Business Computer Review

The business computer is a company’s most valuable asset. Users must be able to quickly and efficiently handle email, manage contacts and appointments, create documents, develop spreadsheets, process sensitive data, crunch numbers, access the internet and more. Most business computers will not win any “best gaming PC” awards but they must be able to complete multi-tasking with ease. Employees do not need the “bling” of the appearance, or high end video and audio capabilities of the gaming machine but they do need more than the economy or bargain basement class in terms of power, storage and usability. 

The decision to purchase desktops for the office should be a well thought out process. Computer longevity as well as the ability to expand and upgrade the system must be weighed carefully if you wish to protect your investment. 

We cannot cover every scenario that may occur in the workplace. However, we can assist you in identifying the type of computer that you need for the type of business you run.

In this site, you will find side-by-side comparisons and comprehensive reviews that are geared towards assisting you in making an informed decision about which desktop is right for your business.

Business Computers: What to Look For

Below are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate business computers. 

Processor
A fast CPU, commonly referred to as a processor, aids in multi-tasking when a variety of applications must be opened at once. Some systems include multi-core power processors, while others have single core processors. A strong efficient processor is a must for all business computers; however rarely is the cutting-edge, most expensive processor needed.

Memory/Storage
Memory allows the computer to quickly access frequently used applications and information. A business computer needs at minimum 1GB of RAM. A larger amount of RAM, up to 2GB, is strongly suggested.

The hard drive must be large enough to handle the installation of numerous productivity applications such as Microsoft Word and QuickBooks as well as store documents, spreadsheets, email, sensitive data and more. 160GB hard drive will efficiently store what is needed but more should be considered if your business network lacks a server where users store their data.

Video/Audio
Though not mission-critical to the average office user, video and audio capabilities are a must. Internet connectivity requires the ability to display graphics. Viewing training videos or other instructional media is a common office event. Most business machines come with more than enough audio and video capabilities. However, it is important to make certain the box you are purchasing does fulfill your audio and video needs. Things to consider about video and audio capabilities are whether they are built into (integrated to) the machine’s mother board, or if they are a dedicated (sometimes called discrete) plug-n-play type device. 

With the integrated method, memory is shared with the system memory and can sometimes drain other resources and slow applications. The integrated method works well for most business users. In contrast, the discrete system has dedicated memory that is not shared with the system memory. The discrete implementation is important to users who routinely use such applications as Adobe Photoshop or AutoCAD. 

Additional Features
When looking at additional features, things like the computer’s operating system are considered -- Mac, Windows XP Windows 7 and others. Optical devices like DVD players, security features, the ability to upgrade and expand, as well as USB ports are just a few things that also need to be taken into account. 

Support/Warranty
One of the most significant areas to think about is Support/Warranty. When something goes wrong with your machine you want to be able to quickly access support, and gain replacement hardware in the event of failure, in an expedient manner so that your business doesn’t suffer. 

The best manufacturers provide quality help and support through email, phone and online chat. They also provide up to three-year warranties at no additional cost. Most manufacturers also provide extended warranty coverage as well as offer longer support contracts at an additional cost.

Be sure to check out our top ranked products: Apple iMac, HP Compaq 6000 Pro and Dell Vostro 230 Mini Tower.