What to look for in a business computer
Buying a new business computer can be confusing, but beneath the specifications, there are only really a few essentials you need to understand. Here’s what to look for in a business computer
Spending a little time researching and comparing the specifications of different computer systems, will help you make an intelligent and informed decision that benefits business.
Central processing unit
The central processing unit (CPU) is a powerful computer chip at the heart of your computer. It performs the 'heavy lifting' – no matter whether you're browsing the internet or editing a document, it's the CPU that's making things happen.
The speed of the CPU strongly influences how fast your computer runs overall. Speed is measured in Gigahertz (GHz). In general, the higher the processor speed, the faster your computer will be. However, overall system speed is affected by several factors, including how much RAM you have and whether you use speedy storage solutions, such as an SSD hard disk.
Some computers come with 'dual core' or 'quad core' CPUs. These are effectively two or four CPUs in one. They give you extra processing power which can be essential if you are running resource intensive computer packages, or need to run multiple programmes at the same time.
Look for: a business computer with a dual-core (or more) CPU with a speed of at least 2.5GHz
Achieve your start up dreams Identify the hardware and software your start up needs with your own dedicated start up IT adviser. Save time and money with tailored advice and get access to great deals from Dell for Startups. Scale and grow your start up through innovation and technology and start saving today. Save up to 20% with passcode DONUT
Random access memory (RAM)
Random access memory (RAM) is a type of memory that your computer uses to store working data. RAM plays a crucial role in how your computer works, and the general rule of thumb is: the more RAM, the better.
For instance, when you open a document, it's copied from the hard drive into the RAM. Then when you click 'save', it goes from the RAM back to the hard drive.
The amount of RAM a computer has will have a big impact on its performance, so get as much as you can afford. While you can still upgrade and increase RAM on some computers, most laptops and almost all Macs are sealed, which makes it impossible to add more.
There are different types of RAM. If you want the best performance, choose a computer with 'DDR3' or 'DDR4' RAM. These are the fastest types of RAM and will hopefully ensure your computer runs as quickly as possible.
Look for: a business computer with at least 8GB of RAM, but 16GB if you can afford it
Hard drives
If RAM is your computer's temporary memory, its hard drive is its permanent memory.
It's used to store both software (like your computer's operating system and applications), plus your files (documents, images and anything else you've saved) – if you don't keep these on a central server or on a cloud storage service.
Hard drive size is measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB). One TB is the same as 1,000GB and is enough room for a lot of stuff. You'll only need more if you work with or store large video files.
Many computers now use solid state drives (SSDs) instead of a hard drive. SSDs are faster and more reliable, because they have no moving parts.
If you have the choice, it's usually better to opt for a smaller SSD over a large HD. We always recommend backing up your files to the cloud, or a safe alternative (such as an external hard drive).
Look for: at least a 250GB hard drive in a desktop or laptop computer for business
Monitors
When it comes to computer monitors, size matters. Larger monitors force you to scroll less and are easier on your eyes. Don't consider anything below a 21-inch screen with a desktop PC, and go bigger if you can.
What you plan to use your computer for will play a big role in your choice of monitor. For example, if you're using it for graphic design or video editing, your monitor should be as large as possible.
Modern monitors are all high-definition (HD), but higher quality monitors are available. You can find 4K, 5K and even 8K computer monitors. The higher the quality, the more expensive it will be so only invest in an ultra-high-definition monitor if it's entirely necessary.
You may also wish to consider dual monitors, where you use two monitors side-by-side. It's a good way of getting extra screen space, but before purchasing an additional screen, make sure your computer supports two monitors.
On a laptop computer, the screen size goes a long way towards determining the overall size of the laptop. If you want portability, choose a smaller screen. Alternatively, if the laptop is a desktop replacement, then opt for a larger screen. You can always connect your laptop to an external monitor if you need to.
Look for: a monitor at least 21 inches for a desktop computer and 13 inches for a laptop used for business
Other computer considerations
In addition to the core features, there are few other things to consider when buying a new business computer.
When buying new business computers, you get what you pay for so spend wisely. As well as the computer and monitor, consider the quality of the peripherals, including the keyboard and mouse.
If possible, involve staff in the process of purchasing new equipment. It's particularly important if your staff require adaptations.
An alternative arrangement involves allowing employees to choose their own equipment , or implement a 'BYOD' scheme that enables them to use personal devices at work.
What warranty will my new computer have?
Any new computer will be covered by a manufacturer's warranty. In most cases, this is for one year from the purchase date, but some manufacturers may offer longer warranties that can be attractive.
Does the size, shape and weight of the computer matter?
Always check the size and weight of any proposed business computer.
Will it fit on your company desks? If you're buying laptops, are they too big and heavy to be carried around?
If you're buying laptops, also consider the costs of a suitable bag for transport and storage.
How many computer ports and connections do I need?
There's an old saying in geek circles: your computer can never have too many ports.
Make sure your new business computer systems have enough physical ports to connect the accessories you need.
Every new computer should have both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless connectivity, but it's worth confirming.
How long will my laptop battery last?
A cheap laptop will come with a cheap battery. Manufacturer-quoted battery lifetimes can be hopelessly optimistic, so search online for user-reviews to see how your chosen device performs in the real-world.
Is software included with your new computer?
Business computers often come with bundled software – usually an operating system, often an office suite and some security software too.
The majority of business computers will run Windows. For optimal performance, we recommend the latest Windows 10 Pro. The world’s most used operating system has been improved to deliver both exceptional performance and stronger protection.
These added extras can be tempting, but be realistic about what software you will need and ignore anything you don't
What should I pay for a business computer?
Expect to pay around £350 for a reasonable business computer and £500 for a laptop. Prices for MACs are likely to be significantly higher. Check around for the best prices and always buy from a reputable dealer.
Tips for Choosing a Computer for School
Other Device Considerations for School Computers
Beyond processing power and form factor, there are a number of other important device attributes to consider in order to get the most out of your device.
Compatibility
An ideal school computer is compatible with other peripherals needed for optimal use, from headphones, displays, and external storage devices to interactive whiteboards and classroom document cameras. PCs and Chrome OS devices work in an open device ecosystem, meaning they support a range of input and output formats and are typically compatible with a greater number of external devices, existing classroom technologies, and supporting software systems. Open ecosystems give you the flexibility to connect to and access the external hardware and features you want when you want them.
Connectivity and Battery
Connectivity is essential for hybrid or remote learning environments. PCs and Chrome OS devices with onboard LTE can greatly benefit students who don’t have access to internet at home. For users who have consistent connectivity available, Intel® Wi-Fi 6/6E (Gig+) are the best Wi-Fi technologies for education and for videoconferencing, enabling nearly 3x faster speeds (up to 6x faster downloads on new 6 GHz networks) and up to 75 percent lower latency vs. standard Wi-Fi 5 products.1
Any mobile device with all-day battery and fast charging is ideal for students and teachers who take their device back and forth between school and home and need to be untethered from an electric outlet. Chromebooks can offer more than 12 hours of battery life.2
Displays, Cameras, and Audio
PCs and Chrome OS devices have become critical communication tools for remote users. Image quality, especially in environments with varying light levels, is important for both live videoconferencing and for viewing on-screen content. Devices with Intel® Iris® Xe graphics technology and an Intel® Image Processing Unit (IPU6) and MIPI CSI camera module support high-resolution image quality for video streaming and screen viewing, even in dark environments, in addition to the graphics performance needed for teachers and students creating and sharing original content.
Audio quality is equally important for effective learning and participation. Devices with Intel® Smart Sound Technology (Intel® SST) use an integrated audio digital signal processor to offer high-fidelity audio without impacting system performance or battery life.3
PCs with Windows 11 are also able to address the disability divide in education. With assistive technology that is compatible with any Windows 11 PC, school districts can focus on how to best support their students with disabilities without the need for additional costly plugins. Some examples include light mode, dark mode, and other colorful themes that are ideal for those with light sensitivity. PCs with Windows 11 also offer closed captions, speech recognition, and talk-to-text for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Finally, tools like the magnifier can help students who have trouble seeing small text on a screen, and keyboard shortcuts can help students who have difficulty physically interacting with a keyboard.
Security and Manageability
Keeping student, teacher, and school devices secure against viruses, cyberattacks, and bad actors is critical to protecting individual privacy and data and for preventing interruptions to learning.
A combination of software- and hardware-based device security features can help to protect devices at multiple levels against a range of possible attacks. Device security is important for all device types but especially for mobile devices, like laptops and tablets, that are used in different environments and connected to nonschool networks.
PCs built on the Intel vPro® platform provide the benefits of integrated, out-of-the-box, hardware-based security features and remote manageability tools for school IT departments Similarly, Chrome OS devices come with built-in virus protection and several layers of security, including a verified boot process that automatically restarts and restores devices to a stable state if a security threat is detected.
Cost Considerations
Cost is always a consideration when investing in a new computer. As you think about how you, your students, or your staff will use a device, it’s important to evaluate whether a device offers all the critical capabilities you’re looking for. With PCs and Chrome OS devices, you have more choice when it comes to finding a system configuration that works best for you, offering you more flexibility, scalability, and use over time. Selecting a well-performing device with a flexible form factor can extend the longevity of your purchase and, for school IT departments, extend the time between device refresh cycles.
The 3 most important factors when purchasing computer hardware and software
Every business needs to routinely purchase computer hardware and software, from the smallest startup to the largest corporation. There are a lot of elements to take into consideration, but which should you prioritize when it comes time to make that buy?
The three most important factors to consider when purchasing computer hardware and software are:
Quality
Price
Service after the sale
Because these three points are all related, they should be considered together to ensure the best purchase.
Quality
The quality of a product is essentially its goodness or “badness.” You can determine quality by asking yourself the following questions:
How well does this product meet my specific needs?
Does it have the features and functions I require?
How well is it made?
How long will it last?
Online reviews can help you answer these questions, especially those found on respected sites such as Newegg, which are authored by real men and women in the tech sphere who actually use the products they’re reviewing.
The bottom line: Doing your research and reading reviews is an important component of gauging a product’s quality. If a product has good reviews and comes from a respectable brand, you may be tempted to pull the trigger on your purchase. However, you also need to understand how the product will interact with the technology you already have in place. Getting a second opinion is an absolute must, whether it be from a managed services provider or another type of IT consultant.
Price
Everyone has a budget, but that doesn’t mean buying cheap is necessarily the way to go. After all, if you purchase a product that breaks easily or doesn’t fully meet your needs, you’ll end up needing to replace it, thereby busting your budget.
The bottom line: Keep in mind that the actual cost of a product is only one part of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) – the sum of all costs incurred over the product’s useful life. In addition to the initial price, quality and service after the sale also impact TCO, reaffirming that buying based on the lowest available price alone is not a smart move.
Service after the sale
Quality and price are both important factors, but you need to consider them alongside service after the sale to get the full picture. Here are a few aspects you’d be wise to look into before purchasing:
Return policy: If the product isn’t satisfactory, how much will it cost to return, including shipping costs and restocking fees? How much time will your staff waste dealing with a cumbersome return process? Will your operations be impacted by not having a working product in place? Since many IT purchase decisions are made to mitigate costly problems, the financial hits will likely continue until the issue is resolved, so it’s best to avoid returns whenever possible. Most importantly, make sure you can return your purchase in the first place! Sometimes, products are final-sale – especially those that are very low-cost used goods or items sold by cut-rate vendors).
If the product isn’t satisfactory, how much will it cost to return, including shipping costs and restocking fees? How much time will your staff waste dealing with a cumbersome return process? Will your operations be impacted by not having a working product in place? Since many IT purchase decisions are made to mitigate costly problems, the financial hits will likely continue until the issue is resolved, so it’s best to avoid returns whenever possible. Most importantly, make sure you can return your purchase in the first place! Sometimes, products are final-sale – especially those that are very low-cost used goods or items sold by cut-rate vendors). Warranty: Warranties apply to the state of the product when you purchased it. If something is wrong with the product, the vendor will repair or replace it at no charge, as long as the warranty – or subsequent warranty extension – is in effect. Does the seller you’re interested in offer a good warranty, or any warranty at all? Check reviews to make sure the company stands behind its warranty policy and is easy to reach when problems arise.
Warranties apply to the state of the product when you purchased it. If something is wrong with the product, the vendor will repair or replace it at no charge, as long as the warranty – or subsequent warranty extension – is in effect. Does the seller you’re interested in offer a good warranty, or any warranty at all? Check reviews to make sure the company stands behind its warranty policy and is easy to reach when problems arise. Service agreement: When you’re dealing with IT hardware and software, you can expect ongoing improvements to be released and applied in the form of updates and new versions. These updates are made for a variety of reasons, including boosting general performance, introducing specific features, and addressing recently discovered security vulnerabilities. Service agreements are essential for IT products that are critical to business functions because operational losses due to outdated hardware or software can be very costly.
The bottom line: Usually, the more complex an IT purchase is, the more service after the sale impacts TCO. If you’re not careful, the cost of poor service can easily exceed the initial investment.
Combining the 3 factors to make a successful purchase
Many companies without experienced IT departments are often tempted to make price the driving factor in their IT purchase decisions. As a managed services provider with a wealth of experience in hardware and software, we urge companies to evaluate not just cost, but quality and service after the sale as well. And remember above all else, the best thing you can do when purchasing hardware and software is to get a second opinion from a competent IT provider.
The purpose of this blog is to answer the questions you ask! Whether interested in managed services or just needing more information around IT, we encourage you to contact us or check out our resources section. Visit our Budgeting for IT blog section for more tips and tricks around planning and purchasing for your IT needs!
