UPDATED: UPDATED: December 14,
2006
When purchasing computers your only concern may be spending the least amount of money. I try to help my clients understand that buying a business computer is different than buying one for home. You need to consider, who is going to be using the machine, for what purpose, and how often?
Typically, it will be an employee using Microsoft Office software daily from 9-5. They also will be on the network. Such a computer needs to be reliable but not all that powerful. Office applications do not require much speed, hard drive space or memory and any new computer will suffice. Reliability is an issue because if the computer fails, your employee's productivity is diminished and you certainly don't want to lose your business data.
It is important to buy a business class machine. Computers designed for consumers often include features you won't need such as 5.1 sound or 256MB video; a firewire port, TV out or slots for memory cards. You also don't want the Microsoft media center version of Windows.
There are a number of ways manufacturers cut costs. They may not include the operating system on CDROM. Computers don't necessarily come with floppy drives, serial ports or modems. Sound and video will be integrated into the motherboard. The cases will be hard to work on and there will be no room for expansion.
Deals for inexpensive systems can be found at http://www.xpbargains.com. XPBargains excels at configuring computers to take advantage of Dell's best deals. They have listed inexpensive Dimension desktops, typically with Integrated video and audio, NIC, and XP Home. It is a fine machine. It may or may not include a 2 year warranty.
I prefer that my clients look at Dell's Optiplex model. Always buy computers through Dell's small business site, their warrantee service is much much better. It may be 2-3 times the price but it is a true business class machine. You also may consider getting your computer built locally. The machine may not be a brand name but the components will be. Insist on brand name memory and a high quality motherboard. The video should not be integrated.
Remember price in a business machine should not be the only issue. You will find, that if you spend money up front, you will get a reliable computer that will save you money in the long run.
Article by Israel Leichtman, owner of L&A Computer Services, a company that specializes in getting small businesses back to work.