7 Factors to Consider When Buying Business Computers

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Running a small business is tough to do without computers. But with so many makes and models out there, how do you know which is right for your company?

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re simply wanting to try out a new type of computer for your business, it’s important to understand what your options are. Different computers excel at different applications, and your needs will dictate how powerful you need your computers to be.

In this post, we’re going to discuss several of the factors that you need to consider when buying business computers. It can be overwhelming to research different types of computers. There’s so much information out there, but at the end of the day, you just need to get something that works well for what your business and its employees require.

So, these 7 tips will help you get your priorities straight. Once you do that, you can make a smart and informed decision.

1. Budget Dictates Everything

If you don’t have a budget for your business computers, then you need to make one. Do a bit of research on how many computers you’re going to need, then figure out a feasible price range to work within.

Of course, as a business owner, you know that the more money spends the better. That’s not to say that you can’t get really good computers for a fair price, but a larger budget gives you many more options.

Your budget will play a role in every computer decision that you make moving forward. However, it’s important to consider upgrades that you might need to make with the lower-budget models. OS upgrades, software, and any hardware upgrades will cost extra money.

2. What Are Your Needs & Applications

The other side of the coin is figuring out what it is you’re going to be using the computers for. Different makes/models do different things, so the type of computer a graphic design office needs is going to be a bit different than a law firm.

Start with the practical stuff. What are you going to be using these computers for the most? If you’re running an office, you might have many different departments with different needs.

For creative things like graphic design and digital marketing, Apple is likely the way to go. If you’re an office that has an accounting, sales, marketing, and operations department, then it might be PC.

Once you figure out which sort of computers are best for your needs, your decision splits into two paths.

3. Understanding Operating System Strengths

Windows and MacOSX are the two most popular operating systems, with Windows making up 70% of the desktop, tablet, and console OS market. Like we said earlier, if you’re using the computers for something creative, you’re likely to go for MacOS.

The only problem with Apple products is that they’re more expensive than some of the budget PCs. That being said, they’re more powerful and designed to make a creative’s life easier.

For more traditional office-type applications, macOS is still a possibility, but Windows provides you with so many options for any budget. There are more and more PC manufacturers out there that make really great products for an attractive price point.

4. Are Refurbished Computers Okay?

One route you can go is with refurbished computers. There are computer repair shops all over the place that’ll sell you refurbished older models for a fraction of the price.

While this might be an attractive option for more budget-strapped companies, it poses many risks as well. Something you’ll find out eventually is that you’re going to spend a lot of money on IT repairs if you buy fixed up or refurbished computers.

You should always spend a bit more for that extra reliability, but if you can’t afford it and you trust the repair shop, refurbishment is an option.

5. The Nitty Gritty

Once you’ve made a few of those crucial decisions, like your budget and which OS you’re going with, it’s time to dig in a bit more. Figuring out how much power, memory, and speed each computer needs will narrow down your options to just a few brands and models.

You’ll have to figure out whether you want a mechanical hard drive or a solid-state. You’ll need to decide which kind of processor has the right amount of power and how much RAM you’ll need.

Solid-state drives are faster and more durable, but they’re also more expensive. As far as processors go, you’ll probably be deciding between an Intel i3, i5, i7, or Apple’s new M1. More RAM means that your fast processor can work to its full capabilities.

6. Research Your Brands

Alright, if you’ve considered all of these factors, then you’ll be left with a few specific computer models. It could’ve been that you realized Apple was the best way to go right off the bat, so you’ll choose between their various models, depending on your budget and needs.

When it comes to PC, you’ll be left choosing between all of the big brands, like Acer, Asus, HP, and Dell. All of them are reputable and offer computers at different price points, so once you narrow it down to a few specific models, look at reviews to find out which is best for your needs.

The other option is to go with a custom builder, like Industrial PC. If you need something built strong and specifically for your company, then this is absolutely the way to go.

7. The Warranty Situation

Lastly, it’s always important to look at the warranty. Computers are like any other pieces of heavily used machinery, they’ll eventually need repairs.

If you find something with a long-term warranty, that’s going to save you money down the road. Like we said earlier, you could find yourself paying as much or more for maintenance than the business computers themselves.

Buying Business Computers That You’ll Love

Buying business computers for your company doesn’t have to be hard. If you consider all of these factors, you’ll end up with something that satisfies your needs as a business and keeps your employees happy and efficient.

With quality computers for your business, you’ll be able to put your focus on what matters. Growing your company and developing your vision for the future.

Did you find this post helpful? Come back again for more business and technology tips.