Stephanie McElvain
EDU 214
February 10, 2019
Buying A Computer
I was asked to do some research to find a classroom appropriate computer and a few
other related items. After completing my research and comparing several computers and retailer
options, I have concluded that I would choose for my classroom would be the Dell Inspiron
Desktop- 3668Windows 10 Pro. This computer has the power to keep up with constant use and has plenty of
memory with additional expansion options available.
On NewEgg.com, I found the Dell Inspiron Desktop- 3668Windows 10 Pro for only $549.99. It is
quite affordable considering everything that is included. The tower is a glossy black, making it a modern addition
to any classroom. The tower comes with a keyboard and mouse, but it does not come with a monitor. The monitor
that I found for my classroom is a ViewSonic 195” LED monitor at Best Buy for only $79.99.
One of the features on the computer that helped me solidify my decision was the fact that
it has an 7th Generation Intel Core Processor that runs at 3 gigahertz. In the classroom, we need to
be able to have a computer that can process information quickly and efficiently. This computer
fits that aspect of my requirements!
Having enough storage space is also extremely important in a classroom. This computer
does not lack in that regard, with a 12GB Ram and 1 Terabyte Hard Drive! This computer will
be able to maintain a multitude of different files, from full programs to student files. There is
also room for expanding on the memory of this computer buy purchasing an external hard drive
if eventually needed.
Along with speed and memory, we there is sound and video to consider. In order to run
newer programs for myself and for students, a good graphics card and sound card are a must.
This Dell has an Integrated 5.1 Channel with Wave MaxxAudio Pro sound card and an Intel
UHD Graphics 630 card. Both make for an amazing sound and video quality. Which will make
the students and my own programs run smoothly with great sound. There is even an option to
plug in headphones if the need arises. The DVD drive can be used to play DVDs on rainy days
when the students are brought inside instead of having outdoors playtime.
There are a few different warranty options available through NewEgg.com for this Dell
computer. The option that I will be choosing is a three-year parts and labor warranty provided by
an Allstate company for only $89. This is a decent time-frame for a computer warranty,
considering most computers will need to be replaced every few years. Tech support is available
on Dell’s website or by phone at 1-800-999-3355. The tech support can help guide you through
simple issues at no cost. For more complex issues, prices may vary.
I also researched a few different printers to go along with this new computer. The printer
that I chose is a Brother Laser printer that prints in both black and color. It is wireless and has a
high printing rate. It is so important to have a printer with a high printing rate because of the
minimal amount of prep time us teachers have. Also, a lot of the school provided printers do not
print in color, but I would prefer to have the option even if I will not use that option daily.
The software that I have chosen to purchase for installation on this computer is
GradeKeeper. GradeKeeper is an educational software that will help me to input student grades
into a gradebook at ease. Students and parents will have access to their own (or their child’s)
grades. It is easy to maintain, and it is quite affordable at only $20 per license fee for individual
purchases.
The two other wesites that I looked researched computers on were Walmart.com and
bestbuy.com.
Specs
Computer Brand Dell Inspiron 24 HP Pavillion Dell OptiPlex Dell Inspiron
3000 Series All- $599.99 $769.99 Desktop- 3668
in-One $523.95 $549.99
Monitor 23.8-inch FHD ViewSonic - ViewSonic - ViewSonic -
(1920 x 1080) 19.5" LED HD 19.5" LED HD 19.5" LED HD
Touch Display Monitor - Black Monitor - Black Monitor - Black
$79.99 $79.99 $79.99
Processor AMD A9-9425 Intel 7th Intel 7th Intel 7th
(3.1 GHz) Generation Core Generation Core Generation Core
i5 3 gigahertz i5 3.4 gigahertz i5 3gigahertz
Hard Drive 1 TB 1 TB 256 GB Solid 1 TB
State Drive
RAM 8 GB 8 GB 8 GB 12GB
Sound Card Information not 5.1 channel Information not Integrated 5.1
provided surround provided Channel with
Wave
MaxxAudio Pro
(Windows)
Video Card Information not Intel HD Intel HD Intel UHD
provided Graphics 630 Graphics 630 Graphics 630
DVD Drive Information not Yes Yes DVD±RW
provided
Warranty 3yr warranty by 1yr warranty 3yr warranty
3yr warranty
Allstate $79 included included included
Parts/Labor Parts/LaborParts/Labor
Allstate $89
Printer Brother - HL- Brother - HL- Brother - HL- Brother - HL-
3140CW 3140CW 3140CW 3140CW
Wireless Color Wireless Color Wireless Color Wireless Color
Laser Printer - Laser Printer - Laser Printer - Laser Printer -
Gray/White Gray/White Gray/White Gray/White
$199.99 $199.99 $199.99 $199.99
Software Gradekeeper $20 Gradekeeper $20 Gradekeeper $20 Gradekeeper $20
Tech Support Information not Geek Squad $99 Geek Squad Online Tech
provided for 1yr $199 for 1yr Support
Total Price $822.94 $998.97 $1,267.98 $937.98
Website Walmart.com Bestbuy.com Bestbuy.com NewEgg.com
(They price (They price
match) match)
