5 Tips for Making Smarter Business Computer Purchasing Decisions

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Purchasing computers for your business can be a daunting task. There are so many brands and so many different types of computers. Which one is the best for you? How much should you spend? Do you need a laptop, desktop, or hybrid? What about an all-in-one or a touch-screen computer? 

While there’s no magic formula for choosing business computers, there are a few tried-and-true tips for getting a good fit. These five tips will set you in the right direction the next time you need new hardware. 

1. Buy at the Right Time

The best months of the year to purchase desktops are July, August, and September. This is when chipmakers start releasing their new processors, which prompts retailers to mark down their existing inventory to make room for the new computers. Also, many dealers offer “back-to-school” sales on the old stock at this time of the year. 

2. Buy the Best Processor You Can Afford

The processor is the brain of your computer. If it’s slow, your computer will be slow. The speed of the chip will tell you how much data it can process in how much time. If you want a fast computer that boots up programs in a flash, completes tasks as soon as you start them, and doesn’t keep you waiting, then you want the fastest processor available. The processor is also the most difficult piece to upgrade. While you can always add more RAM or get a larger hard drive later on, you can’t upgrade your processor. 

3. Buy the Right Amount of Power

Along with speed, a good processor will have multiple cores. Multiple cores can help with multi-tasking, as each can be working on different tasks. A dual-core processor is considered a must for today’s multitasking users. Four is about all most users will ever need. However, users who render 3D models, photorealistic images, animation, modeling, or analysis could need eight or more cores.

4. Buy the Right Amount of Memory

 Look for at least four gigabytes of RAM. People who work in graphic design and Web development are better off with 8GB to 16GB. More memory allows you to do two things: Open up more programs and windows at once and perform multimedia processes (like editing photos) faster.

5. Consider Your Extended Warranty Options

For consumer electronics, most experts recommend not purchasing extended warranties. But you may want to consider your options for your business’s computers. Most business computers come with standard warranties of one, three, or five years. Typically, within this period the manufacturer will either ship you a replacement part or send over a repair tech in a timely fashion. If you want faster response, you can buy warranties from some manufacturers for guaranteed two- or eight-hour response times. Other options include “keep-your-drive” plans, accidental damage protection, and data recovery services. Whether you need these add-ons or not depends on what you need to protect, and your aversion to computer problems. 

To always ensure that you are investing in the right computers for your business needs at the right time, a managed IT partner, like Gulf South Technology Solutions, can provide you with a professional second opinion.

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