Buying a new computer for your business: what really matters
Processor, memory, storage, warranty: what to look for when buying a computer for work, and what you can safely ignore.
Photo: Artiom Vallat / Unsplash
A new computer should work reliably for five years or more. Spending a little more on the right parts saves a lot of frustration later. Here is what matters, in order of importance.
Memory (RAM): do not save here
Memory decides how many programs and browser tabs run smoothly at the same time. For office work today, 16 GB is a good minimum; for photo editing or many programs at once, 32 GB. In many laptops, memory cannot be added later.
Storage: SSD, and enough of it
An SSD is much faster than an old hard disk. Choose at least 512 GB, so the drive does not fill up after two years. Important files belong in a backup and ideally also in a cloud storage, not only on the computer.
Processor: current generation, middle class
For office work, a current mid-range processor is more than enough. The newest top model is rarely worth the extra cost; a processor that is several generations old is.
Screen and keyboard
You look at the screen all day. A sharp screen of at least 14 inches, or an extra monitor at the desk, makes work easier. Try the keyboard if you can.
Warranty and support
A longer warranty, ideally with on-site service, pays off for business computers. Find out how quickly a repair is done and whether you get a replacement meanwhile.
Do not forget the setup
- Move your data and programs from the old computer
- Set up user accounts, updates and protection against malware
- Encrypt the drive, so a lost laptop does not mean lost data
- Set up a backup from day one
- Erase the old computer before passing it on
We gladly advise you before you buy and set up the new computer for you, as part of our IT Support. And a backup that runs by itself comes with Data Backup & Recovery.
