Tip of the Week: What Kind of Computer Fits Your Needs?

In the current business environment, a computer of some sort is a necessity. However, it is important that you select the right one. After all, it wouldn’t do to not have the capabilities that your business requires, but why spend extra for more than you need? For today’s tip, we’ll guide you through the computer selection process so that you can make the best choice for you, without doing too much damage to your budget.

Step 1: Laptop or Desktop?
Your first consideration should be what kind of device is best suited to the situation you’re in. The biggest consideration that applies here is your need for mobility. If your business requires work to take place on-the-go, a laptop will be your best bet. If your business takes place exclusively in the office setting, a desktop may be a better choice. Of course, other factors may come into play as you make this decision, such as how work is done around the office, but chances are that mobility concerns will be what sways you one way or the other.

Obviously, a laptop will be more mobile than a desktop, but a desktop tends to be a little more cost effective and easier to maintain and repair. The more you need your workstation to do (for example, video editing or rendering 3D CAD models) the more your computer will cost, but a laptop’s overall price tag will climb higher and faster.

Step 2: Specifications
This is where the nature of your business comes even more into play, as different business processes will have varying requirements of the computers used to complete them. If your device is primarily going to be used for basic administrative and communications purposes, you don’t need to invest quite as much as someone whose business relies on advanced computing power. Your particular industry will impact this considerably, as you may have more data to store, process, and utilize than others.

Don’t feel as though you need to figure this all out on your own, either. If you need assistance with identifying the specs that your devices should have, the professionals at OnSite I.T. can lend some assistance.

Step 3: Finding the Best Price
Again, depending on the industry you operate within, you may find that an affordable computer for your needs is vastly different in price than what is considered affordable for someone with different needs than your own. Then, there’s finding the right source to supply you with the right technology for a fair price.

Unfortunately, this can be the most time-consuming part of this process. To expedite things, leaning on the resources here at OnSite I.T. can allow you to get the best deal from your vendors without pulling you away from your daily responsibilities. We have established relationships with vendors, allowing us to strike a bargain in your favor, on your behalf.

For more information on vendor management or to further discuss your technology needs, reach out to us at (403) 210-2927.