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How Much Do You Need To Spend On A Notebook?
By Stephen M. Canale

I've have noticed through magazines, online discussions and other educators what I consider to be an overemphasis on computer hardware.

Everyone seems to be advocating that agents buy only top of the line computer systems. While this advice is fine for the advanced users and computer aficionados, it really is creating problems for the average agents who simply want to use computers to become more productive.

What's The Problem?

Too many agents are focused on the specifications and not the applications! Buying computers is becoming too much like buying HI-FI equipment was in the past - everyone comparing reams of specs so that their dogs will truly enjoy the opera.

I can't believe how many agents I know who have spent a fortune on technology, but don't receive any real value from their investment. They haven't been adequately trained to utilize the new technology and simply have expensive word processors.

Even worse, many agents who have yet to move toward implementing technology into their business practices are intimidated by all of the jargon and the thought of buying such expensive machines; and instead continue to delay taking advantage of computer technology.

What Should You Focus On

The reality is this: buy what you can afford, and make sure you budget for software! It is the software that manages your contacts, creates attractive promotional materials and allows you to surf the Internet.

The computer hardware simply executes the software instructions, and just about any new machine sold today will run business software just fine.

Let's face facts: whatever you buy can always be upgraded, but will probably become outdated within a few years anyway! Computers are tools, and every few years, you're going to need a new tool.

What You Need

1. A Notebook Sales is a mobile business. There is really no reason for a salesperson to buy anything other than a notebook computer. In the past, these small units could not economically rival the power and features of desktop units, this is no longer true.

2. Processor Speed Most people place too much emphasis on CPU speed. Any machine based on the Intel Pentium III or the AMD K-3 will be more than adequate for a real estate agent. Unless you plan on playing the latest high graphic games or doing cad-cam engineering on the side, don't worry too much about CPU speed.

3. Memory RAM, or Random Access Memory, enables the CPU to work on programs in a very fast atmosphere. You want a system with at least 64 megabytes. If the unit you like comes with less, then you can simply buy an additional memory as needed. While more is usually better, most agents don't need more than this to function just fine.

4. Display If you plan on making computer presentations to buyers and sellers, then you will need an "active matrix" display, and at least a 13 inch screen. If you are simply planning on using your computer as a productivity tool, and are sure that you won't need it for presentations, then you can function with a "dual-scan" screen - which will cost several hundred dollars less.

5. Business Features While there are countless other features and options available, a few that should be seriously considered by the business user are as follows:

• TV or S-Video Output - If you do intend on using your computer for business presentations, then the ability to patch into a TV using a standard RCA cable will be a real treat. Just about any TV or VCR has such inputs.  
  
  The addition of an S-Video port will provide even better clarity when using a TV for external display, but older units may not support this feature.  
  
  Thus, a notebook that can provide for either of these external display options is a good choice, while one that supports both features is best.
  
• Internal Ethernet Adapters - While most notebooks now come equipped with internal modems, newer business models not often come with internal Ethernet adapters as well. If your office provides a network, or if you think you might like to network your personal notebook computer and your desktop unit, then this is an invaluable feature to shop for.  
  
  Not only will this save you the hassle of having to buy a plug-in adapter in the future, but having an internal Ethernet adapter saves you from compatibility and installations issues as well.
      
• Firewire - The newer data ports that are in conformance with standard IEEE 1394 are commonly called Firewire ports. This standard is great for transferring large amounts of information, quickly. Right now, the most common accessory that uses Firewire is the new breed of digital video cameras.  
  
  Even if you don't own a DVC right now, or plan on buying one anytime soon, it's likely that other peripherals will soon begin to take advantage of the speed available using Firewire.
  
  Shopping for a notebook that offers this port will likely save you money and complications down the road.

6. Everything Else All of the extra features such as modems, CD drives etc. are pretty much standardized and I wouldn't spend too much time focusing on these features. However, you might want to consider whether you want a "modular" system which can usually have the CD or the Floppy installed, but not both at the same time. Or, whether you want a unit that can work with both installed at the same time. This is not a technology issue, just a matter of user preference.

The Bottom Line

If you're in sales you need a laptop, not a desktop. Buy anything with Windows 98, do not buy a Macintosh and I would advise againt Windows ME for business use as well.

You can get a solid business machine by shopping in the $1,500 to $2,000 price range. You can certainly spend more than that, but most business users don't need to.

If you're new to computers, plan on spending another $1,000 in software within the next six months.

Finally, give serious consideration to attending quality software training programs. It's downright depressing how many of the agents who are spending too much are also using too little of what's already available to them.

The content of this article is based on my seminar:
Next Century Productivity

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www.Canale.com

Stephen M. Canale, CRB, CRS, GRI
In addition to instructing GRI programs for a number of state associations, Stephen has spoken at hundreds of conventions and seminars in 42 states over the last several years; covering a variety of subjects relating to real estate, sales and technology. For information on seminars, software or Canale's Tips & Tricks newsletter, visit: www.canale.com

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