Laptop vs. Desktop

So, what are the major considerations you need to make before making the choice for your business?

The Hallmarks of Choosing Hardware

This is important, whether you ultimately decide between a laptop or a desktop, as there are a few things that you want to ensure across the board. Saving money is obviously important, but it is not something you should do at the expense of quality. If you spend money now in the aim of being cheap, you may find a lot of difficulties down the line due to the significant decrease in quality that that money will buy you. You may end up having to pay more to fix your initial mistake. So, though it may seem a larger sum at first you should consider the fact you will spend much less money in the long term.

Also, you must be careful to have the same brand of operating system across the whole of your business. It makes the work life of your employees much easier and leads to consistency across your company. Overall, it will help create a cohesive IT initiative across the breadth of your operation.

Laptop vs. Desktop

One of the major differences between a laptop and the desktop computer is, of course, the portability factor. A laptop is not tied to a desk; it can go anywhere and even perch on a knee if need be. It means that there would not need to be fixed positions for your employees, so the power of hot desking could be well-utilised with a portable laptop! However, there are some negative effects to having a completely portable device. People may feel pressured to work more as they can take their work wherever they go. A desktop means work begins and ends when you are at your desk, which can be a lifesaver for the over achievers in your office.

Another consideration comes in the form of hardware. The power and security that the individual formats can provide your business, according to your needs, is something that you need to assess thoroughly before purchase. If you purchase a device which can’t fulfil the capabilities you require, then you are stuck replacing a subpar device. An issue which could have easily been avoided by doing more research from the outset. The software security of your devices is also another important issue, but laptops present a further physical vulnerability. The portable laptop is much more susceptible to theft than the more static desktop.

A final, yet often the most critical, difference between the two devices is often price. A laptop often comes much cheaper than a desktop, but this reduce in price also comes with a reduction in capabilities in most cases alongside this. However, the accessories critical for a desktop (monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc.) can often mean hidden costs that you also might miss at first. Budget is a factor, so the choice can often fall into which device has the most quality and which can make the most of your money.

There is no yes and no answer when it comes to purchasing a laptop or desktop for your business. It is a question unique to your business, your needs and the budget that you have to work with.

Do you need help creating an IT strategy that will determine whether a laptop or desktop is the right technology for your business? Then contact us on 01524 581690 to discuss your options with our friendly team here at Q2Q-IT, or you can email us at [email protected].