subject: How to Choose Business PCs [print this page] How to Choose Business PCs How to Choose Business PCs
Whether you're upgrading your current hardware or looking to start a brand new business, making PC purchases for your employees is a challenge. You'll need to consider what level your employees are at do managers deserve better PCs? Who needs a laptop? Here are five tips to help you make the most economic decisions without insulting any of your employees.
1. Consider which employees need which software. If most of your employees only need word processing, spreadsheets, email, and web browsing, you don't need a particularly high end PC to satisfy all of their needs. Mid range PCs will do just fine and save you hundreds of pounds. Some professions, like design and web development, may require more intensive systems. Spread your money around and you'll get a much better value for it.
2. Move high end PCs around the company. When your design department needs newer computers, don't also buy your less demanding employees new computers. Simply pass them down to the employees who spend more of their time using word processors, the internet, and email; that way all employees receive an upgrade and you will rarely have to buy new PCs unless your company undergoes a more radical expansion.
3. Think carefully about purchasing new laptops for employees. First investigate what they'd like to use it for at home, so the proper type of laptop can be purchased. If mainly the employee needs a laptop to keep up on email and occasional work-related internet tasks, why not purchase them a netbook? With the ultra cheap cost of a netbook, you'll be able to provide more of your employees with a laptop. You'll both save money and provide a bit of a morale boost to a good number of your employees; they'll feel valued at no extra expense to you.
If, of course, someone needs a more powerful laptop, purchase it for them, but don't do so blindly.
4. Wait a few months before upgrading software or operating systems. Don't get so excited to jump on the bandwagon when something exciting comes out, even if it does carry improved productivity promises. It's far better to wait a few weeks or even months for all the bugs to be ironed out before you invest in software that may well cause issues with your system. Plus, by waiting a bit, you may be able to take advantage of a lower price.
5. Choose your hardware provider carefully. You may have heard about the recent scandal Dell's had to endure after selling faulty hardware to dozens of businesses. Don't become a victim of such a scam yourself; do your research. Just because a deal looks like it's the cheapest doesn't mean it's actually the best. Put your networking skills to use and find out how satisfied others are with the quality of your chosen company's products. Most importantly, ensure that you either have a long term service contract or reliable IT support of your own on hand to sort out any problems you might have.
