There were a couple options I could have done. The first will be buy desktops for the receptionists, and notebooks for the remote workers, and myself. The second was to buy a notebook PC for everyone. In addition to the options, there will need to be a choice in OS. My options were MacOS, Microsoft Windows, and Zorin OS. The main reason for Zorin OS would have been the support for Windows programs through WINE.
The first choice was simple. I would provide everyone with a notebook PC. This will reduce the amount of technical support that would be needed. It would also allow the receptionist to remote work if they should need to do that for any reason. ThinkPads were options for Windows, and Zorin OS PCs, but with the high investment in the properties, I would be literally pinching pennies. With that said, I actually chosen the $700+ Apple MacBook Neo, and obviously – the operating system will be MacOS.
Let’s first address the OS. The Verkada locking system will work with MacOS. This means I can use the OS I grown familiar with, and not have to deal with compatibility issues. With that said, there will be a need to have a single OS for everything. Since I am familiar with MacOS, and Verkada works with MacOS, it would just make sense to use MacOS. Now, I understand that MacOS is only about 15% of the global scale, but MacOS will be simple to operate, and there will be a small learning curve. When providing the system, I will provide all of the important apps in the dock to make it easier for the employee to use the OS.
Now that the OS has been discussed, the reason of why the MacBook Neo has to be addressed. The reason is cost and simplicity. By giving every employee a $700 MacBook Neo, it will allow them to perform their duties of light office work. The CPU is the A18 Pro chip. While not the latest, it is sufficient enough for the operations of basic office apps. There is 8GB of memory which while low, I will expect the system to perform just as well with the tasks it will need to do. I will choose the 512GB option which will include the fingerprint reader. This will be essential to protect the LAN from unauthorized intrusion on a stolen system.
There is a USB3-C port, and an USB2-C port. While not the latest, and I would have preferred 2 USB3-C ports, I will take what I can get. There is also a 3.5mm audio jack for using speakers, or earphones. The system also supports Bluetooth, and Wifi. There is a 13″ screen which I would have preferred 14″, but that would require an Air (13.6″), or Pro (14″). Either one of these systems will not give any improvement to warrant the cost. As for colors, all of the employees will get silver for the color. I will get indigo for my MacBook Neo.
Since this is a work computer, it would automatically connect to the Realty’s VPN connection. Once that is done – the employee will be able to access all of the resources just as if they were in the office. This will be essential since there will be file servers that will not be available on the Internet. A VPN is the only way to access these resources. The same will go for the printers. The same will apply with Time Machine back-up.