The only downside is that the graphics are not particularly strong on this budget device, making playing online games less of a compelling experience than on more expensive units: however, given that the library wishes to encourage serious and concentrated use of its online resources, this could be viewed as a bonus! A laptop may be favored by some library users who wish to have mobility as they circulate around the library. However, there are several logistical problems with using a laptop. First of all, laptops are more easily stolen, a real concern in a large library system with many patrons and a limited amount of librarians to supervise them. Laptops can also be easily damaged. While it is true that some laptops designed for commercial use have "hard-drive sensors, which protect vital data in the event of a fall or a sudden movement," or solid-state drives (SSDs) are that are even more rugged than spinning ones, they tend to be more expensive than desktops with comparable memory (Wirelessly fit, 2009, How to buy a business laptop). Having a large enough memory and a powerful enough battery on an inexpensive laptop that can support the library's database needs would be a challenge. The only laptops with the type of extended battery life that would be suitable for a library environment are like the e-Dell Latitude E4300, which has 2GB like the Acer, but with only 128 GB storage capacity -- at a price of $2,789 (Chang 2009).

Typically, desktops are suggested for consumers who "want to pay a little less and get a little more," (Laptop v. desktop, 2009, Establish your needs). This is...

In short, for less money, a budget desktop like the Acer can provide more or comparable memory to an expensive laptop, with greater storage capacity and durability. Furthermore, the library wishes to discourage rather than encourage the portable use of its materials, given the real risk of theft. An inexpensive desktop will discourage the use of frivolous computer use, like using it to play games. Also, because of the greater facility of removing its components, desktops are more easily repaired, and also more easily upgraded. Patrons who wish to make use of laptops can always bring their laptops to the library to do work, and having desktops will encourage them to do so. This will also reduce the use of library's computer resources for patrons who do not have their own computers at home. The Acer or a model like it is proof that an inexpensive and functional desktop is ideal for its needs.
Works Cited

Chang, Cisco. (2009, February 4). Dell Latitude E4300. PC Magazine. Retrieved July 19, 2009

at http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2340384,00.asp

Domingo, Joel Santo. (2009, May 29). Acer's Veriton X270-ED7400C PC Magazine. Retrieved July 19, 2009 at http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2347668,00.asp

Laptop vs. desktop. (2009). Establish your needs. PC.com. Retrieved July 19, 2009 at http://www.pc.com/learn/beforeyoubuy/establishyourneeds/laptopvsdesktop

Wirelessly fit (2009). How to buy a business laptop. PC Magazine. Retrieved July 19, 2009 at http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2346884,00.asp