Why company should replace the laptop with handheld computers?

Summary

Our obsolete computers need to be replaced immediately with the handheld computers. I have taken a review of handheld computers, and in comparison to laptops, I can say they are far much better and more convenient. After reviewing two purchase options for the handheld computers, I have identified two major options- Psion Series 5 Palm Handheld Computer and Classic Vintage 1991 Psion Series. I propose the purchase of Psion Series 5 Palm Handheld Computer because they are more convenient to use, they more portable and the purchase cost is lower than that of laptops. This is because they are smaller than laptops thus allowing them to be easily tucked into a backpack. The typical costs of a Palm handheld computer are $190, several dollars lower than the cost of a laptop. Because most of us are always traveling, the handheld computers will be more convenient for us even as we move to different places. It will also allow the company to save close to 40% in cost per computer as compared to when the laptops are bought. Despite its small size, the handheld computer is miniaturized and can work even as one is traveling. I also reviewed the productivity and flexibility of the handheld computers and made a comparison with laptops. I can confirm that handheld computers are more flexible and improve productivity compared to laptops. 

Background 

We purchased the laptops we were currently using three years ago, and the firm incurred additional service and maintenance costs at the end of each year for the last three years. When summed up, the total costs that have been incurred in the laptops for the previous three years have gone up by over 50%. We continue to incur many costs on devices, and this seems to affect our profitability negatively. A report published by the Consumer Search on 23rd January 2018 has shown that companies which have switched from laptops and desktops have experienced a reduction in the cost by 40% and increased convenience and effectiveness. The success of any business depends on how effective it is when it comes to costs. I think that this is the time we take up the opportunity to be more effective by utilizing the available alternative to the laptops. The price of laptop ranges between $300 for the most basic models to $3000 for the high-speed models. This will help us save up to $110 per laptop. 

Details 

We are in a world where is rapidly advancing. Every year there is a new technologically improved device with more benefits and efficiencies than the current ones. With current innovations, computers have become more powerful, efficient and less expensive. The single purpose computers are rapidly getting extinct as more multipurpose computers are being implemented. Highly efficient and faster models of computers get into the market every day and businesses are quickly responding to these changes to remain cost effective and up to date with the new technology. There are better options in the market with the latest more advanced handheld computer being the Psion Series 5 Palm Handheld. This computer is readily available among many manufacturers who produce a high-speed model. I reviewed the handheld computers from two major manufacturers and made a comparison in the quality of the products they offer as well as the price. IBM manufactures computers with high speed and long battery duration. HP also produces a high-speed model handheld computer with high RAM and many typing options and friendly user to the employees. While laptops may have an advantage over handheld computers due to high speed and larger RAM, they are not convenient for use when it involves traveling over a long distance. Convenience is due to the small size which makes it be easily kept in the pocket while traveling. 

Objectives 

The objective is to have the company purchase a modern handheld computer with increased functionality and more portability options. I propose the purchase of handheld computers which meet the following criteria: 

• Provide a suite for computing. 

• Has communication and information passing mechanism. 

• Long lasting battery life. 

• Has a powerful duo-core processor 

• 8 GB RAM and 320 GB internal storage capacity. 

• Touch screen interface 

• High-resolution power and video camera 

• Run Microsoft Windows CE 

• Use ROM and include a keyboard 

• Include a PC card slot 

• Provide a wired USB connectivity 

Benefits of Handheld Computers 

Portability 

Handheld computers will add value to the organization in many ways. Some of our core work activities entail traveling from one place to another. In many cases, traveling with a laptop can be very troublesome due to its larger size and weight. To use it, one needs to be seated in some strategic place. This is unlike handheld computers where one can use even while traveling due to its small size. The advantage of this is that it is more portable and can increase the convenience of the employees while using them. Increased convenience will benefit the organization and improve its performance. 

Price 

The typical laptops run from a high price range of between $300 and $3000. This is unlike in the case of handheld computers which are cheaper. If one handheld computer costs $190, then It will cost (190x130) = $24700 to buy for all the employees of the firm a handheld computer. Given that the budget allocation is $30000, a total of $5300 will be saved from the project. Alternatively, the budget allocation of $30000 can only buy (30000/300) = 100 laptops as opposed to the handheld computers which can be purchased and still save much money. This proposal, therefore, provides us with the opportunity to cut costs and increase efficiency. A review at the maintenance costs also shows a big difference between handheld computers and laptops. Maintaining laptops needs to be done annually with each maintenance cost going at about $80, and with 130 laptops, it will costs (130x80) = $10400 per year. Handheld computers do not require yearly maintenance, and even if it is to occur, it costs 50% lesser than that of laptops. In this area again, the firm will reduce the cost and increase efficiency. 

Flexibility and Productivity 

There is always need to access data out of the office through traveling because the required information must come from outside. Providing immediate access to the central database of information means increased flexibility where the employees can easily meet their responsibilities. There is easy aces and update of information in real time which ensures that guarantees better work and productivity. Because my team is always traveling, it will be more flexible for us to use handheld computers which is more convenient for this purpose than the laptops. Laptops do not provide much flexibility as handheld computers due to their large size. The use of handheld computers in competing tasks increases productivity because data entry and transfer are made faster compared to laptops. Because they are convenient to use, handheld computers make work easy and therefore avoids time wasting. This is unlike laptops which might involve complexities which might then slow down the rate of productivity. I, therefore, suggest that handheld computers be purchased instead of laptops. In the use of handheld computers, time wastes will reduce, cycle time will decrease, and accuracy will improve. 

Uses 

There are new and more interesting things that can be done using handheld computers. Handheld computers can significantly reduce the data entry time by providing a quick and easy way to do data entry. This data can then get transferredto the desktop database for manipulation and storage. Due to the small size and long battery life, handheld computers are more convenient for use in situations where laptops may not be convenient. Since here introduction, handheld computers have reduced what once took a large room to store into a small data that can get packed into a pocket. In the preservation and conservation, the handheld computers can be used to improve documentation by offering a quick entry of the data and easy access to the information that has been gathered in the course of the work. As a team who is constantly traveling, this device will be very useful to use as it will allow us to do data entry and access the information when needed quickly. The information for surveys, examination and treatment documentation can be recorded in the handheld computers which can then get transferred to the main database for storage. Handheld computers offer a more convenient method of data entry as compared to the laptops. 

Handheld computers will also allow for tracking object location. Also, it provides for word processing documentation more conveniently as compared to laptops. Emergency responses and courier manuals can all be made accessible and be distributed using handheld computers. This option will thus provide us with more services that could not be performed using laptops. My fundamental idea to suggest the purchase of handheld computers instead of laptops is to ensure that data entry is more portable and accessible. Handheld computers have AAA battery which can last from many days to weeks depending on the amount of use. It is, therefore, most suitable for a traveling group as compared to laptops which will require frequent charging of the battery. Handheld computers do not have floppy disk drives because data gets stored in the RAM chips. It is for this reason why the battery life of handheld computers is usually long. 

Data Entry 

Palm handheld computers usually have a touch screen that is sensitive to allow for data entry. Data entry is by writing. The computer mainly has graffiti characters which allow for rapid typing of between 20-30 words per minute. This will, therefore, make work easy during traveling as data is quickly keyed more conveniently. Other than typing the data, handheld computers provide additional options for data entry which ensures that speed increases. The data can be entered using a touch sensitive screen or by the use of the attached keyboard. Barcode readers, cameras and global positioning all form the options through which data can be entered into the handheld computers. As a nationwide consulting firm, we require a device that will facilitate the speed at which data gets recorded and transferred. 

Transfer of Data 

After the data has been entered into the handheld computer, it can be easily transferred to other computers with more convenience. The transfer can take place using infrared beaming, modems and even through wireless communication. Handheld computers function in a client-server configuration. This involves the use of wireless protocols to communicate with the central server. As a result, numerous employees’ input can be coordinated while also allowing for the maintenance of accurate time data. Unlike laptops, handheld computers will ensure a faster and more convenient way of coordinating the multiple works of the employees from various areas and at real time. 

Applications 

Unlike laptops, handheld computers have a more extensive array of application in the workplace. The device can be used almost in every capacity; it is more convenient in areas such as shipping, traveling, and warehouses where the employees are required to keep track of every item and make records. Frequent and timely communication as well as delivery of the data is necessary for a business to ensure effective decision making. Handheld computers allow the employees to communicate with the central location continually. For the business that involves a lot of employees traveling, handheld computers can be very important in maintaining communication with the central server using commercial wireless networks. This method can increase the efficiency of the firm and help move towards high growth levels and profitability. Because my team is constantly traveling, we require a device that will allow us to quickly make data entry and then communicate with the central server to ensure that the information we provide is timely and relevant for decision making. 

We are 27 members in my department, and our work involves a lot of traveling. We move from one part of the country to the other collecting various data and recording them before we send them to the main center for analysis and implementation. While we are on our journey, we get a problem to charge our laptops when they run out of power. Most of these laptops can go up to 7 hours, a duration which is very short compared to the distance and time we take. In many circumstances, our laptops shut down due to low battery leaving us in an awkward position. Handheld computers have batteries that can last days. This can be very convenient given the kind of work we do involves moving from place to place. With a long life battery, we would be able to make our data entry and all other kinds of work before without any disruption due to low battery. I propose that the firm purchase 27 handheld computers instead of laptops because they are more efficient and convenient for our work compared to laptops. 

Types of Handheld Computers 

The various types of handheld devices include NEC Mobilepro 900 Portable computer, Psion Series 5 Palm, Barcode Scanner and Classic Vintage 1991 Psion Series. Out of the various types of handheld computers, palm series five is the most efficient and reliable. First, it is cost effective with a piece just costing $190 compared to barcode scanner which costs $80. While it has a slower processor compared to the other kinds, it will be effective for our work. The cost part of it is what we can utilize to ensure that the firm runs cost-effectively. It provides wireless connectivity and permits allows for faster data entry. It is also simple to use thus minimizes the chances of an error. I can conclude that handheld computers have many advantages over the laptop. They are cost effective as compared to laptops. They are also portable and have long battery life. Besides, they allow easy data entry and access. The operating systems have good integration with the central database which allows for a quick and timely transfer of information needed for decision making. 

Action 

I recommend that we buy Psion Series 5 Palm handheld computer due to the benefits that it will have on the firm. Please approve my proposal so that an order can be made to allow us to shift to the new technology.