R97-19 ACCEPTING THE BID OF MICROSLATE, INC.

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separate box for all ports and electronics. This creates a separate mounting problem in the vehicle. The box also contains only the minimum number (2) of serial ports required for operation. Although this unit is a pen based unit with limited touch screen capabilities, there is no on-screen keyboard function and this unit requires an electromagnetic pen to operate this function. The pens utilized for this function are priced at $55 each which creates an on-going cost consxieration for the department. The MicroSlate computer is a high tech computer that employs an Intel Pentium processor running at 120Mhz. MicroSlate does not unitize a heater, but offers an operating temperature range of-30 degrees F to a +130 degrees F. The docking station is a self contained unit that offers four (4) serial ports which allows for twice the expandability of any tested unit. The docking station also utilizes a self guided floating docking connection that gives more stability for in vehicle use and a longer connector life,thereby minimizing service. The MicroSlate computer is a true touch screen application. It employs an on-screen windows based keyboard that can be activated by use of the supplied pen, or by touching the screen with your fingernail. Loss of the pen does not inactivate the capabilities of this unit as experienced with the electromagnetic pen application.. The cost of the pen is $2.00. The final consideration in determining which computer to recommend is computer reliability and company stability. The Hammerhead Company marketed their first unit in January 1996. The company has several units in the field and all reports to date indicate that this is a reliable unit. The only drawback to the Hammerhead company is that the company has been in existence just over one year and have been sold to another company, Walkabout. This leaves some question to the stability of the company and the ability of the vendor to supply long term service. The MicroSlate Company began operation in 1987 and produced the first mobile display computer application in the Fall of 1988. They have a long standing reputation of quality and service. The company is noted in the public service area as being a front runner in mobile display computer technology. This is evidenced by the research and development applied to the , MicroSlate Datalite 500 computer and docking station. It is the recommendation of staff to purchase eighty two (82) mobile display computers from MicroSlate, Inc. at a cost of $571,049.38. This figure is considerably lower than the original projected costs for the mobile display computer application. Staff will be present at council to answer any questions.