Monday, October 4, 2010

Group 2 Annotated Bib.

Jenna Welch
Maygen Brockway

Danton, Tim, ed. “Buying Office for Your Business.” The Ultimate Guide to Microsoft Office
2010 2010: 122-123. Print.
This article introduces the idea of sharing the license when purchasing Microsoft Office 2010. It discusses what options are best according to the amount of computers in a business that would need the software. It suggests that a company that has under 250 computers could have an open license, standard edition, and with a subscription. The article also suggests that if a company has over 250, an enterprise agreement would be best with a “select plus” edition.
We would use this information to inform our supervisors of the benefits of purchasing Microsoft Office 2010. We would also use this information to show what license and edition we would need to meet our requirements.
Danton, Tim, ed. “Chose the Right Edition for You.” The Ultimate Guide to Microsoft Office
2010 2010: 6-8. Print.
This article goes in-depth as to which edition of Microsoft Office 2010 would be best for each individual or business. The choices of Microsoft Office 2010 editions are Office Home and Student, Office Home and Business, Office Standard, Office Professional Academic, and Office Professional Plus. The article compares these for prices, features, and how long the purchaser can receive technical support.
We would use this article to decide what edition would be best for our business.
“Financing Offers.” BestBuy.com. Best Buy. Web. 03 Oct. 2010
BestBuy.com has Microsoft Office Professional 2010 priced at $499.99. Best Buy does have financing options if our company cannot allot the full amount of money at the time of purchase. If our company can pay the full amount in eighteen months, no interest will be charged. The minimum monthly payment is be $10, with interest rates ranging from 24.24% to 29.99%, depending on the deferred interest plan the company chooses. The minimum interest charged to the company would be $2.
Mendelson, Edward. “ Microsoft Office 2010.” Review. PCMag. 11 May 2010. Web.
29 Sept. 2010
Office 2010 is touted as must-have productivity software for users who create documents heavy on images and graphics, an umbrella that the technical writers in our company who producing instruction manuals certainly fall under. The layout of Office 2010 is similar enough to Office 2007 that little time is lost adjusting to the new software. Unlike Office 2007, Office 2010 allows users to use keyboard shortcuts, a definite efficiency booster for keyboard-literate users like ourselves. The new “Backstage” view places several of the standard functions on a large menu for efficient accessibility, a useful feature for users who spend a lot of time performing a set of functions, such as printing and formatting, repeatedly. Collaboration is made significantly easier with the enhanced Outlook 2010, which can organize and consolidate messages more efficiently, and Access 2010, which allows users to publish web databases. Mendelson’s final word on the product was that the improvements from 0ffice 2007 make Office 2010 well worth the cost for corporate consumers like our company.
“Microsoft Corp.: Microsoft Delivers the Future of Productivity with Office 2010 and SharePoint
2010; New Products and Cloud Services Available to Businesses Today.” M2 Presswire
12 May 2010 Print.
This article describes how companies will benefit from using the new Microsoft Office 2010 and its addition of the SharePoint 2010. The article states some benefits such as an increase in productivity in the work place and even outside the work place. The use of Microsoft Office 2010 comes with Web Apps. Web Apps are the online companions to the Microsoft components like Word, PowerPoint, etc. that allow people to collaborate despite location. The addition of SharePoint 2010 will increase productivity because it helps bring ideas to life ideas regardless of location.
This article would benefit our proposal because it shows how Microsoft Office 2010 would benefit our workplace and atmosphere. This article states that Microsoft Office 2010 can increase productivity, which is exactly what our workplace needs. We need better software to increase our output of manuals, and this article suggests that Microsoft Office 2010 would be just the software for us.
“Microsoft Office 2010 Review.” TechRadar. 5 May 2010. Web. 29 Sept. 2010.
The “ribbon” interface feature is a definite asset of Office 2010, allowing the user to customize the ribbon with his/her most frequently used icons for more efficient access. The graphics features allow the user to paste and retouch images directly in the document, saving the step of working with the graphics in a separate program and allowing the user to see how the images work in the document right away. Data is easier to work with in Office 2010, with an Excel program containing more functions to assist in analyzing data and files that open and save more quickly. New security features assist in collaboration, allowing only authorized users to view the work without the risk of leaking sensitive information. TechRadar’s conclusion on Office 2010 is that collectively, all the small positive features of Office 2010 combine to make it a highly useful software suite, and one that would help our comany produce its technical documentation more efficiently abnd accurately.
“Microsoft Office Professional 2010 (Traditional Disc).” Costco.com. Costco. Web.
03 Oct. 2010
Costco.com has Microsoft Office Professional 2010 priced at $449.99. Costco does not offer financing options for their products. In order to buy from Costco.com, the customer must have a Costco membership. Acquiring Office 2010 this way would save the company $50 but would require a third party with a membership to make the purchase for us.
Parker, Jason. “Microsoft Office 2010: Cnet Editors’ Review.” Cnet. 17 May 2010. Web.
29 Sept. 2010.
Office 2010 allows for increased mobility as well as easier collaboration, with many applications for devices such as smartphones and the Internet. The sharing features, all located on the Backstage menu, allow users to save their documents to the Web, automatically attach them in emails and see other viewers’ comments on the document in the form of hidden data. The previewing features allow for easier revision, allowing the user to view pasted content in the document before committing it, saving the time that would be necessary to go back into the document and reformat it. Retention of format is one of the key advantages the Web applications of Office 2010 have over services such as Google Docs. These features, along with the password-protection encryption and the instantaneous remote communication available through Outlook 2010 allow for collaboration that is not only simplified but also quick and convenient. Our company collaborates among itself frequently and these features would be invaluable to our work.
Poulson, Danny. Personal Interview. 24 Sept. 2010.
During my interview with Danny, an employee of Staples, we discussed how Microsoft Office 2010 is the best software for businesses or even personal use. Danny explained to me that Microsoft Office 2010 has a lot of new features that can make businesses more efficient. Some of the new features include SharePoint and Web apps. Both of these new features make Microsoft Office 2010 better software for people to use either in the work place or at home.
With this information, we will show that Microsoft Office 2010 would be a nice upgrade to our current software. We will also use this article to show that Microsoft Office 2010 and its new features will improve the collaboration in our office.
Michael Flynn
Nadia Farnsworth

1st-line.com. Home-barista. 1997-2009. Web. 26 Sept. 2010.
This website has many more options as far as commercial espresso machines are concerned. We will be using the photos, and all of the information on the machines to present in our proposal.

Bell, Jonathan. “Espresso Equipment Gets Bold: Designs, Ecology, Technologies.” Tea & Coffee Feb. 2010. 44-47 Print.
Bell's article reviewed several espresso machines in depth, and highly recommended the M39 GT by Cimbali. According to Bell, the machine was designed with the collaborations of some of the world's top coffee experts, is fully automatic, and completely programmable. One advantage of this machine is its wireless interface system which allows it to communicate with other Cimbali products. For example, if we were to purchase a Cimbali coffee grinder, after programming which drink you are making into the machine, the grinder would automatically portion and grind the correct amount of beans, thus saving time for our busy baristas.

Bell, Jonathan. “Uniquely UNIC.” Tea & Coffee Dec. 2009. 34-37. Print.
This article profiles the UNIC company and product line. In it, Bell reviews the Tango Uno espresso machine, which not only a powerful machine (capable of serving 220 espressos each hour), it is also surprisingly compact. It can be programmed for 10 different drinks, and has an adjustable spout, which will ensure that it can brew into any size container.

ChrisCoffee.com. Illy Regional Distributor. 2010. Web. 1 Sept. 2010.
We will be using this website to present photos of commercial espresso machines that we are interested in purchasing for our coffee shop. This website provides the key features, dimensions, and specifications.

Consumersearch.com. The New York Times Company. October 2009. Web. 27 Sept. 2010.
Not only does this website provide photos of the espresso machines, but it also provides estimated prices, consumer reviews and reports. This information will help us determine which espresso machine to purchase for our shop.

Espresso Midwest Beverage Solutions. Espresso Midwest Inc. 2009-2010. 2 Oct. 2010.
This is the merchant page for Espresso Midwest Beverage Solutions. Here we found a price quote of $13,739 for the Tango Uno espresso machine. This website also offers a description of the machine, and more technical specifications. We noticed a slight discrepancy between the review for this machine and the specifications on the merchant page: the website claims that this machine allows for 12 programmable drinks, whereas the Coffee & Tea review claims that there are only 10. We will have to research this information further.

Galla, Michael. Personal interview. 3 Oct. 2010.
Mr. Galla, a sales representative with Espresso Best Inc., spoke with us about the LaCimbali M39 Dosatron commercial espresso maker. He recommended a machine which would be appropriate for our store, and quoted us a price of $15,740.

Unic Tango Uno: Instructions for Use. 2009. Print.
This document is the instruction manual for the Unic Tango Uno. It includes comprehensive specifications for the machine and instructions for use and cleaning. This helps to give us an idea of whether or not this machine will be the right fit for our shop.

Group 4 Final

For some reason the font went insane, but I promise that everything was italicized correctly.



Segan, Sacsha, and DeFo Jenn. "SmartPhones." PC Magazine 23.18 (2004): 92-104. Web. 1 Oct 2010. .

This source covers the difference between smartphones and basic cell phones. It goes through the features of a basic cell phone, which basically include talk, text, and picture mail. It then explains how the smartphone differs. The smart phone offers email, Microsoft, WIFI and other internet capabilities, Global access, and advanced contact modes. It also states that smartphones gives you up to the minute information, where a standard cell phone could take up to thirty minutes to receive one text.

"BlackBerry® Curve™ 3G smartphone " Verizon. Verizonwireless 2010. Web. 1 Oct 2010

This smart phone is Verizon’s top selling smart phone. It is the Blackberry with most of the features of the top-of-the-line Blackberry, with a much smaller price tag. This smartphone allows users to sync their phone with up to 20 different email addresses, including a Blackberry email. It also offers instant messenger, WIFI capabilities, Verizon’s personal internet network, and Microsoft Office capabilities. This phone allows employees to do their job on the road while staying in constant contact with their employer.

"Simply Everything" Verizon. Verizonwireless, 2010. Web. 1 Oct. 2010.

This plan basically gives the coverage of the phone package. The page tells you where the phone will and will not receive service, when GPS is available, when you will be roaming and where the internet is available. This source will be a great force in deciding which cell phone company is chosen, as coverage is just as, if not more than, important than the phone.

"Effective Organization Communication: A Competitive Advantage." HRMagazine Dec. 2008 1-9. Print.

This source addresses the need for effective communication between employers and employees. This source goes on stating that clear communication is a neccessity for long-term success and as such, is one of the most important areas that managers must master. This source also provides diagrams stating that over half of employees and professionals find effective communication extremely important.

I plan to use this source to support our need for cellular phones equipped with instant text messaging abilities because the phones will provide a means to increase a highly regarded skill needed for effective long term success

“"Effective Organization Communication: A Competitive Advantage." HRMagazine Dec. 2008 1-9. Print.

This source addresses the need for effective communication between employers and employees. This source goes on stating that clear communication is a neccessity for long-term success and as such, is one of the most important areas that managers must master. This source also provides diagrams stating that over half of employees and professionals find effective communication extremely important.

I plan to use this source to support our need for cellular phones equipped with instant text messaging abilities because the phones will provide a means to increase a highly regarded skill needed for effective long term success

"Simply Everything" Sprint. Sprint, 2010. Web. 29 Sept. 2010.

This cell phone packaging source details the type of plans the employees would receive for themselves and their families, This source indicates the number of payments, GPS coverage expected, and the other standard offers with having a package plan from a cellular provider.

This source is beneficial to us for it provides an accurate comparison between possible cellular providers allowing us to choose a product that for our proposal with the greatest benefiits

Blolock, Marty. “Listen Up: Why Good Communication is Good Business.” Wisconsin Business Alumni Update. The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, Winter 2005. Web. 27 Sept. 2010.

The web article has information in it about the need for businesses to be able to communicate more effectively. They have statics about the need for effective communicators and point out that “Managers spend 75 to 80 percent of their time engaged in some form of written or oral communication.” They move on to say “The collaboration that allows organizations to capitalize on the creative potential of a diverse workforce depends on communication.”

We intend to use this article to point out the need to communicate more effectively and to use the statics pointed out to show that not only is it a wise to move make, but also that it is quickly becoming mandatory to upgrade to use the current tools of communication in order to stay competitive in our fields of expertise.

Alltel Wireless. Smartphone and Wireless Internet Solutions.2009. Print

This pamphlet outlines the plans that accompany smart phones from Alltel Wireless (currently in the process of merging with AT&T. It is broken down into three sections: Smart Choice Packs, Adding a line, and Wireless Internet. In the first section, Smart Choice Packs, it shows what the basic services are with the Smartphone planes. In the second section, Add a Line, it tells what addition services, in regards to lines and phones, can be added. The last section, Wireless Internet, it shows what certain smart phones are able to do and the added costs per month.

We plan on using this information to show that we have gone out and done a cursory research on this company and chose it to be one of three to seriously consider when we start looking for a company to go through. This pamphlet has information that can be used to determine what we should consider when looking for in phone plans and what, if any, are the differences we should take into consideration when we start purchasing phones for our lawyers and paralegals.

“Blackberry Curve (TM) 8520.” ATT Wireless. ATT Wireless. 2010. Web. 27 Sept. 2010.

The site just contains the information on the smart phone, the Blackberry Curve. It dives into the certain specs that Att and Alltel have for this phone. It goes into detail on battery life, the camera that it operates, the internal storage space, its ability to access email and the internet, and the software that is on the phone. It also gives info about the extras, such as the ability to play music, blue tooth capability, and its ability to plug into the computer.

We intend to use this information to compare this phone to other such phones the other companies offer and then to choose the best one. We are also going to use this as another way to show our preliminary research on these phone companies. This website also has links to other phones in case we choose to explore other, more cost effective phones.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Group 1- Final Annotated Bibliography

Jenica Maxwell

Jamie Leavitt

Lichelle Christensen

English 2100

Group 1 Annotated Bibliography: Selected Upgrades to Digital SLR Cameras for Firm

Bordenaro, Michael. "Focusing on digital cameras." Architectural Record 190.9 (2002): 213.

MasterFILE Premier. EBSCO. Web. 29 Sept. 2010.

“Digital cameras, like many technology tools, come in such a dizzying array of options, with so many features and capabilities, that it's hard for architects to know which device is the best choice.”

We could use this quote to demonstrate the need for our project. This article is focused on the specialized needs of architectural firms as relates to digital photography.

Canon U.S.A.: Consumer & Home Office: EOS Rebel T2i EF-S 18-55mm IS Kit. "Consumer

Products." www.usa.canon.com. Web. 15 Sept. 2010.

" The new flagship of the EOS Rebel line, Canon EOS Rebel T2i brings professional EOS features into an easy to use, lightweight digital SLR that's a joy to use. Featuring a class-leading 18.0 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor and increased light sensitivity for low light photography, the EOS Rebel T2i also has an advanced HD Movie mode for gorgeous Full HD movies. Able to capture up to 3.7 frames per second, it's ready to go the minute it's picked up. Advanced Live View, a new wide-area screen, plus features like Canon's brilliant Auto Lighting Optimizer and Highlight Tone features ensure brilliant photos and movies, easily. With some of the most advanced features of any digital SLR, it's simply the best Rebel Canon has ever created."

This is the best product for the intended use at the architectural firm. The above quote may seem technical, but it provides a great overview of the versatility of this model.

Nikon USA: D3100. "Find Your Nikon Product: Digital SLR." www.nikonusa.com. Web. 15

Sept. 2010.

" Beautiful pictures–Amazing movies–Incredibly Easy with the 14 Megapixel DX sensor and learn-as-you-grow Guide Mode."

This powerful, professional-grade camera is more than capable of handling any architectural photography assignment. It may be a bit more than any firm needs, but the investment in a quality brand, like Nikon, is always a smart one. Comparable to both the Canon and the Pentax, this model of Nikon is very affordable and would benefit the firm in the long term. The price of $699 is a steal for this much camera.

Special features include a wide range of shooting conditions for night or outdoor, this makes it ideal for the needs of the firm. The website puts it this way: " Just set the Mode dial to Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-up or Night Portrait for stunning results in otherwise challenging conditions."

"Starting Over." Popular Photography Oct. 2010: 14. Print.

This feature article on the new Nikon D3100 is a great little source of information. "It seems like yesterday that we tested Nikon's low-cost starter DSLR, the D3000. A pretty good camera at a very nice price. But its successor, D3100, promises a whole lot more...We can't wait to see how it does in our Test Lab and in the field." We will use this to make a claim that upgrading to this level of technology is a terrific investment.

"Take A Shot With Canon's Finest." Popular Photography Oct. 2010: 65. Print.

"With Canon DSLR's and accessories, any enthusiast can shoot like a pro." This is an advertisement for the new Canon models including the one we have chosen to recommend to our firm, the EOS Rebel T2i EF. It's a very well made camera, rugged and compact, built to last and a great investment for the long-term needs of the firm. Canon and Nikon lead the pack in DSLR sales, but the Pentax (a third option) is has been making strides. Any of these three cameras will more than hold their own in the face-paced world of business photography. Any of the three would be considered a great investment.

"New Pentax to be Released to Great Applause." Digital Photo Pro: A Guide to Advanced

Technology and Creativity. Sept./Oct. 2010: 28. Print.

The short blurb listed above is more of a review than an article about the upcoming release of the Pentax K-r model. Its features are so clean and robust it suits the needs of both professionals as well as amateurs. "With its full HD video capability, the K-r model is ready to challenge the reigning champions, Canon EOS Rebel T2i and the Nikon D3100. It's stylish color options set it apart from other models and the price, simply rocks." We also felt the bells and whistles this camera provides make the price of $449, an absolute deal! Senior associate, Jamie Leavitt personally shoots exclusively with a Pentax and highly recommends the brand for any use.

For the purposes of comparison, this camera is the most recent model of the three we are recommending, but Pentax has such a long history in the manufacturing of quality cameras, we simply had to include this model. Though the K-r is still the new kid on the block, the brand Pentax is reason alone for recommending it to the firm

Doe, John. Personal interview. 16 Sept. 2010.

This interview was conducted at Camera Country about the Canon EOS Rebel T2i. This camera is quite new on the market. We’re selling it at $799.95, which is probably a little lower than you’ll find it elsewhere. The Canon EOS Rebel T2i looks pretty much like the Canon EOS REBEL T1i, its predecessor. They’re almost exactly the same size. It has an 18-megapixel sensor. It doesn’t shoot maybe quite as fast as the T1i, but its frame rate is slightly increased from3.4 to 3.7 frames per second. One thing that’s obviously different about the T2i that makes it a little more user friendly is the restyling of some of the buttons. They’re easier to locate and identify by touch. It also includes the same kit lens as the T1i, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS kit.

We intend to possibly use parts of this in the body of our paper. The things that stand out about this particular product are the price and the button restyling that has made it more user friendly. The fact that the buttons are more easily used simply by touch is useful to our busy photographer. This camera is also the cheapest of the three chosen cameras.

Legend, John. Personal interview. 15 Sept. 2010

This interview was conducted at Best Buy about the Pentax Kr. The Pentax Kr sells for $849.95. It has a 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor. It’s compact and lightweight. The kit includes an 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. It has a 3-inch LCD with 921,000 resolution. It has a faster high speed of 6FPS frame rate, which means it can capture 25 images in a single sequence. A nice feature of this camera is the color choice. There is classy white and red. But of course, there’s also regular silver or black.

We intend to possibly use parts of this in the body of our paper. Features that stand out in this camera are: 1) the fact that it is lightweight, and 2) we have color options.

Wayne, John. Personal interview. 15 Sept. 2010.

This interview was conducted at Costco about the D90 from Nikon. This is the D90 from Nikon. It’s a much waited for camera in the mid-range. The selling price is $948.00. It has a 12.3-megapixel sensor, and has a higher resolution than its predecessor, the D80. Another great upgrade the D90 has over the D80 is the high-resolution 3-inch LCD screen. It also has face detection. It has a 920,000-pixel display that has a 170-degree viewing angle. This feature is something found on more expensive cameras, and it’s a great feature for this mid-range camera.

We intend to possibly use parts of this in the body of our paper. The upgrade of the high-resolution 3-inch LCD screen is a useful tool that could be considered nice for our use, although we will probably find little use for the face detection feature.