Mike is a new front office manager who has inherited computers with different ages. Some were bought recently with all of the latest technology; others are over three years old. The four computers at the front desk were the newer ones that need to run the hotels applications. His computer in his office was older and was primarily used for managerial tasks involving Excel, Word, email and accessing the Internet. In addition to the front desk Mike managed the concierge department and bell stand, who each have a computer. Mike was also in charge of the hotels business center with 5 older computers with a printer and a scanner. In total Mike was responsible for 14 computing devices.

Hotel guests were primarily business travelers who typically brought their own laptops and smart phones. Some just had cell phones and needed access to a desktop for a short period of time. More often than not, they needed to print something. Windows was the OS for the computers and is required to run the hotels different applications. In six months, the limited budget will allow Mike to purchase the equivalent of only three new computers. Mike knows a little more than the average person about technology and is thinking of possibly moving away from computers to other computing devices.

What computing devices (equivalent to 3 computers) should Mike purchase and who should get them? Why?

The next time Mike has money to upgrade technology (next budget cycle), what 3 computing devices would you purchase next and why?