The purpose of this assignment is to use Microsoft Excel to create a laptop computer system cost comparison spreadsheet and utilize Microsoft PowerPoint to report the costs and pros and cons of various computer systems.

Your manager has approved the purchase of new laptop computers for your department.

Part 1 – Laptop Computer Cost Comparison

Create an Excel spreadsheet and, in a text box, identify and describe three software programs specific to your career field of study. This should not include Microsoft Office. The software should be used for productivity, data management, unique needs of the field, increasing market share, and increasing competitive advantage.

From this perspective, research various computer systems. In your Excel spreadsheet, identify and summarize the cost base for three laptop computer systems. Include information on the specifications listed below:

1. Computer brand and model
2. Price
3. CPU: type, clock speed, number of cores
4. RAM: amount and type
5. Screen size and resolution
6. Primary disk: capacity, hard drive or SSD
7. Optical disc drive (optional)

At the bottom of the spreadsheet, merge a block of several cells to create a large cell. In this area, provide a link to the website where this product can be found.

1. Add a new worksheet page and create two pie charts.
2. Pie Chart 1 should compare the cost of the three laptop systems.
3. Pie Chart 2 should compare the cost of the three software programs.

Only the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet file will be accepted. Do not submit any other file format, such as an Adobe PDF file, or you will not earn full credit.

Part II – Laptop Computer System Selection Presentation

Now that you researched three different laptop computer systems, select a laptop computer system that you chose to recommend to the management for the purchase. Create a PowerPoint presentation with a minimum of six slides that you can use to summarize and justify the laptop computer you have selected. Management has asked that you address the following in the presentation.

1. Computer brand and model
2. Price
3. CPU: type, clock speed, number of cores
4. RAM: amount and type
5. Screen size and resolution
6. Primary disk: capacity, hard drive or SSD
7. Optical disc drive (may be optional)
8. Detailed discussion of software specific to your career field of study that will be used for productivity, data management, unique needs of the field, increasing market share, and increasing competitive advantage (QuickBooks, SalesForce, Google Analytics, Epic, etc.), including the associated cost.

Only the Microsoft PowerPoint presentation file will be accepted. Do not submit any other file format, such as an Adobe PDF file, or you will not earn full credit.

General Requirements

Submit both the Excel spreadsheet file and the Microsoft PowerPoint presentation file. Do not submit any other file format, such as an Adobe PDF file, or you will not earn full credit.

Refer to the resource, “Creating Effective PowerPoint Presentations,” located in the Student Success Center, for additional guidance on completing this assignment in the appropriate style.

While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.