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After careful investigation it is found that the HP Pavilion dv4t is the best laptop
computer for you. You expressed the need for a reliable and attractive computer
and this model will not let you down. It is found to be reliable as reviewed by
many current users. It also exhibits an incredibly sleek and attractive design.
This model was found to be the least expensive computer of the three computers
investigated pricing at just $642.
I believe your next step should be to take a look at this computer for yourself.
They have this model available to view at Best Buy locations, take some time to
thoroughly familiarize yourself with this model. Try out the functional accessories
such as the keyboard and mouse. If you decide you like the look and feel you
should purchase this computer. You can do this by calling Danielle at Hewlett
Packard at 1-877-999-4747 ext. 48913. She will have your name in the
computer with the specific model discussed in this feasibility report.
I would be delighted to answer any further questions you may have. Please feel
free to contact me anytime.
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Lindsey Hines April 21, 2009
Table of Contents
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Lindsey Hines April 21, 2009
Computer Dell Inspiron 15 HP Pavilion dv4t MacBook 13 inch
Screen 15.6” 14.1” 13.3”
Price $842.00 $657.00 $949.00
Weight 6.0 lbs. 5.63 lbs. 5.0 lbs.
Dimensions 1.2” x 14.05” x 1.34” x 13.15” x 1.08” x 12.78” x
10.08” 9.45” 8.92”
Processor 2.0GHz Intel Core 2.4GHz Intel Core 2.0GHz Intel Core
2 Duo 2 Duo 2 Duo
Memory 2GB 3GB 2GB
Hard Drive 250GB 320GB 120GB*
DVD Burner Yes Yes Yes
Battery Life 4 hours* 3 hours* 4.5 hours*
Wireless Card Yes Yes Yes
Input and Output Yes Yes Yes
Ports
Web camera and Yes Yes Yes
microphone
Virus protection 3 years 15 months Not needed
Warranty 1 year* 1 year* 1 year*
Microsoft software Yes No* No
Color Red, Blue, Black Black, White White
*upgrade for a fee
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Lindsey Hines April 21, 2009
(PC). • Good design
and body
quality (DG). • Incredibly fast
processor
(PC).
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Lindsey Hines April 21, 2009
• Good design • A great (Cnet).
(NB). computer for
its price (NB). • I have used
both Macs and
PCs…. I’ll pick
• This computer this Mac any
has worked day (PC).
perfectly
(CNet). • Stylish
notebook (NB).
Cons • I do not • I am • Purchased
recommend disappointed computer and
this computer with my it has given me
(PC). purchase (NB). nothing but
problems (PC).
• Very • The speakers
disappointing, I are not • Integrated
have had anything to graphics are
many boast about bad (NB).
problems with (NB).
this laptop
(CNet).
• I have had
severe
hardware
problems
(CNet).
• Cheap
memory (NB).
• Bad speakers
(NB).
Executive Summary
It is recommended that Mark Stanaszek purchase the HP Pavilion dv4t laptop
computer. He is currently using an out of date desktop computer for his
academics at Capella University. This computer is unreliable and keeps him
restricted to his apartment for accomplishing his assignments.
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Lindsey Hines April 21, 2009
He would like to purchase an attractive and reliable laptop computer for under
$1000. Three laptop computers were chosen from top computer companies, the
investigated computers in this report are:
1. HP Pavilion dv4t
2. Dell Inspiron 15
3. The MacBook 13
Introduction
Currently Mark Stanaszek relies on his out of date desktop computer to fulfill his
academics at Capella University. He would like to replace his computer with a
new laptop. This would allow him the freedom and reliability that he desires from
a computer.
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Lindsey Hines April 21, 2009
Problem Statement
Capella University is an online school in which all classes are conducted via the
internet. Marks academic achievement relies heavily on the reliability of his
computer, any type of problem could lead to serious consequences. He wants an
attractive and dependable top of the line laptop computer to get him through his
final three years of college. Like most college students Mark is on a budget and
can afford to spend $1,000 or less on a computer. Unfortunately, Mark has very
little knowledge about computers and limited time to look for one. These
restraints make it nearly impossible for Mark to find a computer that is best for
him.
Background Methodology
Three of the nations top computer companies were chosen for considering a
laptop computer. The three companies were Dell, Hewlett Packard, and Apple.
Choosing three different companies allowed for a broad spectrum of computer
options. Each company sales representative was allowed to choose what they
felt would be the best laptop computer for an online college student. This worked
best because the sales representatives are more knowledgeable than a
consumer. Questions were then asked to each sales representative. Editor
reviews from reputable websites were also used in the evaluation of each
computer. Reviews from actual buyers were also found on these websites and
used in the evaluation. These websites allow for subjective opinions by editor
reviewers and actual buyers which allowed for an array of opinions.
Computer Terms
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Lindsey Hines April 21, 2009
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor: This processor allows someone to do more at the
same time, like playing music, running virus scan in the background, all while
editing pictures. This processor provides you with the speed you need to
perform any and all tasks (Intel).
Hard Drive: A storage device for all files and programs on a computer (Web).
Findings
There are many distinct differences between the three computers evaluated in
Table 1. The most obvious to any observer would be the difference in screen
size. The Inspiron 15 has a screen size of 15.6”, next the Pavilion dv4t has a
14.1” screen, and lastly the Macbook 13 having the smallest screen at 13.3”.
The weights of each of these computers follow the same trend with the Inspiron
15 weighing heaviest at 6 pounds to the smallest Macbook 13 weighing just 5
pounds.
The three computers have the same Intel Core 2 Duo processor. The Inspiron 15
and the MacBook 13 processor is 2.0GHz, while the Pavilion dv4t has a slightly
larger processor size of 2.4GHz. The Inspiron 15 and the MacBook 13 also have
the same 2GB memory, the Pavilion dv4t has a 3GB memory. It is important to
note Dan the Apple sales representative said “a Mac 2GB would work faster than
any competitors 3GB” (Appendix A). After further investigation it was found that a
Mac’s speed is faster than a PC’s when they are equipped with nearly identical
parts including memory and processor (Mac/PC). Each of the computers has a
different size hard drive; the Inspiron 15 has a 250 GB, the Pavilion dv4t has a
320 GB, and the MacBook 13 has a 120GB. The battery life of the three
computers quoted by each of their sales representatives were 4 hours for the
Inspiron 15, 3 hours for the Pavilion dv4t, and 4.5 hours for the MacBook 13
(Appendix A).
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Lindsey Hines April 21, 2009
Each computer is equipped with a wireless card, input and output ports, a DVD
burner and web cam with a built in microphone. These computers also come
with a l year warranty which can be extended for an additional fee. Inspiron 15
comes with 3 free years of virus protection upon purchase. The Pavilion dv4t
comes with 15 months free virus protection. The MacBook 13 does not need
virus protection. Dan from Apple explained that “Mac’s do not get viruses”
(Appendix A). The Inspiron 15 includes installed Microsoft software. Neither the
Pavilion dv4t nor the MacBook 13 includes this software although the Pavilion
dv4t can have the software installed for an additional fee. Dan from Apple
recommended “going on Amazon.com and purchasing a version for a cheaper
price” (Appendix A). The Inspiron 15 is available in three colors; blue, red, and
black. The Pavilion dv4t is available in two colors; black and white. The
MacBook 13 comes in white only.
The cost of each of these computers includes the functions and accessories
listed in Table 1. The price of the Inspiron 15 is $842. The price of the Pavilion
dv4t is $657. Lastly the price of the MacBook 13 is $949.
Editor reviews on reputable websites show trends with pros and cons of each of
the models (Table 2). The pros for the Inspiron 15 are its slim design, light
weight, and affordable price (CNet, PC). The cons for this computer include its
design and shape, cheap plastic feel, and short battery life of 2.75 hours (PC,
CNet). The Pavilion dv4t pros include its good performance and great price along
with its good design and body quality (NB, PC, DG). The cons of this computer
are its short battery life and high running temperature (PC, DG). The MacBook
13 pros include its performance and portability, appealing design and incredibly
fast processor (CNet, DG, PC). The cons of this laptop computer are its small
screen size and hard drive for similarly priced laptop computers, as well as its
less than expected battery life (CNet).
Reviews from actual buyers were also available on these websites (Table 3). The
Inspiron 15 had some positive reviews including one saying the computer was
“well built” (CNet). This laptop computer also had many negative reviews
including; “I do not recommend this computer”, “very disappointing” and “I have
had severe hardware problems” (PC, CNet). The Pavilion dv4t had many
positive reviews including; “I really enjoy this computer”, “this laptop is
outstanding” and “a great computer for the price” (NB, CNet). One reviewer of
this laptop computer said, “I am disappointed with my purchase” (NB). The
MacBook 13 had many reviews online as well. Some reviews that were positive
stated; “the best laptop I have ever used”, “a great size and a really great design”
and “I have used both Mac’s and PC’s, I’ll pick this Mac any day” (CNet, PC).
Some negative reviews said “I have had nothing but problems with this
computer”; another said “the integrated graphics are bad” (PC, NB).
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Conclusions
Reliability, attractiveness and price are the most important criterion to Mark, and
will be used to draw conclusions for the best computer in this report. Each of
these criteria can be assessed by looking at the findings.
Attractiveness can be assessed by the editor review (Table 2). The Inspiron 15 is
given poor reviews for its attractiveness. This model is said to have “cheap
plastic” and “a disappointing design and shape” (CNet, PC). Both the Pavilion
dv4t and the MacBook 13 got rave reviews on their attractive designs.
The prices of these three laptop computers vary but are all under the required
$1,000. The Inspiron 15 is priced at $842, the Pavilion dv4t is $657 and the
MacBook 13 is $949.
Recommendations
Based on these three criteria the HP Pavilion dv4t appears to be the best choice
for Mark Stanaszek. This laptop computer excels at meeting each of Marks
criteria. The Dell Inspiron 15 does not compare because it lacks both reliability by
many current users and attractiveness. The MacBook 13 measures up with the
Pavilion dv4t in reliability and attractiveness but it can not beat its incredibly low
price. By purchasing this model instead of the MacBook 13 Mark will save $292.
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Lindsey Hines April 21, 2009
The Pavilion dv4t will also get him more for his dollar. It has a larger screen and
double the hard drive size of the MacBook 13. It also has a larger processor and
memory, although this does not necessarily mean it will run faster (Mac/Pc). He
will also have the option of a black or white computer depending on his
preference.
Appendix A:
A. Interview Questions for Dell Sales Representative Kyle
Johnston
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Lindsey Hines April 21, 2009
Kyle (K): “Will the student being using it for anything else?”
Interviewer (I): “It will be used predominately for school.”
3. What are the special features that come with this computer?
“This computer comes with a 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, a 250GB
hard drive, a wireless card to get Wi-Fi, 2GB memory, a DVD burner, a
webcam with a microphone and Microsoft software. All of these will be
important for a college student.”
9. Does this computer come with any type of warranty do you offer?
“There is a 1 year warranty that covers: technical support by phone or online
and in home service technical support which includes free parts and labor.
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Lindsey Hines April 21, 2009
You can extend the warranty for a fee when it has expired or for a cheaper
rate if you extend it when you buy the computer.”
12. What are some problems that an operator might have when using
this computer?
“A user should be problem free. If there is a problem there is in home
technical support as well as support by phone or online.”
13. Do you believe this computer will be reliable for a college student?
“Yes, most definitely.”
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Lindsey Hines April 21, 2009
“Oh yes, it comes with a wireless card. All of our computers come standard
with this.”
11. What are some problems that an operator might have when using
this computer?
“A user should have no problems with our computers”.
2. What are the features of this computer? (Each feature was inquired
about if not directly informed)
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Lindsey Hines April 21, 2009
“This computer comes with many features a 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
processor, 120 GB hard drive, 2GB memory, wireless card, webcam with
microphone attached, a DVD burner and many ports for connecting an iPod
and such.”
8. This computer has a smaller hard drive than the other computers I
have looked at, will a student have to be worried about filling up the
hard drive?
“It would take a lot to fill up this hard drive especially if the main use of this
computer is for school work. If you would run in to this problem which would
not likely happen for many years you can change out your hard drive for a
bigger size.”
11. What are some problems that an operator might have when using
this computer?
“A user will seldom have problems with any apples. Each component put
into this system is specifically for that computer. We also use high dollar
components unlike any of our competitors this is why our computers are more
expensive. They are much better quality. You can not compare a Mac to a
PC.”
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Lindsey Hines April 21, 2009
12. Do you think this college student will be able to rely on this
computer for his needs?
“Of course, my daughters works wonderfully.”
4. Are you going to be using this computer for anything other than
school like gaming etc.?
“No basically just for school and to go on the internet. I am definitely not a
gamer.”
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Lindsey Hines April 21, 2009
Works Cited
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Lindsey Hines April 21, 2009
4. Digitgeek.com. 26 Oct. 2008. Hardware Reviews and Tutorial. 16 Apr.
2009. http://www.digitgeek.com/laptop-review. (DG)
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