Author: user
Last saved by: James A. Heaney
Company: HP

Comparison Shopping:  New Computer (200 points)
Goal/Objective:  
In this scenario, you are finding that more and more of your school work requires that you use a computer to complete assignments and projects.  Right now, you do not have a computer at home.  A generous relative has offered to pay for a new computer for you, up to a limit of $750, including sales tax and shipping.  
Directions/Procedures:    
Your task is to use the Internet to research different computer laptops or tablets available to get the most for your money, within the budget your relative as set.  You will look up the specifications for at least 3 different computer laptops or tablets through at least 3 different vendors (ex. Best Buy, Dell, HP, Tiger Direct, CDW, etc.) You will create a table in Microsoft Word or Excel to put all research data.  
After gathering the required information (see list #1-12 below), you will analyze the data, using the DECIDE process we have discussed in class, to decide which computer is the best to meet your needs, within your budget.  You will type out your decision, including your explanation as to how you arrived at your decision.  It is important to justify your decision with full details and rationale in order to obtain full credit for this project.  Your detailed research will be assessed using the school-wide research rubric and your written work/explanations will be assessed using the school-wide writing rubric.
Websites you may find helpful:
Great website to learn more about computer hardware:  http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ 
Great unbiased website to help you determine which computer(s) may be the best:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/computers-internet/computers/index.htm
Massachusetts Sales Tax Rate:  http://www.mass.gov/dor/all-taxes/tax-rate-table.html 

Computing Device Comparison Shopping Project
1.	Computer brand & model | Microsoft surface | HP envy Touchsmart Sleek Book | HP pavilion
2.	Computer type (i.e. laptop or tablet) | Tablet | laptop | laptop
3.	Store or vendor | Best Buy | Best buy | Best Buy
4.	Hard disk size (should be listed in GB or TB). The higher the number, the more storage space for files on the computer! | 64 GB | 750 GB | 750 GB
5.	CPU Processor speed (should be listed in GHz). The higher the number, the faster the computer “brain” will process information! | 1.3 GHz | 2.7 GHz | 2.3 GHz
6.	RAM (memory needed to access & run programs) should be expressed in GB. | 2 GB | 6 GB | 4 GB
7.	RAM DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3 - access speed) The higher the DDR3 number, the faster the computer memory can access your software to allow faster multi-tasking! | 2 GB | 6 GB | 4 GB
8.	Manufacturer Warranty (don’t pay for any extra warranty!) | 1 year | none | None
9.	Purchase Price | $549.99 | $629.99 | $399.99
10.	Shipping Charges if applicable | FREE | FREE | FREE
11.	State Sales Tax | $35.37 | $39.37 | $24.99
12.	Total Price (purchase price + shipping + sales tax) | $585.36 | $669.99 | $424.98
I would pick the HP pavilion. It may not have the most processor speed, but it is the best choice. It is the cheapest which is always good when you’re purchasing something. It also has a good amount of memory and for less money it is worth it.

© 2010 – 2014 G. Darmody All Rights Reserved