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Black Friday and Cyber Monday are known for amazing deals that bring people out in droves. Electronics tend to be popular big-ticket items for holiday shoppers. In the days following Thanksgiving, you’re likely to save money on a new laptop or PC, which is great…. if it’s intended for personal use.
Between hard-to-beat deals and ongoing supply chain issues, it’s tempting for businesses to replace their office computers with off-the-shelf machines from a big box store or consumer website. Everyone loves saving money and immediate gratification—but it’s just as important to make educated buying decisions.
Business vs. Home Computers: What To Consider
The lines between work and home are more blurred than ever. Business laptops are sometimes used for personal reasons (though we recommend avoiding that as much as possible), and personal PCs are sometimes used to wrap up lingering work tasks. Regardless of their use and purpose, business and home computers are fundamentally different.
5 Reasons to Use Business Computers for Business
In the long run, investing in business computers for your office is more efficient and cost-effective, even if it means waiting until after the holiday shopping season. Here are 5 reasons why:
1. They’re Designed to Last Longer
Business computers are created for long-term, all-day usage. There’s no need to “keep up with the Joneses” when it comes to work tools—bells and whistles found on some consumer laptops just aren’t necessary.
Plus, companies don’t want to upgrade entire fleets of computers often, so the design of business models doesn’t vary much from year to year. The benefits of consistent design?
- Repair parts remain largely unchanged, making maintenance easier
- Features like swappable batteries will extend the life of the device
- A business laptop is more durable than its consumer-grade counterpart
- Some are water or dust-resistant, and they can handle the occasional drop or knock off a desk.
- Business computers are built with higher-grade components so they can be used for several hours a day, several days a week.
2. They’re More Customizable
Consumer machines for home use may offer different storage amounts or a higher-quality display, but their custom options are otherwise pretty limited.
When an organization purchases computers for business, they can configure them for different departments or positions based on their specific needs. An engineer requires different features than an administrative assistant, and a field technician requires different options than a C-suite executive.
Dell, for example, allows business shoppers to select everything from the battery, to the processor, to the storage, to the backlighting on a keyboard.
3. They’re Built for Security and IT Management
First, PCs or laptops designed for business use generally come with features that provide more security—fingerprint readers and encryption tools are examples. This is essential for keeping company information safe.
Also, business computers are typically scattered around an office building, in peoples’ homes, or traveling around the country. This mobility makes remote monitoring and management a must. That level of IT management requires remote desktop control capabilities found on a machine designed to live on a network.
Business computers have features dedicated to this purpose like remote diagnostics, meant specifically for businesses. This cohesive approach to tech support is well worth the investment. Home users don’t need these options, so consumer machines come with more basic—and sometimes less effective—troubleshooting tools.
4. They’re Essential for Remote Companies
If your company is keeping up with the times and offering remote positions, you need to invest in computers for business. Without the benefit of a secure office network, each individual computer needs to be well-equipped and able to connect securely with other team members. Business laptops are designed to be reliable workhorses, no matter where they’re being used.
5. They Have Better Warranties
When you buy a laptop for personal use, the warranty is typically pretty short—a year if you’re lucky, and typically doesn’t cover much beyond hardware failures. Computers for businesses come with longer warranties, and they often include additional support options such as on-site repairs or next-business-day replacements.
This can save your business significant time and money in the long run, especially if you have a large number of employees using their computers for work.
Pro Security Tips for Your Business Tech
Regardless of the type of computer you’re using for work—a desktop, laptop, or even a tablet—there are several important steps you should take to ensure that your technology remains secure and protected against potential cyber threats. Here are some valuable tips to help keep your systems safe and secure:
- Use strong and unique passwords for all accounts
- Implement multi-factor authentication when possible
- Regularly update software and operating systems with the latest security patches
- Invest in secure antivirus software and keep it up-to-date
- Train employees on how to recognize and avoid potential phishing scams
- Limit access to sensitive company information and only grant permissions on a need-to-know basis
- Regularly backup important data and have a disaster recovery plan in place
- Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) for remote employees to ensure secure connections to company networks.
Invest In a Business Computer With Support From Safety Net
With increased remote work, it’s important to remember business computers are easier to troubleshoot and keep secure. It is true that business-class computers cost a bit more and take longer to get (right now) than consumer-grade, home computers, but trust us, they’re worth the delivery time if you want a device that’s built to last.
Here at Safety Net, we offer a wide range of business technology solutions to help keep your company’s systems secure and running smoothly. From managed IT services to data backup and recovery, our professionals have you covered. You can even take advantage of our IT consulting services to determine the best technology solutions for your specific business needs. Contact us today to learn more!
