What Should A Real Estate Agent Look For In A Desktop Computer?
By Chad A. Johnson · September 8, 2007
Purchasing a new desktop computer can be a confusing experience for a real estate agent with technology changing so often. You may be wondering what technologies are best. Or will the computer meet your current and future real estate needs?
So instead of recommending an actual desktop computer, I have outlined some minimum requirements and recommendations for a solid, sensible real estate agent desktop computer. This way, no matter which brand you prefer, you will be able to shop with confidence.
While I do not recommend any specific computer brands, I do recommend purchasing from a company that allows you to fully configure your system. Dell and HP are 2 prime examples. This will give you the most flexibility. When you walk into a store and buy a pre-configured system, you may be paying for more than you need or be forced to upgrade components at a later date.
Operating System
Microsoft Windows Vista has been out for over 7 months now. At this point, it is ill-advised to recommend purchasing a new computer with the aging Windows XP operating system installed. You may need to download updates for your current programs or purchase the latest version, but that may be a blessing in disguise.
There are 4 editions of Vista that you will likely come across (Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate), but real estate agents should only consider Home Premium or Ultimate. Both of these editions include the multimedia functionality that has become essential real estate technology.
The Ultimate edition includes all Windows Vista functionality, including full system backup and remote access capability. The additional functionality can be well worth the extra $80-120.
Processor
When it comes to the latest processor technology, Intel Core 2 Duo is the only way to go. These processors are far superior to anything that competitor AMD has to offer. Any Core 2 Duo chip will be more than adequate for the average real estate agent’s needs.
RAM
Windows Vista is a memory hog! Because of this, don’t skimp on RAM or you will regret it very quickly. Spring for 2GB of RAM to give Vista the elbow room it needs.
Hard Drive
Storage space is inexpensive, so go big. As multimedia technology (i.e. Videos, Photos and Podcasts) become more abundant in real estate, you will need this extra space.
Video Card
Just as Windows Vista eats up memory, it also uses a tremendous amount of video processing power. This means you should pay attention to the video card in a new computer more than ever before. Cheap, integrated graphics cards are not going to satisfy. For a computer to handle any real estate technology tasks that you can throw at it, make sure you purchase a discrete (dedicated) video card with 256MB of memory or more. Video cards from either NVIDIA or ATI are the best bet.
Sound Card and Speakers
Sound cards and speakers are areas where you can skimp and save a few bucks. Unless you are really into music, go with a basic, integrated sound card and simple speakers.
Optical Drive
Every desktop computer should have a DVD-RW drive. These versatile drives play and record CD’s and DVD’s. While you might not think you will ever need to burn a DVD, think again. With over 4 GB of storage space per DVD, they are a wonderful media for file backups. Also, if you have yet to use video in a listing presentation or open house it is only a matter of time before you do. A DVD-RW drive will surely come in handy.
You may be tempted to upgrade to a Blu-Ray or HD DVD drive. I would advice against that as they are expensive and who knows which format will prevail (do you remember Beta?).
If you are looking for a bit of WOW factor, get a drive with LightScribe technology. Using special LightScribe discs, you can burn an image into the face of the disc. Although it is a monochrome image, they look better than many of the labels that I have seen.
Monitor
There are few things in your life that you will stare at as much as your computer monitor. Get as big and as high of quality as you can. Widescreens are the latest trend in monitors. Buy at least a 20” widescreen or spend a bit more for a 22”. Compare contrast ratios and response rates. The higher the contrast ratio and the lower the response rate, the easier it will be on your eyes.
Keyboard and Mouse
Would you benefit from a wireless keyboard and mouse set? Are you left or right handed (some mice are right hand specific)? Would additional function buttons make you more efficient (I need a back button on my mouse)?
No matter what you purchase, at least buy an optical or laser mouse (no more mice with the trackball inside).
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Comments
14 Responses to “What Should A Real Estate Agent Look For In A Desktop Computer?”
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Or, you could save yourself a lot of headache and pick up a Mac. : )
Yes, by all means bag Windows and go with a Mac. In most cities there is an Apple store with free classes in Mac software. The included software called iLife will revoluntionize the Realtor’s business as it relates to the internet. Pay $99 extra for .mac, and you can upload your website and blogs, simply by hitting the “Publish” button. I now have both desktop and laptop Macs.
I have a Mac desk top and a windows, I leave my window unguarded hoping some one will steal it so I can get a mac book.
I like Macs myself, but Windows allows my “flexibility” when it comes with software. More things available, plus I can personally build my own computer compared to Apple (nothing personal against it, just preference).
Although the biggest issue for me will always be COST, and PCs are just more economical in price compared to Macs…Apple simply overprices its products, ala, Sony.
- Michael
http://www.PropertySolutionSF.com
Any laptop recommendations?
Sean,
I am currently working on a similar article relating to purchasing a laptop computer. Check back for it.
As a consultant specializing in desktop technology, I would suggest that exercising care before immediately adopting Vista may be wise. A computer running XP Service Pack 2 with all the updates installed is, at this point, a fairly stable operating system with most flaws fixed. Also, with Microsoft expecting to release a major upgrade in early 2008 and with many software packages, particularly specialty applications like some of those those used in real estate, not yet been ported to Vista,it might be wise to wait.
Having said that, any desktop (or laptop) you buy should be powerful enough to run Vista. XP will go away and you should have a machine capable of handling Vista so follow the configuration suggestions for a Vista-capable computer.
Before you move to Vista, now or later, test your applications. If there is not a Vista version being offered by the software manufacturer, see if you can find a way to test run your existing critical applications on Vista. Some may work, others will not, even in “emulation mode” (where Vista will try to act like XP to allow you to run software).
The same recommendation holds true for moving to a Mac from a Windows system: Test your applications first unless there are Mac OS versions available. If you are moving from Windows to Mac, make sure you hae time to get trained or familiarize yourself with the computer. Mac’s aren’t hard to learn but they take some getting used to.
Hello, thanks for the good article. I buy a new desktop everythree years or so for my Ann Arbor Michigan real estate business. This time I am thinking about going for a mac. I use several programs that require Windows and Internet Explorer 6.0. Now that the Macs can run duel operating systems, I think it is time to give one a try.
Anyone have experience with an Imac and duel operating systmes?
David made some great points. Determining Vista compatibility of your software ahead of time is crucial to your success in running Vista.
I worked with a real estate agent who purchased a new Vista laptop and installed her older Canon inkjet printer using the original driver CD.
Those drivers weren’t Vista compatible. Once the printer software was installed, her computer no longer was able to access the internet or receive emails.
Luckily, the fix was as simple as removing the incompatible software and downloading and installing the Vista compatible drivers from Canon’s website.
It pays to thoroughly investigate if a program is Vista compatible before putting it on your Vista machine.
The computer is irrelevant. What’s really important is HOW THEY BACKUP THEIR DATA.
We do believe backup is very important. Check here for a few of Chad’s posts on the subject: Backup Posts
I wouldn;t throw away the AMD just yet. I will say that the core 2 duo is faster but it doesn’t give me the speed to justify the price. I have been building PCs for 9 years now and ever since the battle of the two began I have tested both and come to two conclusions. Intel is faster. AMD is quite, cooler and more stable. In my opinion AMD understands what makes a good processor. They are not all about speed because no matter how fast your processor is you are always going to be bottle necked by something else like memory, graphics card or your mother boards chipset. I would recommend AMD for longevity but to all his own.
Up until the Intel “Core” series processors were released, I was a huge AMD fan. While the Intel chips are a bit more expensive, benchmarks tests have shown as much as a 40% performance advantage of the Core 2 Duo chips over the AMD competitors.
AMD is working on a new processor architecture that will hopefully bring them back in line with Intel for 2008. Strong competition in the processor arena will also mean price reductions for consumers.
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