R97-19 ACCEPTING THE BID OF MICROSLATE, INC.

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The selection of a mobile display computer is not a task that can be simply relegated to a matter of which vendor offers the lowest price. Mobile display computer systems are very unique in the computer industry. These computers are specialized systems that are hardened to meet the ' environment in which they are utilized, and due to their compact nature are not comparable with standard laptop computers. The units are sealed to protect the internal working components and thus specialized service is required to make repairs. Most of the internal components are ' customized to withstand shock and vibration as well as withstanding extreme temperature �� environments. This all translates into high per unit costs and higher costs for associated �� hardware and software. In recommending a suitable mobile display computer for our application staff looked at several issues including, system configuration, processing speed, durability, included software, docking station configuration, proven reliability, and vendor stability. Although price was a I consideration, it was not the primary factor in making a staff recommendation. For our application it was important to focus on key points that would not only provide adequate processing speed but give us the flexibility to expand the system as new applications become available. Other key points are the reliabiliiy of the computer and the stability of the company � responsible for manufacture and service of the computers. The latter is especially important since service of the computer must be completed by the vendor and funds are expended at the time of purchase to secure a three year service�agreement. If the computer fails and the company is out of business, this leaves the City holding a very expensive brick. In conducting a review of the individual bids it was determined that the Panasonic mobile display computer did not meet base specifications and therefore was not considered for purchase. Although an excellent computer, the Panasonic computer lacked a suitable vehicle docking station and the capability of multiple serial ports. The PC Mobile computer, XL Computing,Inc., offers a proven computer with a variety of excellent features. Unfortunately, this computer is faz too expensive for the equipment offered as , indicated on the attached documentation. The PC Mobile computer also offers a lower processing speed, limited hard drive space and associated components that are of lesser technology than the remaining two computers. The final two computers that were given serious consideration are the Hammerhead computer, Walkabout, Inc. and MicroSlate, Inc.. Both systems offer the 586/pentium processor with equal amounts of RAM memory. Both have a suitable docking station and generally met all other related specifications. The major differences between these two computers lie in the processing speed, docking station, working temperature ranges and touch screen capabilities. The Hammerhead computer is a Cyrix based 586/100 Mhz processor that is equivalent to an Intel Pentium processor n�nning at 75Mhz. The temperature range on this computer is limited without an add-on thin film heater. Without the heater the unit boasts a temperature range of-5 degrees C to 55 degrees C. With the heater the unit ranges from -20 degrees C to 55 degrees C. The docking station does not incorporate the required ports in the station itself, but rather utilizes a