1997/06/30 Caterpillar

All Machines

The following recommendation is based on communications with numerous areas responsible for dealer PC products. The recommendation is not the minimum required, but a target level of technology with which the majority of software solutions delivered by Caterpillar can operate. There are software solutions available that may require additional compatibility issues to be considered (i.e. OS/2). If you have any questions to a particular software solution, please reference the product information sheet for the specific software.

The following are recommended configurations for most types of applications taking into consideration performance and price relationships. In general, faster processors, more RAM, faster CD-ROM drives, faster modems, larger screens and larger hard disk drives add cost, but also extend the useful life of the computer.

While Caterpillar continues to strive for the highest quality software solutions, it is impossible for our developers to test every solution on the limitless combinations of hardware available. It is for this reason that Caterpillar strongly recommends that dealers purchase either IBM or Hewlett Packard products.

Before making purchases or if you have any questions regarding this recommendation, please contact the DCSG (Dealer Channel Systems Group) Help Desk at (309) 675-4000 or E-mail DCSGHELP DCSG1 for the most current recommendations.

Laptop Computer

* IBM PC or compatible with Pentium 133 MHz processor (MMX recommended)

* Minimum 24 Mb RAM

* Minimum 1.0 Gb hard disk drive

* 3.5 inch 1.44 Mb diskette drive

* Minimum 8x speed CD-ROM

* Super VGA (800x600 256 Colors) adapter with external monitor port

* MPEG hardware or software video support

* 11 inch or larger active matrix color screen

* 16 bit sound card

* Support for two type II PCMCIA slots

* Portable printer

* Pointing device built in or external such as Microsoft Ballpoint Mouse

* PCMCIA or integrated Hayes compatible 28,800 bps data internal modem with V.42 and MNP 10 error correction plus MNP 5 and V.42 bis data compression

* RS232 port with 16550AF UART for FIFO buffering

* Microsoft Windows 95

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NOTE: Field personnel should consider a modem that supports the cellular phone protocol for remote access.

A few other observations regarding notebook or sub notebook computers:

* Power saving "sleep" or "suspend" modes in excess of 24 hours avoid constantly rebooting the computer and extend battery life between charges.

* Lithium ion batteries hold a charge longest, and take the least time to recharge. Nickel Metal Hydride batteries are more desirable than the Nickel Cadmium.

* Battery life between charges generally decrease as processor speed increases.

* For highly mobile users, it is recommended to have two batteries and an additional AC power adapter (for use in the office and away).

* Direct current power supplies (i.e. cigarette lighter) can reduce dependency on electrical outlets for recharging batteries.

* Active matrix color screens are easiest to read, but reduce battery life between charges.

* A data and FAX modem with Windows FAX software can be used to FAX virtually any report that can be printed via Microsoft Windows Print Manager.

Desktop Office Unit

* IBM PC or compatible with Pentium 166 MHz processor (MMX recommended)

* 32 Mb RAM

* 1.2 Gb hard disk drive

* 3.5 inch 1.44 Mb diskette drive

* 8x speed CD-ROM

* 15 inch or larger Super VGA (800x600 256 Colors) adapter and monitor

* MPEG hardware or software video support

* 16 bit sound card

* Hewlett Packard Laserjet V or compatible printer or newer

* Pointing device

* Emulation or LAN adapter and software suitable for the dealers host computer

* Microsoft Windows 95

NOTE: New Development efforts are targeting a 32 bit Windows environment (95 or NT). Caterpillars long term plan for dealer applications is for a Windows NT environment.

NOTE: As technology changes, up-to-date Caterpillar PC hardware recommendations can be found in the annual "Caterpillar Software Catalog".