What do you really need in laptop computers?
The basics may be good enough
(Editor’s note: In the second part of this two-part series, Home Infusion Therapy Management speaks with industry experts on what features you should consider when purchasing laptops for your staff and what features are just unnecessary extras.)
When it comes to handheld computers, you exchange simplicity and price for fewer options, both with hardware and software. But laptop computers are another story. Buy more computer than your staff will need, and you’ll likely pay dearly for it in the pocket. Here are several tips on what to look for and what to beware of when shopping for a laptop.
• Comfort first.
Before you get into any technical specs, remember: If your staff aren’t comfortable using laptops, the computers’ use will be minimized.
"One of most necessary things we’re finding is the display," says Mark Mattson, a network analyst for Ryan Computer Consulting/Martech Computers, a firm in Marshall, MN, that deals predominately with the health care field. "Look for an active matrix display. It is much clearer than dual scan, which is difficult to read, even for someone sitting directly in front of it."
• Don’t get colorful.
A laptop can be plainly generic, says Judith Hornback, management information systems support analyst for the home health department of Ancilla Systems in South Bend, IN, a health care corporation which owns seven hospitals in the Midwest. She says there’s little need for a color monitor if staff is simply entering data.
• Mix n’ match.
Most computers now come with a Pentium processor. However, if you’re trying to get the most for your money by buying an older model, a 486 may not be enough machine. Match the processor’s capability with your software’s requirement.
"If you get a Pentium, you’re assured you’re going to be able to run the new programs," says Mattson. "If you buy a 486, you don’t have that assurance." Once you’ve narrowed down your software to one or two vendors, check with them to see what processor they require for optimum performance.
• Don’t create a hostile environment.
Many computers come loaded with Windows 95 rather than DOS as the operating environment. Again, ask software vendors if they offer DOS software, Windows 95, or both. Purchasing a machine with Windows 95 when your software of choice is DOS or an older version of Windows could require you to upgrade your machines. So coordinate the purchase carefully.
Once you find a software package that runs on your equipment, don’t become overly concerned with the technology becoming outdated.
"As long as your software package runs on your computer, you can run that package forever," says Mattson. Only if you switch packages or upgrade would you have to revisit the hardware issue.
• Make the connection.
Finally, Mattson says to consider how your staff will use the laptops. Do you want them to be able to connect with the office from a patient’s home or their own home? If so, look for laptops that come with internal modems, which will allow nurses to connect to the office with existing phone lines.
If your nurses will need to connect with an existing in-house network, you’ll probably need to purchase network cards. In that case, the nurse will likely have to be in the office to tie in. While there’s no difference in price between a modem and network card, Mattson says that many computers come with internal modems, but few come with network cards.
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