Buying Computer Equipment for Small Businesses: BIG Decision
Get what you need – but don't pay too much.
On the surface, buying computers seems fairly easy — because it is. It's just shopping, right? Anyone can do that. Seriously, though, all you really need to do is follow a few basic rules to make sure you get the right (and most powerful) PCs at competitive prices.
Two main things to consider
Your goal, simply stated, is to determine your best options in two areas:
- Which computers to buy?
- Where to buy them?
Three challenges you may face
Today, businesses of all shapes and sizes face similar challenges in choosing PC technology. No matter how many systems you're purchasing, it's critical to understand the needs of every user — and match the right computer to those needs. At the same time, you need to be aware of three things as you plan a strategy:
- The fast-paced evolution of technology — forcing you to "think forward" and anticipate your needs not only now, but months or years down the road.
- Limited budgets — this is especially a challenge for smaller, startup businesses, but even huge corporate IT departments are feeling pressure to reduce spending and do more with less.
- Limited staff resources — this is another huge challenge for smaller, startup businesses, which may not even have dedicated IT staff and thus must plan for minimal or at least easy maintenance.
Consider Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Even though larger companies may receive volume discounts, PC costs don't end when you make your hardware purchases. Consider buying just 20 or 30 systems (typical of a small, emerging business). Imagine all the setup, installation, system/data migration, deployment and especially ongoing support, and you start to get an idea how critical it is to estimate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for computer technology over time.
So, which computers do I buy?
Computers are no longer "mysterious." The PCs you'll likely need for your business are the same models you see at office-supply stores, computer stores or in technology magazine ads. Depending on the size of your business, you may need to consider buying at least one server. Beyond that, you'll likely need a number of desktop systems, if your staff primarily works in office locations — or perhaps laptop PCs, if your workers need mobile computing capabilities.
TIP: Whether you choose computers running Apple or Windows operating systems, it's recommended that you look for the most commonly displayed models in the most places (targeted to typical users), rather than the most prominently displayed models (targeted to speed demons and big spenders). For startup or typical small businesses, desktop and laptop prices in the $500 to $1,000 range seem to be the price/performance "sweet spot."
Where’s the best place to buy PCs?
There's nothing wrong with visiting computer superstores and the big office-supply chains. Prices are generally competitive (though you can usually do better), and service and support options are often available.
At the same time, you may be able to save money by researching local firms that can customize and assemble PCs to your specifications. Just check out your local business classifieds, and you'll find plenty. Still, buyer beware: components may not always be of the highest quality, and the company may be long gone when it's time for service or support.
For the ultimate deals on business computers, go online
Obviously, researching on the Web is fast, easy and FREE, so you're already at an advantage. Plus, there are serious bargains available online — not only on established manufacturer sites, but on auction sites, surplus sites and other providers who've established online presences. Again, a little "caveat emptor" goes a long way here.
At the top of the tech food chain are the big, well-known, built-to-order computer shops, such as Dell, HP, IBM, Toshiba, Sony, Apple and others. Not only do you get the quality, reliability, support and peace of mind you'd expect from these industry leaders, if you spend some time researching all your options, you can find exactly what you need — at big savings over what you'd spend in-store.
Don't make PC purchases more difficult than they need to be. Keep it simple — so you can keep your focus on your business instead of your technology.
