Best Computer for Business

When you're looking for a new computer for your business, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with technical information, which at best can be confusing to the extent that it makes no sense to you at all!

Whether it’s a high-spec desktop workstation or an ultra-light laptop, the right computer is the one that gets the job done right. So if you're looking for a new computer for your business, here are five questions to help you find the best computer system to suit your business needs.

Do I need a laptop or a desktop?

It comes down to how you use your machine. If you plan to take it with you to meetings or use it for presentations, then a laptop is a great option. Likewise, if you don’t require much heavy lifting for video processing or rendering. If you use it mostly as an “office base,” a way to keep all your important documents together in one place, or if you crunch lots of bits and bytes, a desktop is probably a better choice.

What processor is best to keep my business running?

Processors, or central processing units (CPUs), are the most expensive parts of a system. Processing power is the most important feature when you are deciding which computer to buy. CPUs are all about the numbers: The more “cores” a CPU has (anywhere between 2 and 8), the more data it can crunch. The higher the processor's clock speed (measured in gigahertz, or GHz), the faster it runs.

If all you're doing is word processing, online banking and browsing, processing speed is less of a consideration. However, heavy production, rendering or data management requires fast processing to maximize function and productivity.

Desktops accommodate larger, more energy-intensive chips, while laptops generally use lower-powered processors since they’re smaller and use space more efficiently. However, some newer laptops include the Intel® dual-core i7 2.90GHz chip which is pretty fast!

How much memory should it have?

Random-access memory (RAM) is the short-term storage your computer uses while running programs. More is always better, but it’s also more expensive.

The key factor in assessing your computer memory requirements is whether or not you can upgrade, which extends the computer’s life and functionality. For example, you can quadruple your device’s power by expanding its factory-installed 8GB (gigabytes) of RAM to 32GB. Some ultra-light laptops have a sealed chassis, or base, which prevents you from upgrading. If that’s the case with your prospective computer, we recommend purchasing something with a minimum of 4GB.

How big should my hard drive be?

Digital storage isn’t just a question of quantity anymore, it’s one of speed. Solid-state drives (SSDs) make it faster than ever to access your information. Unlike traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), SSDs contain no moving parts and store all of their information on a collection of microchips. That makes them more energy efficient too which is why they’re a popular option for laptops.

However HDDs such as external hard drives, have their charms, including more storage space and a lower price point. They’re also more readily available than SSDs, at least for the moment. With default storage on most new computers starting at 500GB and swelling into the 1- to 4- TB (terabyte) range, it’s frequently more economical to run the older technology.

What about the extras? 

Once you’ve considered the previous four questions, everything else is negotiable. Business productivity software, like Microsoft® Office, is sometimes included with the system and can be a worthwhile value. Also, factor in connectivity: laptops tend to have fewer USB ports than desktops, but low-cost USB hubs can expand those capabilities. Additional computer monitors — for your laptop or your desktop — create extra screen space for multi-document projects or dashboard monitoring. And, warranties are also worth weighing as you look at total cost of ownership.

What are the core functions you need to complete on the computer?

Perhaps, the best question to ask is the most obvious: What are the core functions you need to complete on the computer? Do I need to run specific software to carry out my job? Understanding that can help you make a more informed decision on which computer is the best fit for your business. Take a look at the infographic Intel have created below and see if this can help you reach a decision.