Notebook stuff
 Selected Notebooks - for JF - see notes below the grid
Model:  Click on the model# for pictures ASUS A1300B Acer Travelmate 350TE ASUSL8465-DX-E Acer Travelmate 738TLV
Speed Pentium lll 650 Mhz Pentium lll 650 Mhz Pentium lll 650 Mhz Pentium lll 750 Mhz
Screen Size 13.1" 13.3" 14.1" 15.0"
RAM memory 64MB 64 MB 128MB 128 MB
RAM Upgradeable to 320MB 512 MB 256 Mb 512 MB
Hard Disk Size 5 GIG 10 GIG 20 GIG 18 GIG
CD or DVD 24X CD 24X CD 8X DVD 8X DVD
Built in CD/FD Yes No Yes Yes
Battery life 3 hours 2.5 hours 2.5 - 3 hours 4.5 hours
Weight 6.6 lbs 4.1 lbs 6.4 lbs 6.9 lbs
Price 2,667.00 3,106.00 3,683.00 4,061.00
Price with taxes 3,067.05 3,571.90 4,235.45 4,670.15

All models have these standard features:

56K modem
Ethernet -  networking
2 PC Card Slots
Sound and Mutimedia
8MB Video RAM
1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty
1 Year Support from Computers PLUS

Options
add 64MB - $240 + tax
extra battery - $215+tax
carry bag - about $100

John,
    The primary function of this equipment is to keep in contact through internet email with your sales team when you are not at your desktop computer.  Additionally you may want to run a word processor, spread sheet and a contact manager.  Any of the models above are capable of meeting these needs.  The key to your mobile connectivity is not so much through the hardware but rather a method.
   After considering the various technologies, hardware/software and methods available it appears that the least complicated, most reliable and perhaps the least expensive is to establish an account with an ISP with international coverage such as CompuServe.  Once you know what city you'll be in, we simply set up a connection icon on the notebook's desktop that is pre-configured for the local access number for CompuServe in that city.  When you need to visit a different city you need change only the local number.
    This method is less expensive then employing long-distance.  A cellular-ready modem with a roaming profile on a cellphone is as expensive and complicated.  In this scenario we are not utilizing the full array of services that CompuServe offers; in fact all we need the account for is to gain access (an onramp) to the internet.  As such, only a basic account is required.  The total cost for the year for a basic CompuServe account is going to be less than using long distance or cellphones for the year's business trips.

John, we can have any of these four units for you by Thursday/Friday Mar 8/9.  Drop by and pay by either cheque or debit and we'll have the notebook of your choice in 24-48 hours.

Click here to send a message to Peter or choose "Reply" in your email program.