Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft began his company with a vision and a mission statement
“We started with a vision of a computer on every desk and in every home… Every day, we’re finding new ways for technology to enhance and enrich people’s lives. We’re really just getting started.”
– Bill Gates
Chairman and Chief Software Architect
That was in 1975. I was in high school. Look what has been accomplished in just 33 short years. Many High School and college classrooms now look like this:
But when it comes to real estate, some of us are still back in the 1970’s. During the email migration I realized just how many of us only have access to a computer when we are at the research room in the office. So it’s time to realize that the computer has found a permanent place in the real estate business and it is not going away. No serious full time Realtor wants to admit that they don’t have a computer. So here is a look at a few resources for that first or next computer purchase that will bring you right into the 21st century!
1. I think if you have only one computer it needs to be a laptop. More and more laptops are finding their way into listing and offer presentations. A laptop will be a bit more expensive, but portability makes it worth it.
2. A new computer need not make a big hole in your wallet. If you are on a budget you may want to consider a Netbook. A netbook is a small to medium sized, light-weight, low-cost, energy-efficient laptop, generally optimized for internet based services such as web browsing and e-mailing. Netbooks can alays be found under $500 and there is a good selection under $300. Now, you will not be able to do super computing on a netbook, but for the basics of real estate, a netbook will meet the fundamental need.
3. Understanding the terminology is half the battle – make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Here are some minimum specs to consider:
- Processor – Intel is generally thought to be the best processor
- Memory – System Memory should be a minimum if 1 GB – and 4GB would be great!
- Hard Drive Size – really depends on how large your media library is. If you have a huge audio/video library you need at least a 250GB hard drive. You may chose to get an external drive in addition to your laptop to keep just your A/V library. Get a big one and it is a back up device as well.
- Consider a built in video camera. Video conferencing is a great way to communicate with clients.
Here are some more articles to help you make your choice:
Top Ten Things to Consider when buying a Computer
Need software? Microsoft just opened an online store… check it out.
Maybe you have just got a computer…. share. My personal favorite is the new MacBook Pro.
{sigh} Maybe next year 😉
Tomorrow we get back to blogging. I am looking for those homework assignments! For tonight – do your research. You need to have your own computer… the sooner the better.
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