> ----------
> From: Steve Metcalfe[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: 13 May 1997 16:21
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: RE: Hardware specification - the future
>
> >Why would a student need such a powerful PC to word process
> > with now or in the future?
>
> Have you tried word processing under windows using speech output?
> Have you tried using voice input for controlling or wordprocessing?
>
I am currently using a P120MHz 16Mb running Windows 95, Kurzweil Voice
input and MS Works, and it functions perfectly well. I have TextHelp on
the same machine. We have a 486DX2/66 running Win 3.11 with a DECTalk
card and it works fine. You are only going to see speed increases with
the Pentium II processors if you run Windows NT as they are strictly 32
bit processors. Windows 97 may be true 32 bit, but Win 95 isn't. How
many packages can you definitely say will work under NT without any
problems.
The majority of our students who I recommend equipment for don't need
speech input and many of them only need a straight word processor. A
Pentium 133 or 150 is more than enough power for the majority of
students needs.
> >
> > I'm currently recommending Pentium 133 or 150 computers with 16Mb
> RAM,
> > 1.5-2Gb hard disk and a multimedia kit. My main dilemma at the
> moment is
> > whether to suggest 14" or 15" screens since the latter tend to be
> better
> > quality, but is this a luxury for word processing?
> >
> I recommend 17" as this is the minimum spec for machines bought
> by the university.
>
Here, we tend to use 15" in the majority of offices and labs. Serious
users tend to go for 17", but I wouldn't have thought that the bulk of
students needing a machine for word processing need such a large screen.
Heath Boffey
Special Needs Technical Support Officer
Lancaster University
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