Why This Matters
Your computer hardware needs to match the purposes of what you do. You may not want to invest in a desktop with an expensive graphics card when you are spending most of your time on spreadsheets. There are many choices from size (laptop versus desktop) to the smaller decisions of what hardware is inside your computer. Start with your end needs and work backwards from there. Almost everyone knows someone who is “techy” reach out to your friends, family or colleagues and have a conversation with a “techy” person if you are not sure where to start. Also, take every advantage of computer setup that may be included with your computer purchase. For example, Apple has great support for “setting up your new computer”.
Resources
Tips for Buying Small-Business Computers – Buying a computer for business can be intimidating. What type of equipment or device do you need? Should you buy a certain brand? Should you shoot for a specific price range? What about clearance items?
General Buying Considerations – How to choose a business computer.
Buying a Laptop – Things to consider when buying a laptop.
PC based Tips – Questions to ask yourself when buying a PC.
Laptop versus Desktop – Which should you buy?
PC versus Mac – The age old question – MAC or Windows (PC). Mac and Windows both have many benefits, but which is best for small businesses?
PC – Chromebook versus Windows Laptop – What’s the difference and what should you buy?
Recommendations
Dell – More costly than building your own computer but they sell solid computers with good warranties. Easy to purchase within Canada.
Staples – Buy in-person or online. Basic systems up to gaming computers.
Best Buy – Buy in-person or online. Basic systems up to gaming computers.
London Drugs – Like Staples – buy in-person or online. Their return policies are good – and easy to return items within their time frame.
Other Things to Consider
- Take into consideration the platform of your phone and your other computers. Are there integrations that you would like to take advantage of?
- Visit more than one store that sells computers and talk through your end needs with a knowledgeable salesperson.
- Take photos of the specs on the computers that suit your needs. Research those specs on the Internet at home.
- Your industry may require specific software for example CAD/CAM – make sure you understand what hardware your software needs and search out those specs in your computer purchase.
- Gaming computers can be quite fast and fast enough for video editing but video editing software requires a specific graphics card so make sure to cross reference so your computer has what it needs.
- Depending on your business type – you might be able to get a discount on computer hardware as well. If you are a nonprofit, check out programs like the nonprofit Techsoup which helps empower other nonprofits by providing access and use to technology.