How to choose the right business PC

A 2-part guide to wading through the options



In part 1 of this blog When to buy a new business PC, we looked at the debate of whether to update your old PC or upgrade to a new one. If you’ve made the decision to buy a new PC to leverage the security, performance and networking advantages of the latest technology, the daunting task of choosing the right machine begins.  As you browse manufacturer web sites, or stroll through aisles and aisles of options in store, you might feel your head start to spin.

Let me help you sort out some very basic factors that will help you to focus the right PC for your business.

The first thing to consider is whether to purchase a business or consumer PC.  If you’ve traditionally shopped by price alone, chances are you’ve bought consumer PCs in the past.  As a business owner, it’s important to understand that consumer and business PCs are built with different end-goals in mind.

So, what do you get with a business-grade PC?

  • More rugged construction that can take a little more abuse, which is great when jostling through airport crowds!

  • Increased number of ports and expansion options (to accommodate things like docking stations).

  • Encryption technology and extra security to keep your business safe.

  • More storage options and a range of different hard drive configurations.

  • Support for more wireless and wired connectivity choices.


When considering the right PC for your business, it’s important to look beyond price. A lower price doesn’t always equate to good value. In the long run, features like durability, functionality and scalability will save you time and money.

Today, when evaluating new technology, it’s hard not to be tempted by the small, portable Netbooks that have gained popularity in recent years.  And, I’d argue, you’ll be tempted to consider Tablets, which are also rapidly gaining momentum and popularity.

To know if either form factor is right for your business, it’s important to know what were designed for … they were built, primarily for light use and web browsing.  They weren’t really created for heavy-duty business use, including the ever-critical multi-tasking features I know we all require! But, if you’re looking to get online from an airport lounge, it might be a good choice.

For a true road warrior, a good choice is a fully-functional business laptop (to take advantage of the features we mentioned earlier).  With fast 2nd generation Intel Core processors, these notebooks give you extra power when you need it and reduce power when you don’t, saving valuable battery life.  In addition, these laptops have more ports for device connectivity, on-board disc drives and are thinner and lighter than ever before. It’s the right combination of features and functionality in a portable form.

The end goal of your purchase should be to make computing easier and give you more time to do what’s most important … grow your business!

For more information, visit www.staples.ca/BusinessPC

 
And check out this video for more information on buying a business PC.

By Adam

October 05, 2011