Small Business Computers What to Buy and What to Avoid
According to a May 2012 report by the National Economic Council, there are 28 million small businesses in the U.S. employing 60 million Americans - roughly half of the private sector workforce. The balance between budgeting and productivity can be challenging to small firms, particularly those working to get (or maintain) a foothold in today's economy.
Travelling around the country for TV and radio appearances, the one question I get a lot is, "What kind of technology does my small office need, and what can I pass on?" Without any further delay, I present my "What to Buy & What to Avoid" column specifically tailored for the small business owner.
Notebooks Instead of Desktop Computers:
The largest technology expense in a small office environment, especially one just starting out, is likely computers. Desktop computers are typically the most versatile, particularly to those who require a specialized configuration like dual monitors, upgraded graphics capability, or multiple peripheral attachments (like cameras, custom keyboards, or audio equipment). However, desktops lack mobility, often making it a hassle to work from home or on the road.
Believe it or not nearly half of U.S. workers think of themselves as mobile, which means they spend more than 20% of their work time outside of the office, according to a Yankee Group report. If you own a small business or are an executive being able to access your work while on the road can make or break your success.
Some offices accommodate this with an FTP or cloud-based file server that users log into when they are away from the office. However, if your business requires specialized software it can get costly to install it on multiple machines. While users could use a remote login program like LogMeIn to access their work computer while away, their productivity will hinge on the strength of their internet connection.
Instead, consider equipping employees with laptops and docking stations. This will give you the best of both worlds at minimal additional cost. A docking station allows you to connect a laptop to a multitude of additional devices with one plug, typically via USB. Look for one that includes software to allow your system to function with the top closed, so that you can utilize external keyboards, mice and monitors. When deadlines loom (and, frankly, when don't they?), the laptop has the portability to allow you to continue working from anywhere. No need to remotely access software or data from a secondary system - everything is exactly where you left off. Yet when you return to the office, one connection lets you work under optimal conditions to ensure your comfort and efficiency during your workday.
My personal favorite is the Toshiba Dynadock U3.0 Universal USB Docking Station. Just about any Windows PC will be compatible and it only costs about $130. You can hook up two monitors and it even has an HDMI port for High Def connections for games or video editing. It uses USB 3.0 for transferring data and even supports surround sound through a headphone jack or HDMI. The Dynadock has six USB ports which will add a dizzying amount of office printers, back up disks, etc.
If you have one piece of equipment in the office everyone needs, like a large monitor or projector a docking station can be a great solution. You only need to set it up once then whoever needs to host a presentation can hook up seamlessly.
A quick note about iPad, or Android tablets: At this point I would recommend passing on tablets for your workforce, unless you have a specific need for their mobility. They just aren't powerful enough for many of the day to day tasks in a modern office. Also, you may need special software that won't be compatible with the rest of your systems.
Travelling around the country for TV and radio appearances, the one question I get a lot is, "What kind of technology does my small office need, and what can I pass on?" Without any further delay, I present my "What to Buy & What to Avoid" column specifically tailored for the small business owner.
Notebooks Instead of Desktop Computers:
The largest technology expense in a small office environment, especially one just starting out, is likely computers. Desktop computers are typically the most versatile, particularly to those who require a specialized configuration like dual monitors, upgraded graphics capability, or multiple peripheral attachments (like cameras, custom keyboards, or audio equipment). However, desktops lack mobility, often making it a hassle to work from home or on the road.
Believe it or not nearly half of U.S. workers think of themselves as mobile, which means they spend more than 20% of their work time outside of the office, according to a Yankee Group report. If you own a small business or are an executive being able to access your work while on the road can make or break your success.
Some offices accommodate this with an FTP or cloud-based file server that users log into when they are away from the office. However, if your business requires specialized software it can get costly to install it on multiple machines. While users could use a remote login program like LogMeIn to access their work computer while away, their productivity will hinge on the strength of their internet connection.
Instead, consider equipping employees with laptops and docking stations. This will give you the best of both worlds at minimal additional cost. A docking station allows you to connect a laptop to a multitude of additional devices with one plug, typically via USB. Look for one that includes software to allow your system to function with the top closed, so that you can utilize external keyboards, mice and monitors. When deadlines loom (and, frankly, when don't they?), the laptop has the portability to allow you to continue working from anywhere. No need to remotely access software or data from a secondary system - everything is exactly where you left off. Yet when you return to the office, one connection lets you work under optimal conditions to ensure your comfort and efficiency during your workday.
My personal favorite is the Toshiba Dynadock U3.0 Universal USB Docking Station. Just about any Windows PC will be compatible and it only costs about $130. You can hook up two monitors and it even has an HDMI port for High Def connections for games or video editing. It uses USB 3.0 for transferring data and even supports surround sound through a headphone jack or HDMI. The Dynadock has six USB ports which will add a dizzying amount of office printers, back up disks, etc.
If you have one piece of equipment in the office everyone needs, like a large monitor or projector a docking station can be a great solution. You only need to set it up once then whoever needs to host a presentation can hook up seamlessly.
A quick note about iPad, or Android tablets: At this point I would recommend passing on tablets for your workforce, unless you have a specific need for their mobility. They just aren't powerful enough for many of the day to day tasks in a modern office. Also, you may need special software that won't be compatible with the rest of your systems.
About the Author:
Looking to find the best deal on Small Business Computer, then visit www.callnerds.com to find the best advice on Desktops and Laptop Computer Repair for you.
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Excellent information, I like your post.
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