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The best buys in hardware and software,
hand-picked by the Clients & Profits Helpdesk staff
by Chris
Lawrence, CIO/COO
People often ask us which computers, servers, and software we use here at
Clients & Profits and where we buy them. The deals page features great
deals on hardware and software hand-picked by myself and the Clients
Profits staff. We don't sell hardware, so these listings are legitimate --
and we use most of the equipment listed here. They represent our best
choices for buying computers, software, and accessories to make the most
of your investment in Clients & Profits.
For Mac hardware purchases it's a good idea to check the MacRumors Buyer's Guide first to minimize the risk of unknowingly buying right before an upgrade.
Best Computer Deals -
ideal workstations for Clients & Profits
users
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Vostro 220 Mini Tower (starting at
$279)
The new Vostro series are "built specifically for the unique needs of small businesses." They come with no undesired trialware (finally), offer Windows XP or Vista, and a wide variety of options to make them range from basic entry-level up to powerful workstation. Consider including a CD-RW or DVD-RW for database backups.
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Mac
mini
(starting at $599)
The Mac mini is a fantastic cost-effective and space-efficient
option for those who already have spare displays, keyboards,
and mice around (Apple calls it BYODKM). It now comes with the Intel Core 2 Duo chip for increased performance (though it won't work with versions of C&P prior to C&P X). While once limited to a 32MB video
card, it now comes with 128MB minimum, so outside of heavy graphics needs, it should be able to handle whatever you throw at it.
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Vostro Laptops (starting at $294)
The Vostro line is well-suited for the AE who needs a lightweight but powerful notebook to use from the road with My Clients & Profits! (e.g., client sites, conferences, trade shows, etc.) as well as a desktop replacement that runs Clients & Profits in the office. They offer a wide variety of features and an assortment of Intel processors. Screen sizes are 8.9"-17" so there's plenty of options if you like to travel light or carry a lot of power. Available with Windows Vista, XP, or Ubuntu (Linux).
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MacBook/MacBook Pro (starting
at $999/$1199)
The MacBook has been redesigned and we think it's beautiful. The display has been upgraded with a LED backlight which is thinner, lights up instantly, and is covered entirely by glass. It now comes standard with a SuperDrive, 2GB memory minimum, and a 256MB NVIDIA graphics processor. It's the most powerful Mac laptop yet, even at the entry-level price. And with Boot Camp built-in (Windows license not included), you get two computers in one, should you need to use any Windows applications. The biggest limitation is the 13" display on the entry-level model, but for many users, that could be a benefit.
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Best Server Deals - ideal
servers for Clients & Profits
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Dell
PowerEdge Servers (starting
at $286 [no OS], Base configuration with Windows Server 2008 Foundation Edition and 15 CALs ~$627)
Dell's PowerEdge servers are a great value and have plenty of power for hosting the built-in Clients & Profits database. They offer several different processors (Quad-Cores from both AMD and Intel) and with no OS included, you can use whichever you're most comfortable administering. These servers are all built-to-order so you have plenty of choices, including both tower and rack configurations. Apple's Xserve can also host a C&P database cross-platform, but the starting price is much higher ($3000) and may be more powerful than is needed.
Be aware that Microsoft has discontinued Services for Macintosh (SFM), so this server can only host to a single-platform office if using the built-in database.
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Hardware - useful
equipment for your network and for managing Clients & Profits
databases
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Netgear
Wireless 802.11g Router
($39.99 at Amazon.com)
This Netgear Wireless Router provides the ideal solution for connecting
your wireless network to a high-speed broadband Internet connection
and a 10/100 Ethernet backbone. The wireless-G protocol is nearly
5 times faster than the B protocol, but is still
compatible with B devices. A typical router relies on a hub or
a switch to share its Internet connection, but this Netgear Router
channels this connection through its built-in 10/100 4-Port Switch.
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Brother
HL-6050DN ($499.99)
This laser printer is a great value with strong features like built-in duplex.
With a 10/100 BaseT ethernet card built in, it will be right at
home on your network. It has 32mb of ram onboard and will print
out your Clients & Profits reports at 25 pages per minute. The
only downside might be losing the excuse to take a coffee break
when it's time to print. |
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Software - useful
applications for managing Clients & Profits databases
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Apple Remote Desktop ($299 for 10 managed systems, $499 unlimited)
Apple Remote Desktop (ARD for short) is a system manager's dream come true. It allows admins to observe, control, distribute software, execute UNIX commands, search for files, gather system and usage information, and much more all from one location. It can even control PCs with VNC software running. It's a powerful utility which you'll soon wonder how you lived without.
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Retrospect
Workgroup Backup 6.1($318.28 for 20 client licenses at Provantage)
Retrospect easily protects files on any 20 networked desktops, notebooks,
or servers. It installs on any Windows-based computer with a supported
storage device (CD/DVD-R, tape backup, remote hard drive). Retrospect's
EasyScript wizard builds a complete backup schedule so that your
Individual users don't have to copy files to the server since Retrospect
backs up everyone automatically.
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Looking
for system recommendations?
Click here
for a list of recommended hardware
for running Clients & Profits.
DISCLAIMER: The hardware and software
listed on this page represent our informed choices for informational
purposes only. We cannot guarantee the performance of any particular
hardware or system configuration with your Clients & Profits
software. |
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