Having a forecasted outlook for new tech updates can help organizations better plan for what’s next. Some companies even rely on these improvements to fix known issues,...
When looking to purchase a new computer, it’s important to understand your needs. While consumer computers offer ease of access at a fraction of the cost of business computers, weighing what you need to achieve will help you make an informed decision. The following three considerations can help you decide what is right for you.
How do you intend to use your new PC?
Business computers are made to meet a large variety of needs, and therefore usually have greater memory capacity and processing speed to meet these needs. Business computers typically have a memory of around 500GB to 750GB with dual or quad-core processors that enable them to easily complete tasks such as rendering, saving large files, and networking with other computers. Consumer computers are primarily built for personal use, so the memory and processing speed is much less. This limited memory can constrict a consumer computer email and internet use, word processing, and gaming.
What features are important to you?
While technology advances, consumer computers change rapidly to stay up-to-date. While this is a positive feature if you are using your consumer computer for strictly personal use, this can lead to compatibility problems in the boardroom or office, where technology is often bought in bulk and updated less frequently than consumer computers. For example, in the business world, in many cases VGA ports are still needed to connect to projectors for presentations. Features like these are not commonly found on new consumer computers. For personal use, certain features may seem outdated, so be sure to understand what features you need to be compatible in the workplace.
What are you looking for when it comes to repairs?
When it comes to computer issues, the capabilities and cost to repair and maintain business computers and consumer computers is vastly different. Business-class computers are commonly built with high-quality materials that have been tested to last. Consumer-grade computers are produced in mass quantities with parts that are known to be of less quality. What this means for repairs is consumer computer parts are more easily available when needed, however, the machine may need more service and repair. In contrast, business computers are often more custom, making parts and service a cost a bit more, but malfunctions and repairs will be infrequent.
What are your needs as far as warranty and longevity?
It’s common for business computers to have better support and service options. Purchasing warranties on business computers tend to last longer than those on consumer computers. Additionally, purchasing a business model will often prioritize your needs when it comes to repair and services over consumer computers.
When it comes down to it, the one thing you need to understand is what you need from your personal computer. If you are looking for a source of entertainment and don’t need fast processing speeds, a personal computer may be your best bet to cut cost. If you’re looking for a machine that is built to last and will function in a multitude of settings, it may be best for you to spend a bit more on a business computer for reliability. Find what best suits you.
