Buying a new computer for your business can be an overwhelming decision. With so many different choices on the market, how do you decide which machine and configuration is going to be right for you?
Much of the jargon and computer terminology that you hear from sales people is incomprehensible to those without an IT background so asking questions often leads to more confusion.
It is important to get the right computer to meet your business needs, both now and in the foreseeable future. If you buy a machine which isn’t powerful enough to meet demands it will probably run more slowly which can be frustrating and detrimental to your productivity. Here are some factors to take into consideration when deciding which computer to buy for your business.
Preliminary questions
When you are starting to look for a new computer the first thing you need to do is to get an idea what your basic needs are going to be. Do you want a desktop computer or a notebook? What will you mostly be using it for?
It is a good idea to consider how long you want your computer to last and when you want to replace it. Most computers have a recommended lifespan after which they will probably need to be replaced. Getting a computer with a high specification may mean it lasts longer although the initial outlay will be more.
Plan ahead
Computer technology is an ever evolving field. When deciding which make, model and specification of computer to purchase make sure you consider whether it will work six months down the track and in three years’ time. It may be that the default specifications, while perfectly adequate for current computing needs, will soon become obsolete and insufficient. In many cases it can be worth purchasing a higher specification of machine which will still run effectively for longer.
Take care with servers
If you are buying a server it is even more important to think carefully about your choice than if you are purchasing an everyday machine. Your server is a business critical system and if it goes offline your business will struggle, even for a short period of time. Don’t be tempted to purchase a white box (home-made) server for your critical software. It is far better to spend a bit more money and get a server from a reputable vendor. Don’t forget to also get a support and warranty package so that if anything was to happen you could to get back online as quickly as possible.
Make sure your do your research and think thoroughly about your needs before investing in a new computer for your business. With so many different options available the right machine can have a big impact on your ability to run your business both now and in the future.
