[OPLINTECH] Desktops on Bookmobiles

[Steve Miller]

All -

I have a few questions about bookmobiles and technology....

In mobile units, why would one choose a desktop system over a laptop?

Are any hardware cost-savings (from using desktop vs notebook) lost in
special adaptations, such as anti-vibration or stabilization hardware?

Is the amount of workspace affected as much as one would think with a
monitor/keyboard/mouse/barcode wand  vs a single-unit laptop?

I can see the benefits of cheap small-form-factor machines, but am concerned
about vibration and wobbling increasing wear-and-tear.  The notebooks
currently in use are approaching the 5-year mark, and service calls have
been increasing.  We would hope that whichever system replaces them, that we
could get another five years out if it.  I'm just not sure a desktop system
(without padding) could do that.

('course the armored tough-books are attractive, too...)

Any thoughts or experiences you'd like to share?

Steve
--------------------------------------
Steve Miller, Technology Coordinator
Ashtabula County District Library
335 W. 44th Street, Ashtabula, OH 44004
millerst@oplin.org
(440) 997-9341 x239 / fax (440) 998-1198
Opinions expressed are my own.