apps am I going to run … what ecosystem am I
working in now?• What accessories do you need and what are the costs?
Which Ecosystem
• Windows– Familiar, compatible, lots of apps, Office 365, cloud
services, cross device – Windows store• iOS – iPads
– Familiar, intuitive consume driven, cloud services, cross device - iTunes
• Android– Inexpensive, popular in phones, lots of apps – Google Play
Store• Chrome
– Inexpensive, controlled, easy to manage, not touch - Google Play Store
Windows
• Windows is a platform that almost everyone is comfortable with
• The platform is solid and there are some intriguing improvements in Windows 10
• The ability to install full programs on Windows tablets makes it an ideal laptop replacement
• The true meaning of a portable computer
iOS
• iOS offers an accessible, uniform experience
• Great official library of apps, a huge range of interesting peripherals
• Apple focuses on making processes extremely easy for the users
• Apple offers the best in multimedia
Android
• Android is a great all-rounder which offers by far the greatest choice
• There are more handsets at different price points
• A much wider variety of customization options, and greater freedom to tweak your device if you choose to do so
• If you already use Google services, it will sync over to your tablet once you log into Google
Other features
• Screen – Size, type, touch, resolution, glass
• Wi-Fi– Single vs. dual band, AC, 2x2 MiMo, 3G, 4G, LTE– Blue tooth
• Ports– USB, TF Slot, HDMI
• Accessories – Keyboard, stylus, protective case
Other Considerations
• Warranty coverage
• Price
• Serviceability
• Length of ownership
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Please type your questions in the chat window.
Questions?
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• Tablets• Projectors – Coming Soon!
Discounted Hardware Programs – Computers, Tablets & More
• Refurbished & New• CDI• Interconnection• PCRR
• Academic Pricing on Thousands of Hardware (and Software) Products
• Over 200 Vendors
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• Since 2002
• Enterprise Networking Product
• Includes 5 years of Maintenance
• Global
• Limited Quantities and Eligibility
Donated Hardware Programs
• Coming Soon!
• Refurbished Internal Hard Drives
• Subscribe to Product Alert for More Info at http://www.techsoup.org/subscribe-to-our-free-newsletters
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Discounted Hardware Programs – Office Equipment
• Headsets for Office Phones & Computers
• Some Open Box
• Remanufactured Desktop Mailing Systems
Interested in More Hardware? Let Us Know!http://forums.techsoup.org/cs/community/f/107.aspx
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Annual subscription for TechSoup members, providing access to• Deals on new and refurbished hardware• Zero admin fee products• Access to training and consultations• A $25 TechSoup voucher• And more!
Boost. Get More. Save More.
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Please type your questions in the chat window.
Questions?
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Learn and Share!
Chat in one thing that you learned in today’s webinar or will try to implement.
Will you share this information with your colleagues and within your network?
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• http://www.techsoup.org/support/articles-and-how-tos/investing-in-computers-7-questions-to-consider
• http://www.techsoup.org/support/articles-and-how-tos/laptop-versus-tablet-what-to-consider
• http://forums.techsoup.org/cs/community/b/tsblog/archive/2014/05/19/a-quick-guide-to-buying-a-tablet.aspx
• http://forums.techsoup.org/cs/community/b/tsblog/archive/2015/09/14/tech-planning-tips-for-every-nonprofit-or-library.aspx
• http://techsoupforlibraries.org/blog/leaner-library-loaner-laptops-tips-from-the-pro
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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• RCI: refurbished and new laptops, desktops, and tablets• InFocus: tablets and (coming soon!) projectors• JourneyEd: access to discounts on thousands of products, including
hardwareCisco: enterprise networking products
• Western Digital: hard drives (coming soon!)• Headsets.com: headsets for phones or computers• Pitney Bowes: mailing systems• Boost: access to special discounts on hardware and more
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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