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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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Inspiron Zino HD (starting at
$249)
Inspired by (or completely ripping off) the Mac mini, Dell has their own small form factor computer, though it starts at a fraction of the price. Running Windows Vista or 7 (both 64-Bit) and with enough power for most productivity tasks, it's a convenient system for anyone with non-power user needs. For the aesthetics-conscious, it offers 10 different designs for the top.
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Mac
mini (starting at $699)
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). With starting specs of a 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo, 320GB hard drive, and 2GB of RAM, it's got plenty enough muscle for C&P X. While once limited to a 32MB video card, it now comes with a 256MB card standard, so outside of heavy graphics needs, it should be able to handle most whatever you throw at it.
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Vostro Laptops (starting at $379)
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 (starting
at $999)
Recently updated. Improvements include the low 4.7 pounds weight, a 10-hour battery, a brilliant LED-backlit 13" display (1280x800), and the new multi-touch trackpad. Under the hood it starts with 2.4GHz,2GB memory, 250GB hard drive, a 8x DL SuperDrive, and a 256MB NVIDIA graphics card. Outside the office, AEs will find this mac a worthy companion and when they need a little more real estate back in the office, it can support an external display up to the 30" Apple Cinema HD Display.
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Best Server Deals - ideal
servers for Clients & Profits
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Dell PowerEdge Servers (starting at $299 [no OS], Base configuration with Windows Server 2008 Foundation Edition and 15 CALs ~$600)
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.
Be aware that Microsoft has discontinued Services for Macintosh (SFM), so all users will need to connect via SMB.
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Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server ($999)
Yes, the mini appears twice on this page. We know many shops who were already using minis as servers, but now Apple offers it pre-loaded with Snow Leopard Server, so you can get an OS X Server for 1/3 the price of the Xserve. With 4GB of memory and 1 TB of storage (dual 500GB drives), it should get the job done for most shops. The mini is efficient on power, cost, and user management (there's no CALs with OS X Server).
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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 ($34.99 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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HP Officejet Pro 8500 Wireless All-in-One ($299.99 after rebate)
HP delivers in functionality, performance, and price on this one. With cost-effective high-capacity ink cartridges, this printer rivals or surpasses laser printers for cost per page. Get it wireless and stick it anywhere in the office (though we don't recommend doing the same with your C&P workstations). With color faxing, scanning to email or network locations, high-speed printing (35ppm black, 34ppm color), and a robust web admin tool, this printer is a great value for the functionality. |
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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 8.0 ($305.87 for 20 client licenses at Provantage)
Retrospect easily protects files on any 20 networked desktops, notebooks,
or servers (additional servers requires additional server licenses). It installs on any Mac (OS X or OS X Server) 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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