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Originally Posted On: 7 Factors to Consider When Buying Laptops for Business :: IT-HenHouse (it-henhouse.com)
It’s no secret that purchasing additional equipment for your company can often help drastically improve productivity. This is especially true considering that the health crisis has forced many businesses to let their employees work remotely.
When browsing through laptops for business use, though, there’s a handful of factors that you’ll need to keep in mind in order to make the right decision.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know.
1. Your Budget
This is one of the most important factors to consider since it will dictate a large number of potential options that you have.
Sometimes, though, entrepreneurs don’t have a concrete budget for this type of equipment. In order to help calculate this, you’ll need to determine how much value a business laptop will bring to your company.
If it will drastically help increase your overall productivity, this value could be worth tens of thousands of dollars. This would make the purchase of an expensive laptop justified in this scenario.
If you only need an extra computer for basic tasks, though, it’s recommended that you look for a less expensive model that can still satisfy your obligations.
2. Specs
The processes that you need to use your laptop for will determine how powerful the computer specs should be. For example, if you plan on using this computer for heavy video editing, then you’ll need plenty of RAM, a powerful graphics card, and a high-quality processor.
It’s also important to note that the recommended RAM that a particular software requires is only the minimum amount in order to run efficiently. If you plan on completing high-intensity processes within the software, you will need even more RAM than that.
Those who use video editing software may only require 8 GB of RAM in most scenarios. But, you may experience frequent slowdown when exporting and rendering if you don’t have more than that amount.
If you choose to buy a laptop with a significantly powerful processor, be sure you research how that model is able to handle intense heat. Sometimes, processors of certain strengths aren’t meant to be run on certain laptops for long periods of time.
3. Operating System
It should come as no surprise that your laptop’s operating system is an essential attribute to take into consideration. A common scenario involves a business owner who frequently makes use of Windows-only applications while running their company.
While Apple products are renowned for how intuitive their UX is, they aren’t able to run Windows programs without taking extra steps. If the operating system for this computer isn’t of particular importance, simply choose whichever your most comfortable with using.
Otherwise, be sure that the laptop your buy is able to handle all of the necessary software you need it for.
4. Battery Life
Some laptops exhibit a notably high battery life that can last an entire workday, allowing the user to work comfortably whatever they’d like to.
Other laptops, though, may only last a few hours. This makes them impractical to use on long car/train rides, in parks, or anywhere that isn’t adjacent to an electrical outlet.
This can be circumvented if you’re always going to use your laptop indoors. But, you can quickly become an issue for those who need a few extra hours of battery life.
5. Size/Weight
If you’re purchasing a laptop as opposed to a desktop computer, chances are that you’re going to be transporting it frequently. A bulky or heavy laptop can easily become a major inconvenience if you use it on a daily basis.
While the ideal size will vary from person to person, you should choose one that you have no issues moving around. Size is also an especially important factor since it will dictate how large the screen is.
Some users need larger screens than others, and it may not always be worth it to sacrifice extra screen real estate for increased portability.
6. Screen Resolution
Speaking of screens, the laptop’s resolution is also something that you’ll need to keep in mind during your search. Those who work in graphic design or video production will want to get the highest quality resolution that they can afford.
This will allow them to not only improve their experience while working but also produce higher quality results.
Since having a screen that is pleasant to look at could mean the difference between performing at your best or not, you may also want to consider if a touchscreen computer is right for you.
While touchscreens provide plenty of utility, they also frequently become smudged. Unless you plan on using a cleaning cloth throughout every session, it may be better to avoid this feature.
7. Ergonomics
It’s highly recommended that you don’t purchase a laptop without sitting down and using it at least for a short period of time. Otherwise, you may find that you are simply unable to work efficiently on the computer that you purchase. It will also hinder the quality of your experience overall.
In some cases, users even return laptops that they don’t find ergonomic in favor of a new one that is more physically comfortable to use.
Finding The Right Laptops For Business Use Can Seem Difficult
But it doesn’t have to be.
With the above information about buying laptops for business in mind, you’ll be well on your way toward making the purchase decision that’s best for you and your business.
Want to learn more about how we can help? Feel free to get in touch with us today to see what we can do.