Best business computers of 2022: PCs for SMBs and enterprises

Selecting the best business computers for your specific purposes is no easy task, and there are many factors to consider. To give you a helping hand, this guide offers a rundown of the best business desktop PCs money can buy.

Laptops and smartphones are essential business tools and are becoming more powerful and feature-rich every year. Still, while they are suitable for people who travel for work, they cannot compete with the best business computers for specific tasks.

For starters, desktop PCs are much more potent than the best business laptops and are usually cheaper. Also, unless you're buying an all-in-one computer, these business computers are relatively easy to open up and upgrade, making them far more future-proof than laptops or smartphones, which can sometimes become outdated after only a few years.

This makes the best business computers a wise financial decision when kitting out your office. And while traditional desktop PCs are excellent devices to have in an office, we've also listed some of the best all-in-one PCs. Like Apple's iconic iMac, these devices have computing components built into a screen. While this means they are less easily upgradeable than traditional PCs, they are easier to set up, take up less space on a desk, and look fantastic. Aesthetics might not be your primary concern when buying a business computer, but they will make almost any office or studio look clean and modern.

We've compared the best business computers across numerous aspects, from their CPU and graphics power to the RAM and storage. We looked at how well they handled different apps, what types of businesses they're best suited for, and the overall ease of setting them up, among other aspects.

We've also included our exclusive price comparison tool, which will search the web for the best deals, so once you've found the best computers for your business needs, you can buy in confidence, knowing you're getting the best price. Complete your setup with one of the best business monitors or one of the best monitors.

These are the best office coffee machines

Sit comfortably: we've also featured the best office chairs.

The best business computers of 2022 in full

To help narrow down your search for the ideal system for your business, here are TechRadar Pro's top business desktop PCs.

(Image credit: Apple)

1. Apple Mac Mini, M1 (2020) Affordable business computer for Apple users Specifications CPU: Apple M1 (8-core) Graphics: Integrated 8-core GPU RAM: 8GB Unified PDDR4X-4266 MHz SDRAM Storage: 256GB SSD Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 Dimensions (W x D x H): 3.6 x 19.7 x 19.7cm specifications RAM 8GB RAM Storage Size 256GB - 512GB Colour Silver Read more ▼ Today's Best Deals View at eBay (opens in new tab) View at Walmart (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Same lovely design + Very good performance + M1 hardware has potential Reasons to avoid - Can't use eGPUs - Maximum of 16GB memory

Behold the Mac mini (opens in new tab). Apple's cheapest computer is even cheaper when bought from a third party. It has been upgraded to house the new Apple silicon, with the M1 chip. This upgrade set the bar for potential future upgrades and abilities, claiming that this model is three times faster and GPU performance is six times faster than the former models of the Mac Mini.

The connectivity options include two USB 3.0 ports and two Thunderbolt 4.0 ports at the back so you can connect several compatible peripherals — from external storage drives to monitors. There's also an HDMI port if you want to connect to an external display that isn't Thunderbolt driven.

Read the full review: Apple Mac Mini, M1 (2020)

24-inch Apple iMac (Image credit: Apple)

2. Apple iMac, M1 Best business computer for power users Specifications CPU: Apple M1 (8-core) Graphics: Integrated 8-core GPU RAM: 16GB Unified LPDDR4 RAM Screen: 24-inch, 4.5K 4,480 x 2,520 Retina display (IPS, 500 nits brightness, wide color P3 gamut) Storage: 512GB SSD specifications RAM 8GB RAM Storage Size 256GB - 512GB Screen Size 24-inch Read more ▼ Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Newegg (opens in new tab) View at Best Buy (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Improved internals + Can be configured to be very powerful Reasons to avoid - Just two Thunderbolt ports in the entry model

The iMac saw both a design update and a chipset update with the newest iMac. Moving from Intel to Apple silicon boosted performance to easily outpace the pro model iMacs, swiftly making them redundant. This new AIO from Apple is clean looking with a very simple design while packing impressive performance under the glass.

More people are working from home, and this seems like the best all-in-one PC to invest in without being forced to make considerable space in your existing area. If power is at the top of your list, this is the best business PC for you.

The iMac 24-inch M1 is a highly productive computer with an excellent webcam and improved internals.

Read the full review: iMac (24-inch, M1 2021)

(Image credit: Microsoft)

3. Microsoft Surface Studio Powerful all-in-one business computer for Windows users Specifications CPU: Intel Core i7-6820HQ Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 980M RAM: 32GB Storage: 2TB SSD Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet Dimensions (W x D x H): 25 x 22 x 3.22 cm Today's Best Deals Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Seamlessly transitions between modes + The best and biggest digital drawing board Reasons to avoid - All rearward ports - Pricey proposition for most

If you’re looking for an incredibly powerful yet stylishly designed, all-in-one PC that’s not made by Apple, then Microsoft’s brilliant Surface Studio will be for you. It comes at a price, but for build quality and performance, you’ll not want to look any further, especially if you work in the creative industry.

The Surface Studio is courting IT professionals and enterprise users by allowing users to utilize custom scripts when updating the OS. While that won’t interest most users, it shows how capable this PC is.

Visually, the Microsoft Surface Studio is a stunning machine. All the CPU components are moved to the base, and the display is just a touchscreen with slim bezels. Without any bulk at the back of the monitor, the screen's profile is just 12.5mm, making it one of the slimmest monitors on the market.

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Studio

4. Dell Optiplex 3020 Reliable and expandable business computer for high security Specifications CPU: Intel Core i3 4160 Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4400 RAM: 4GB Storage: 500GB HDD Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet Dimensions (W x D x H): 9 x 31 x 29cm specifications Processor Intel Core i5 RAM 4GB RAM - 16GB RAM Storage Size 16GB - 3TB Read more ▼ Today's Best Deals View at Walmart (opens in new tab) View at Newegg (opens in new tab) View at eBay (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Reasonably priced + Offers great expandability Reasons to avoid - There are faster machines in this bracket - Not much else to complain about

If you need a solid PC system that will work day-in, day-out, then the Dell Optiplex range should get a good chunk of your attention. The 3020 (opens in new tab) range is based on a no-nonsense micro-tower system, which comes with Windows 7 Pro 64-bit with a free upgrade to Windows 10 Pro. This system has everything you need to get your business up and running while remaining expandable as you go.

But this is an entry-level PC system, and it won't run heavy apps for graphic design or photo editing. Although it supports dual monitor functionality, it lacks graphic performance and doesn't have an HDMI port to connect to external displays.

Nonetheless, thanks to its affordable pricing and flexible size formats, the Optiplex 3020 is a fairly efficient computer for small and medium-sized companies.

Keep your office secure with the best office security cameras.

The types of desktop PCs

A recent development in the desktop PC world has been a modest diversification of the system case. The typical business PC comes in a mini-tower box, which is probably best suited under or beside your desk.

But if space is at a premium, a smaller case would be a better choice. Dell, for example, delivers its Optiplex models in the mini tower, 'thin' desktop, and 'compact' small form factor sizes, each model offering the same computing power but in a different case.

Three other formats that have grown in popularity are:

1. All-in-one, otherwise known as AIO, combines the monitor with the base unit. The move to power-efficient components, the falling price of LCD panels, and the ubiquity of touch functionality make AIO an increasingly popular choice for businesses. The all-in-one PC essentially resembles a slightly larger than normal LCD display that contains the processor, hard drive, and memory built into the screen casing. The end result is a very elegant, clutter-free desktop PC.

2. Ultra-small form factors, otherwise known as nettops or mini PCs, borrow many of their designs (and components) from laptops. They are essentially laptops without a screen, input peripherals, and a battery.

3. HDMI dongles which have been inspired by tablets and smartphones and often share parts with the latter. These are usually used for display signage or in niche markets. They are usually not powerful enough for most tasks, but things will likely improve with the expansion of Thunderbolt technology.

Workstation vs Desktop PC: What is the difference?

TechRadarPro Q&A with Anu Herranen, Director of New Product Introduction, Advanced Compute and Solutions at HP Inc (opens in new tab) .

The main thing here is that you must ignore the form factors. In this case, the question would really be, what is the difference between a (regular) desktop PC and a desktop workstation? The answer is that the workstation has been developed for a specific professional workflow.

It is not just about the raw performance of the processor or other components in a device. It is about how well they perform in specific tasks relevant to the work they are designed to do. Do they make that system easier and faster and remove unnecessary complexity so you can focus on the task and be more productive and creative?

Usually, a data scientist will not place emphasis on the color accuracy of a display, but they will care about having a device that can process huge data sets for hours without crashing mid-way. A graphic designer or VR developer, on the other hand, will care about being able to process jobs quicker by managing how power is split between the CPU and GPU, depending on the task.

You also need to get beyond the box. What software stack or operating system does the workstation need to run? Does the workstation need to run the full Adobe creative suite? Are the keyboard and other input devices optimized for the needs of the user? Examples might include a VR headset or a set of separate programmable keys.

Security and manageability in workstations are also designed to work seamlessly across the whole stack and conform to specific requirements defined by role and managed by IT departments. Devices are often configured to get the best out of a given software and may even carry certifications that guarantee performance for certain software, such as those from companies like Autodesk.

All of this adds up to a curated experience – a device absolutely dedicated in every way to a workflow and ready to go out of the box, saving days of configuration time.

The final key difference is that workstations are very expandable – designed with upgrading in mind. Whilst that is, of course, true of many PCs, workstations are engineered with this capability in mind. A workstation is designed to be a device that can expand with your needs over a long period of time.

How to choose the best business computers for you? When choosing the best business computers for yourself, start with assessing the nature of your business, the number of computers you need, and the operating system. If you're in architecture, graphic design, or any other field that demands the use of resource-intensive apps, then you'll want to opt for powerful computers with impressive graphic capabilities. But if your work primarily involves using an internet browser or data entry, an entry-level computer should work perfectly well. How much RAM you need will depend on how resource-heavy the apps you use are and whether you do a lot of multitasking. The more apps you run simultaneously, the more RAM you'll want for a smoother experience. You'll want to evaluate what operating system works best for you. If your employees are used to working on Windows, it's more efficient to stick to that rather than switch to a new system. Consider the size of the machines if you don't have a lot of desk space or want a neat workplace setup. You'll also want to consider the pricing of the computers and whether the seller offers discounts on bulk purchases.

The best business computers: How we test

Why you can trust TechRadar Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The best business computers: How we test

To test the best business computers, we first looked at their specifications, like the CPU, graphics, RAM, storage, connectivity, and dimensions. We considered the types and sizes of businesses they'd be suitable for and whether the tech configurations were expendable.

We assessed how well they handled multiple apps simultaneously, how smoothly they ran resource-heavy apps, and how easy the overall setup process was.

We evaluated the dimensions and weight of the computers to check whether they take up a lot of desk space and if they're light enough to be moved around easily. We also considered whether the computers had dual monitor capabilities, ports to connect to external displays, and swift wireless connectivity.

What is the Best Work from Home Computer?

This blog was updated in June 2022.

Even though the recent pandemic is now in the rear-view mirror (and hopefully staying there), plenty of people are still working from home. This makes picking a good home work computer fairly essential to get the most productivity out of your day.

But this is no easy task, as there are hundreds of different models on the market, in all sorts of different sizes and specifications. It’s easy to become confused by all the work from home computers available.

To help make this decision easier for you, we’ve put together this article to cover all the important things you should consider before spending your cash on a desktop PC for working from home.

You probably already have a figure in mind regarding your budget, and we’ll talk about that later, but the first thing to think about is which type of computer meets your needs best.

What are the types of work from home computers?

When looking for a computer set up at home, you’ll need to decide whether you want a traditional desktop PC or an all-in-one PC. There are several distinctions between the two, so let’s start with the basics.

[Image]

What is a desktop PC?

A desktop PC is probably what you think of when you imagine a computer. The typical large case sits under a desk or beside a computer monitor. While this type of traditional computer is more than adequate for working from home and can act as more than just a work computer, it’s not the only option available.

What is an all-in-one computer?

In the simplest terms, an all-in-one computer combines all the components associated with a desktop PC but in one enclosed unit, so there’s no separate monitor linked to a computer tower. The most common example of this is Apple’s iMac.

It functions in the same way as a traditional desktop computer but is much more compact, so it takes up less space and is much tidier when it sits on your desk. This makes it ideal for small offices or bedrooms.

What’s better, a desktop or an all-in-one computer?

As you would expect, there’s no clear cut answer as to which type of computer set up at home is better. Each has its own set of pros and cons, so, to give you a better picture, we’ve put together a simple list to help you decide which type is better for you.

What are the advantages of desktop PCs?

Generally speaking, desktop PCs are far more powerful than all-in-one computers. They’re also able to regulate heat consumption more efficiently, so they can run faster for longer. But that’s not to say all-in-ones are inferior or will need to be switched off to cool down.

Desktop PCs are also extensively customisable. For example, you can add a new graphics card or a more powerful processor without issue to take its power up a notch. They’re built so that you can upgrade them when you need to.

As a rule, desktops are generally cheaper than all-in-one computers due to the nature of their construction. If you already own a keyboard and mouse, then you can use the ones you already have, which will make this option even more affordable.

But to be clear, a desktop PC is the ‘tower’ part. You’ll need to buy a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to complete your setup if you don’t have them already.

And the benefits keep coming with desktop PCs. Thanks to their modular and spacious design, they’re much easier to repair. Many IT hardware components like CPU, RAM, audio, graphics cards, etc… are separate parts and can be detached for repair or replacement.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a computer set up at home which you can use for work, as well as entertainment, then desktops are a great option, especially for gaming, since they offer higher power and higher expandability to allow running of rich-graphic games.

What are the disadvantages of desktop PCs?

There are, of course, disadvantages with desktop PCs as well. First and foremost, they’re heavy to carry and not easy to move around from room to room. Ideally, they are set up and will stay in the same place, which is what was intended.

On top of this, a desktop PC takes up plenty of space on or under your desk, and there are cables needed to link-up everything: power, video, audio, etc. Desktop PCs are usually quite bulky, so make sure your desk is big enough to spread out your work documents, too.

Desktop PCs must also be plugged into a power outlet all the time to be used, as should produce noticeable noise. We’re not saying your lounge will be like living underneath the Heathrow flightpath, but all that power needs fans to keep it cool. And as we’ve mentioned, you’ll also need a separate monitor, keyboard and mouse.

What are the advantages of all-in-one computers?

Firstly, all-in-one computers are extremely easy to set up and use, as there’s nothing to connect. The setup is as simple as placing the computer on to your desk, plugging in the cable, and switching it on. If you’re intimidated by tech, then you have nothing to be scared of with the all-in-one set-up procedure.

One of the other main advantages of an all-in-one computer is that it saves you space. You can have a nice cable-free environment, which means you’ll have more desk space and a tidier looking area to work in, which is important if your computer is set up in the living room or somewhere where it’s in view all the time.

A de-cluttered workspace means that an all-in-one desktop is a good option for many.

What are the disadvantages of all-in-one computers?

Unfortunately, all-in-one computers tend to be more expensive as they tie in every feature into a single machine. Convenience usually comes at a price when buying tech and it’s no different here.

All-in-one computers are also harder to upgrade than desktop computers. Without the option to upgrade you may experience slower performance as time passes, but it also depends on how hard you work it. Rather than upgrading, you may find yourself replacing your computer often, which is pricey.

What are mini-PCs?

While researching work from home computers, you might have come across mini-PCs, but what exactly are they, and are they any good?

Mini-PCs are small-sized, inexpensive, low-power desktop computers designed for basic tasks such as web browsing, accessing web-based applications, document processing, and audio/video playback. So, if you’re not using tons of memory, or want to edit videos or photos, a mini-pc could be the perfect option.

Small size doesn’t necessarily equal small power. Indeed, many mini-PCs are mini only in form factor, and they possess more than enough power to get you through your day and handle most tasks with ease.

Today’s mini-PCs can pack a lot into their tiny frames, and they certainly take up little desk space. The huge advantage they have is that you can throw one into a backpack and set it up anywhere you have a monitor, mouse, and keyboard.

What is the best computer for your home office?

Deciding on which is the best work from home computer can be tricky. While you should now understand two of your best options, you’ll also need to think about a few other areas.

What’s your budget?

Let’s get the obvious bit out of the way first. The computer you decide to buy depends on what you can afford. It’s always best to have a realistic budget in mind before you begin your search, and you should try and stick to it. But be realistic. Don’t expect to get an all-singing-and-dancing desktop PC for £200.

What sort of work will you be doing?

Every person has different tasks involved in their work. Some write others edit videos and photographs, whilst others trawl through data. So, it’s important to get a computer which is most suitable for the type of work you do.

For example, if you work editing videos, you’d be better choosing a very powerful desktop PC and buying a decent sized full HD monitor to go with it, otherwise you find your all-in-one PC lagging or overheating.

How big is your workspace?

It would be great if we all had empty spare rooms just waiting to be turned into luxurious home offices, but for most of us, that’s just a dream! Usually, space is limited, so we have to use it wisely. This is one thing we tend to forget when buying a home office computer.

For those short of space, an all-in-one is a good option as it doesn’t have a large tower, not to mention all the cables, plugs, and possible extension leads associated with desktops.

Many people have no choice but to have their computers set up on the dinner table. If this is you, then an all-in-one is very convenient as you can easily move it when you need to make room.

If you’re considering a desktop computer, you need to think about the area in which you’ll store the tower. Will you store it under your desk, or on top of your desk? How much room do you have?

Electrical outlets are also an important consideration before you buy your computer. For a desktop, you need to plug in the monitor and the tower. If you have limited outlets, this is something to consider if you want to avoid tripping over extension cords on the floor or using several multi-plugs to make enough outlets.

How fast do you need your computer to be?

The processor and RAM are the two most important components to look at when accessing a computer’s speed. RAM is typically measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB) while processing speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz).

The everyday tasks that most users perform are basic, like word processing docs, researching, browsing, etc., that the lowest-end processors in newer computers should be fast enough.

However, if you’re involved in video editing, 3D animation, or gaming and streaming, then you’re going to need a much more powerful desktop to facilitate the high power requirements.

Computers at Ebuyer

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how kitted-out a home office looks. Without the right computer, day-to-day work will feel like an uphill battle.

Before you choose the best computer for your home office, make sure you have a rough idea of what type you’re looking for, define a budget, and check your desk has adequate space. Keep in mind the nature of your work, and then decide if you want to buy a desktop computer, an all-in-one PC, or a mini-PC.

We’ve plenty of computers for you to choose from in the Ebuyer store, as well as computer monitors, keyboards, and mice – everything you need for an efficient computer set up at home.

Don’t forget to check out the Ebuyer blog as well for more in-depth articles like this one!

The Best Home Office Computer Setup

Anyone working from home will need a computer of some kind, either because you choose to work remotely, or you have to.

Where most small business owners get confused is choosing a home office computer with the right specs.

How can you possibly know which one is best for you?

The worst thing you can do is walk into a computer store with that “I have no idea what I’m doing” face.

You’ll end up leaving with a computer worth $2,000…that you don’t actually need.

So how can you avoid this happening?

Never, fear because by the time you’ve finished reading this guide you’ll know exactly what laptop or desktop computer you need for your home office.

Which leads us neatly to your next question.

Is it better to have a desktop or laptop?

All you need is to answer one simple question: Do you need to work from multiple locations, or just from your home office?

Now, you might have this kinda hipster notion that you’re going to work from home some days, and then from some local coffees shop other days.

But that never happens.

So be honest about the type of work you do, and then buy a computer for that purpose.

Will you need to work away from your home office?

Yes – invest in a laptop setup

No – a desktop/smartphone combo will work

So let’s look at what you need to know to make an informed buying decision.

How fast does your computer need to be?

Every computer looks the same on the outside.

The important differences are all hidden away inside the case.

One of the questions most new computer buyers have is “How fast should my processor be?”

Let me explain this with a story.

Many, many moons ago I managed a computer retail store.

I was very good at selling computers to anyone who walked through the door because I always started my sales pitch the same way, “…what do you actually need it for?”

I hated seeing people spend more money than they needed to.

The net result though was that I outsold every other person in the company.

So let’s start with the different types of processors (CPUs) you’ll find in a computer.

Intel Celeron/AMD Sempron

Any laptop or desk featuring one of these processors is 100% entry-level and it’s going to run very slowly. Don’t buy a computer with this type of CPU unless you have no other choice.

Intel Pentium J / Core i3

These cost a tiny bit more than a Celeron/Sempron but are way more powerful.

Intel Core i5

More than capable of running several programs at once, and with enough RAM and a decent graphics card they can handle all but the most high-end computing tasks.

Intel Core i7/i9

This range of processors sits at the top of the food chain when it comes to computing power. A brand new i7 system with plenty of RAM can munch through video editing, 3D design, and anything else you can think of.

How much RAM do you need?

RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and is the temporary storage space used by computers to work on files. The simple rule with RAM is more is always better, but you don’t need to go nuts.

If you’re running a 64-bit operating system like Windows 10 then you’ll need at least 8GB of RAM, but ideally 16GB.

RAM is so cheap these days that it’s silly not to max out what your system can handle.

How much hard drive space do you need?

More hard drive space is always better, simply because you can fill up a small hard drive faster than you can possibly imagine.

As a rule of thumb aim for a laptop or desktop computer with a 1TB (terabyte) hard drive, because it gives you more than enough storage space for millions of documents, photographs or audio files…and some games.

Because we all need a little downtime.

The good news is hard drives are getting cheaper as each year goes by, so extra storage costs less than the year before.

When it comes to choosing which type of hard drive is best, you can choose from either a standard mechanical SATA drive, or an SSD (Solid State Disk) drive instead.

SATA drives are reasonably fast and reliable, and are very affordable.

SSD drives are mind-blowingly fast, and equally affordable.

A computer with a SATA hard drive will take between 30 seconds and several minutes to boot up, whereas a computer with an SSD drive can boot in 10 seconds – literally.

The other major difference is that a SATA drive can last for 10 years whereas an SSD drive might roll over and die after 5 years.

I use Sandisk SSD drives in my own computers.

What about all-in-one desktop computers?

Here’s something that’s become popular again after many years – a computer where the screen and internal components are integrated into one single unit.

This type of computer can save you a huge amount of desk space, while providing all the computing power you need.

But the sleek looks and integration come with a case of sticker shock.

A typical Core i5 computer – with a reasonable amount of RAM and hard drive storage – will cost you around $800.

An equivalent all-in-one desktop computer with the same spec will set you back around $1,000, and that’s just for the entry-level model.

This type of computer looks great, takes up almost no desk space, but they’re stupidly expensive.

Another pet hate for me (and this is the computer repair guy in me speaking) with all-in-one systems is that if one component fails then the entire computer stops working.

With an all-in-one system a failed hard drive means returning the whole computer for service, leaving you with an empty space on your desk.

What’s the best desktop computer when buying on a budget?

If I was buying a small business computer on a really strict budget then I’d be looking at the following specs:

Intel J series processor

4GB of RAM

1TB hard drive

1GB graphics card

Windows 7

The above computer spec will cost you about $400 brand new.

If you want to save yourself a small fortune on your first home office computer then look for refurbished computers.

They’re usually ex-government stock and in absolutely perfect condition, but cost about $150 for a computer that will do everything you need it to.

The word “budget” is entirely relative to what state your personal finances are in you might have no more than $250 to spend on a computer, where somebody else “…absolutely can’t spend any more than $800” on a computer for their business.

How to choose a screen for your computer

You have two basic choices when deciding what kind of display setup you want for your computer: One large monitor, or dual monitors.

This applies to both laptop and desktop systems, and there are pros and cons to each.

Ultrawide vs. Dual Monitors

Most new computers are sold with a single large screen, measuring anywhere from 22 to 27-inches.

This is a huge amount of digital real estate to have, and is perfect if you’re just going to use your computer for gaming, watching movies, etc.

Where ultrawide monitors fall down – even though they really do look amazing – is when you’re trying to multitask.

You can Alt + Tab between windows, or try tiling them to create layout that works for you, but no ultrawide screen can improve your productivity in the way that a dual screen setup can.

Dual monitors do, however, take up a huge amount of desk space, so if you’re working on from a really small desk you simply might not have the physical space to accommodate dual screens.

You can get around this problem with a dual monitor stands because they allow you to raise your screens above the desk’s surface.

You also need a desktop PC with dual graphic output ports (SVGA, DVI or HDMI) and the corresponding cables to get everything set up correctly.

If you want to connect a second screen to your laptop it’s as easy as simply plugging your laptop into its docking station, and once Windows is configured properly, your desktop will be shared between both screens.

What puts most people off using a dual screen setup is the perceived cost, because isn’t it stupidly expensive to do this?

Nope.

In fact you can get good refurbished computer displays for under $100, including 19-inch and 22-inch models. In fact, most suppliers of refurbished office computers sell dedicated dual screen PC packages, often costing less than $200.

The Pros and Cons of laptops and desktops

I left writing this section until the very end because it just made sense for you to read all the other information first.

Laptops are small, powerful and completely portable, making them ideal for remote workers or telecommuters

Desktops are fixed in place, but offer far more functionality and processing power

Laptops consume far less power than a desktop computer, but you’re limited by battery life at times

Desktop computers eat more electrical units, but you never have to worry about battery life

Desktop computers are easier to upgrade and the components to do that are cheaper than with a laptop

You can’t ever drop a desktop not unless you’re really clumsy

Laptops tend to have a shorter life expectancy than desktops, possibly because they’re designed that way

Laptops should always use hard drive data encryption of some kind in case they’re stolen

Desktop computers occupy 2x – 3x times the same amount of space as a laptop

A laptop allows you to work from anywhere in your home

I’ve probably left out a lot of advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to let me know in a blog comment below. Please and thanks