subject: Should You Rent, Lease or Buy a Laptop? [print this page] Should You Rent, Lease or Buy a Laptop? Should You Rent, Lease or Buy a Laptop?
In spite of prices dropping rapidly in the past decade, buying a computer is still an expensive proposition for both the individual as well as the business customer. So, what alternatives do you have to an outright purchase? - lease and rent a laptop computer are two options that you can consider.
Laptop rentals
If your need is over the short term perhaps two months at the maximum, for instance a rent a laptop computer' arrangement may just be ideal. This is also sometimes called a notebook rental or a notebook hire. There are several scenarios where rentals can prove to be the most beneficial choice - a few examples:
You want to make an impression on a new or important client.
You have a special short-term project scheduled that needs the latest software a laptop rental would make economic sense in such a situation.
If you travel extensively on business and dislike lugging a laptop around with the risks of loss, theft or damage, you can choose to rent a laptop computer at your destination. All you need to carry is an external hard drive or USB thumb drive.
A temporary office setup will require computer systems for a short period, so the rental option again makes sense in this situation.
Temporary employees require temporary workstations rent the laptops and return them when the temps leave.
Laptop lease
Leasing is a wonderful option for the mid-term for one to three years. Leasing is also ideal for businesses that are to be sold soon or for small businesses that are expanding rapidly.
Laptop financing
Many vendors offer financing for computer purchases, as do banks. This loan will appear as a debt on the firm's accounts and decrease the net worth of the business. All said, financing is quite an attractive option.
A small cash outlay initially is required for the down payment, which is a fraction of the total cost. This conserves capital that can be diverted towards business growth.
Equipment ownership is beneficial especially if the item has a durable and long service life after the debt is paid off.
Discounts may be substantial especially on bulk purchases. The discount should be offset against the borrowing cost.
Payments are spread out over time, avoiding large one-time expenses.
Laptop Purchase
So, when and why should you go for a purchase?
The main reason would be the time factor and cost savings associated with purchasing. Leasing and rentals are definitely extremely expensive over the longer term.
A large organization with funds to spare and with long-term aims would find purchasing more cost effective.
Obtaining large discounts on bulk purchases offsets the issue of frequent replacements.
Equipment depreciation provides tax advantages that are unavailable with most rental and leasing options.
Laptops approaching the conclusion of their service lives could be sold to staff at a discounted rate, used as give-aways or performance incentives, or given away to charity.
The options of purchase, lease and rent a laptop computer,each have their benefits with the rental alternative having an appeal for short term requirements. The lease option is attractive to the SOHO (small office/home office) market segment. Purchase works very well for larger business organizations. Needless to say, the smart business owner will know how to use all three options depending on the actual requirement.
