I manage the network infrastructure for a medium-sized private company (just under 100 employees), and have been responsible over the years for deploying the desktop environment. One of my fellow Technology managers has had a laptop for years, and requested an upgrade to a new “convertible” (Tablet) laptop. This request prompted my director to ask me for a list of requirements that a user would have to meet in order to justify receiving a laptop. She is afraid that everyone in the company will decide they want a laptop instead of a desktop (“because they’re cool”), and wants specific guidelines put in place so that the decision to grant a laptop or not is based on a consistent set of rules rather than perceived favoritism. Since very few people in my company actually travel out of the office for business (which I see as the number one reason for a laptop), laptops have always been a bit of a luxury, given only to Executives, telecommuters, and a chosen few managers who have managed to get them approved in the past. Does anyone know of a standard set of guidelines for determining who should or shouldn’t receive a laptop? I know the prices have come down, but they are often still significantly more than an equivalent desktop, especially since no one wants to skimp on warranties, power, or features. I looked around the Net a bit, but nothing obvious jumped out at me, so any help with this would be greatly appreciated.
Demian