Top Office Technology Tools: Equipment to Streamline Your Work

Office technology products are getting more powerful and easier to use, providing accountants with the opportunity to work smarter and faster. Listed here are many products that can make CPAs' work more efficient and effective. DESKTOP COMPUTERS New computer technology has made enormous leaps in the past year. The top speed of the electronic chips that run today's computers has soared to as high as 300 megahertz (MHz), although the more affordable products are in the 166- to 233-MHz range. From the average consumer's point of view, the difference in speed, while technically significant, is not easily apparent. To run most of today's software, 166 MHz is sufficiently fast. But as tomorrow's software gets more sophisticated--and therefore fatter and more complicated--the extra speed will be dramatically apparent and much appreciated. So, if your budget allows, go for the higher speed. Economy-minded accountants recognize that many of the bells and whistles loaded on new models, while nice, often are not necessary for most tasks. As a result, rather than buying the latest pricey models, an increasing number of accountants are upgrading their current machines. Upgrade options include faster motherboards (the board on which the main computer processor, or chip, is installed), higher capacity hard disks for more storage, faster modems, more RAM and larger monitor screens. In most cases, such upgrades can be a half-hour or so do-it-yourself project; the only tool you'll need is a small screwdriver. But beware: While upgrading can save loads of money, it also can create severe headaches. For example, upgrading an off-brand computer can trigger compatibility problems. So, if you're leaning toward upgrading, consider seeking out a reliable computer vendor or technician to assess the compatibility issue first. Since most desktop computers are customizable (features can be added or subtracted easily), we offer no new product advisories. However, we do suggest that if you're buying computers for the office and don't want to get involved in the technical nitty-gritty of compatibility, aim for a national-brand product and be sure each new machine is compatible with the others in the office and with your network, so, don't settle for less than a 166- MHz machine with at least 32 megabytes (Mb) of RAM and a hard disk of at least 2 gigabytes (Gb). For better viewing, consider at least a 17-inch monitor. LAPTOP COMPUTERS Mobile computers have been benefiting most from recent technological gains. Late last year, Intel introduced a new Pentium chip (Tillamook) designed specifically for laptops. The new chip runs faster and cooler and consumes less electricity, which extends a laptop's battery life. As a result, laptop manufacturers are rushing to market with a wide assortment of models that use the new chip. If power and speed are high on your mobile computer requirements list, be sure your new machine has a Tillamook chip. Depending on how you plan to use a laptop, we suggest you consider these three: 4 Gateway Solo 2300LE Powerful for the price, excellent battery life. www.gateway.com * $2,849 This seven-pound Solo 2300SE is one the most powerful laptops on the market for its price. Its battery life is outstanding: nearly five hours. Highlights: A big (12.1 inches), active-matrix screen, a 200-MHz Pentium processor with MMX, a 3-Gb removable hard disk, 32 Mb of RAM, a built-in sound board and a lithium battery pack (the best laptop battery). IBM ThinkPad 770 The laptop to replace your desktop when price is no object. www.pc.ibm.com * $7,540 If you've imagined dumping your desktop computer and replacing it with a laptop but haven't found a worthwhile contender, your search may be over. The ThinkPad, while not cheap, has more power than most desktops and comes in an 8.2-pound package. Highlights: A 5. …