| You get the most out of your technology. You have | | | | change, but all you need to know is that the main issue |
| been using your latest computer for about 4 years. | | | | isn't components anymore. It really is about the post |
| And now you are noticing just how slow that | | | | sale support. Research your manufacturer and get the |
| computer has become. Needs change and you need | | | | "skinny" on their class of support. If you are going after |
| something that keeps pace with your business. But | | | | a local cheapy beware. Sure, you may get an |
| what should you be looking for? Let's sit down and do | | | | excellent deal, but will they be around if the computer |
| a consultation. This is the same advice that I would | | | | breaks? |
| give my clients if asked this question. | | | | The Middle Road is Golden |
| Mobile or Desk Bound | | | | People tend to make one of two mistakes when they |
| The first question you need to be asking is a basic | | | | buy a computer. They either tend to buy too little |
| one. Does your business dictate a laptop or a desktop | | | | computer or too much. Don't go after a super cheap |
| computer? If you make frequent presentations on the | | | | computer. It's almost always a bad idea, unless you |
| road, a laptop is a must. If you want something that is | | | | happen across a great deal. In my experience, this |
| on the highest end of processor power, you should | | | | rarely happens. Also, don't get top of the line |
| consider a desktop computer. Desktop computers | | | | components in your computer. You will pay a premium |
| always run higher on processing power than laptops. | | | | for these items. And in six months, you will be kicking |
| Laptops require miniaturization and, as such, take | | | | yourself as those components have depreciated |
| longer to develop. Hence, they are always behind the | | | | tremendously. A good rule of thumb is to look at the |
| power curve. Will this computer be acting as a server? | | | | low and high ends and pick something in between. You |
| Will it "serve" up files to other computers on your | | | | will get a great deal for your money and it will last you |
| network. If that's the case, you won't be wanting to | | | | many years. |
| take that out of the office. That would disconnect | | | | Essential Software |
| users from their data. And that's a no-no. | | | | A lot of computer vendors are in the habit of stuffing |
| The Price Point | | | | software onto systems. They will give you everything |
| Never ever go after a computer based on an initial | | | | you don't need. This gives the illusion of value. But really |
| price. Most brand name computer manufacturers have | | | | that software will just bloat your system. You only |
| learned a marketing trick. They put a computer sticker | | | | need a few pieces of software really. Obviously, there |
| price at the lowest possible price. But this price will not | | | | is the operating system, or OS. This will most likely be |
| be the price you will pay. Unless you want the barest | | | | Windows. Then you need an office suite. Again, this will |
| bones computer you can imagine. You will almost | | | | most likely be a Windows based product like Office. |
| always end up paying hundreds more than the initially | | | | As a sidenote, you may want to look at |
| quoted price once you're done. It's just a sneaky way | | | | Openoffice(openoffice.org). It's free and is compatible |
| to get you "in the door." But there are other reasons | | | | with Microsoft Office. Just make sure you get the right |
| you should never go on price alone. | | | | version of Office. This is especially true of Powerpoint, |
| It's All About Support | | | | Microsoft's presentation software. Not all versions |
| Probably the single most important factor for choosing | | | | have Powerpoint included. |
| a computer these days is support. What kind of | | | | Don't get bogged down in all the options. Just |
| support will you have once this company has made a | | | | remember, most computers are basically the same. |
| sale? A while ago, computers differed tremendously in | | | | They have most of the same hardware and software. |
| their configuration and components. But things have | | | | I have discussed some of the major differences. |
| changed. Now, computers are incredibly modular. Most | | | | Remember, in this day and age, it really is about the |
| of the major manufacturers use very similar, or | | | | support. |
| identical, components. There are many reasons for this | | | | Copyright 2006 Jack Knows Inc. |