Buying A Computer For Business

Buying a computer in today’s fast paced market can be very confusing. Computer usage has become one of the world’s most popular past times, and depending on your line of business, it can be crucial to your small business.

Buying your computer from a reputable electronics dealer means you're more likely to get a better warranty and better service. The computers they carry have succeeded because of the high-quality of their machines and their service.

What Computer do I buy?

So should you get a PC or MAC, desktop or notebook? What other hardware items do I need? These are basic, legitimate questions. Let's see if we can find some answers.

• Does your business require portability? If you are a journalist, writer or a web designer you may prefer the notebook/laptop, as it will provide the mobility required by these professions. Today's notebooks are generally just as fast and powerful as a desktop. As notebooks are frequently utilized without external power sources, "on board battery capacity" is an important factor when you are making your notebook selection. You should also keep in mind that a notebook will be more expensive; it can cost $1000 more than the same desktop.
• PC or MAC? Well it depends. If you businesses do lots of graphic design work then a MAC may be the better preference. Generally MAC computers are easier to use and are more stable than the PC. However, in many cases the PC will be the better choice. The reason is that there are many business and financial softwares are only available to the PC.
  
  Another reason is that it is generally easier to find quality support for the PC.
• What will you be doing with your computer? Word Processing, Home finances, games or statistical programming? How complex are my tasks?
  
  Surfing the Internet requires less computing power than running a multimedia program. If you know the types of programs you will be using, check out their requirements then you will know how powerful a computer to buy, don’t forget there must be room on your hard drive to load them all.
• Service and Support. Don’t forget to consider service and support, especially if you are not familiar with the workings of a computer. When buying your computer ask the dealer:
  • How long is the warranty? The standard is six months to one year.
  • Does your dealer fix computers? There is nothing worst than to buy a faulty computer and then to find out that you wont get it back for 2 months when you return it to be fixed. Many dealers wont fix computers on-site and may need to ship them out to repair. So it is an added bonus if your dealer also fixes computers.
  • Does the dealer offer telephone support? We all know how frustrating it can be when your computer doesn’t do what it’s suppose to, like printing or faxing. A number for technical support is a real added bonus.

What else will you need?

Ok so you've taken care of your computer, what else will you need for your business?

• Laserjet Or InkJet Printers. This is a must. You will need you printer, amongst other things, to print invoices, statements, account tracking, reports and more. Laserjet provides better quality prints for those that needs high quality. However, I recommend inkjet printers, as they are a lot cheaper with great quality.
• Monitor. What screen size is appropriate? I think a 17” monitor is more that adequate. If you do require more screen space then you should get a 19” monitor.
• A Modem. Want to connect to the Internet? Then you will need a modem. This comes standard in most computers today. If you require broadband, high speed access to the internet then you will need a cable or ADSL modem.
• DVD drive, CD-RW, Scanner. DVD and CD-RW Drives are usually standard with today’s computers. You should get a scanner if your business requires scanning.

Buying a new computer is an investment, and there are many factors that come into play when choosing the one that's right for you. Most of all, you want to buy a machine that suits you personally and financially.