I scrapped a Cisco Catalyst 4500 about a month. Big boat anchor.
I agree with your computer guy. Cisco switches and other data switches are a dime a dozen and you're going to have a hard time selling them. My opinion.
Most of our customers have been getting newer POE (Power Over Ethernet) switches because they are purchasing new VOIP phone systems and the new IP phones require the newer switches for power and so V-LANS can be programmed.