Masonry Magazine December 1993 Page. 42
COMPUTERS
Continued from Page 24
The value of what can be done with a PC versus how much money is spent to purchase it is an incredible value now. The accompanying table shows how the price of an average PC Compatible system has dramatically dropped in the last three years.
I would recommend the following minimum configuration which should cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $1,500 to $2,000 total for these items. You can spend a lot more, but you are just wasting your money unless you have a very specific use in mind for the additional horsepower.
Minimum of 386SX/33Mz computer or 486SX/25Mz computer with 4Mb of RAM memory
VGA color monitor with a maximum of a 28 inch dot pitch
Both 3.5" high density (1.44Mb) and 5.25" high density (1.2Mb) floppy drives
Minimum of an 80Mb hard drive
Microsoft DOS 5.0
A good quality surge protector (probably $50 or more)
A minimum of a one-year, on-site service contract for the computer and monitor
A wide-carriage (14") 9-pin dot matrix printer that is Epson compatible
Optional If you plan on writing letters and preparing proposals with your computer, consider a laser printer in addition to the dot matrix printer listed above.
Watch for specials and free software that's given away with new systems. Brand names that are a good bet are IBM, Compaq and Dell. If you are willing to purchase through mail order, try Gateway or Zeos.
Next issue, we will delve into a really big subject, software for mason contractors.
LARRY WENDT is a co-founder of RMI Computer Group, a computer consulting and software development company in Lombard, Illinois. Wendt spent thirteen years in masonry construction before getting a degree in physics and starting RMI. RMI services clients in the construction industry as well as the scientific research and general business communities. Wendt will answer reader's questions regarding computers. You can reach him c/o Masonry Magazine, 1550 Spring Road, Oak Brook. IL. 60521. His E-mail address on Compuserve is 72010, 646.
COMPUTERS FOR CONTRACTORS
Are Some PC's Better?
While there are some minor quality variations, the major differentiation between brands is the level of service that they provide.
By JAMES N. MEIDL
President, J. Meidl Systems
ALL PERSONAL computers are very similar in function and capabilities. Many, in fact, share identical components. While there is some minor quality variation, the major differentiation between brands is the level of service they provide. There are three tiers of service available to computer users:
A. Parts and labor are provided under either the warranty (at least one year) or an annual service contract. The computer company technician comes the next day to your office and provides the necessary service. Brands offering "A" service design their units to make on-site repairs as quick and profitable as possible. This often results in a one board system which is easy to swap, has a minimum number of component parts, and requires no problem solution. If there is only one board, whatever is wrong, just swap the board. While this level of service is great, unless you have a service contract, you will pay for the one main board to be repaired each time anything is wrong. If your business purchases "A" brand computers, be sure to take full advantage of the maintenance agreements offered.
Best value for companies with one or more full-time employees whose main job is to operate the computer. In these multi-user environments, down time is expensive and easily justifies the added cost of the service. Network Servers, Mini-Computers. and Multi-User Unix systems are examples.
B. Replacement parts provided by company under the warranty (usually year). Parts arrive overnight and you change them out with some phone help. On-site service only if problem persists. After the warranty has expired, often changes to "C" service. Some brands do offer extended parts contracts.
Brands offering "B" service are just as reliable as "A", but require a user with some technical skill to both assist in describing the problem for proper diagnosis and installing the replacement parts when received. These computers are designed with smaller modular components to minimize parts cost while still providing relatively easy exchanges. After warranty, most replacement boards cost under $50. Most mason contractors have above average mechanical ability and will not encounter any problems with the exchanges.
Best value for companies where the computer is used on a part-time basis. This type of service does require some technical ability and service participation from you, but is less costly than A. Be aware of how your service will continue after the warranty expires. Since PC's or Network Work Stations where there are no spares are examples.
C. Parts and labor are provided under the warranty (usually sixty to ninety days). You send the system back often incurring some freight charges. When repaired the system is sent back to you, seldom quicker than four or five days. After the warranty has expired, the computer must be repaired by a local shop.