How much Layer 3 intelligence a device should have depends on where in the network a manager expects to use it. Switches at the edge of the backbone, closer to desktops, aren't likely to require as much routing. Switches at the core of the backbone are better candidates for gaining routing intelligence. If this feature is important for current or future applications, look for designs that have built multiple queues in to hardware to allow prioritization. Impact on existing desktops is another measure by which to evaluate these multilayer devices.
Some schemes require changes to the software or operation of a desktop.
Switches intercept those packets and perform the MAC address resolution internally. Managers need to think about how much time is required to set up these designs. Finally, a manager needs to determine which among the promised capabilities are shipping now and which will be available in an upcoming device or upgrade.