Buying a Laptop
So you think your business needs a laptop but what do you look for in a laptop? What are the important qualities of a good laptop?
Obviously a lot is going to depend on what you want to do with your laptop but in general the following are some of the things you should consider.
1. Weight - the lighter the better. Most people buy laptops so that they can travel with them and so weight is important. Even with a carry bag a heavy laptop can become an absolute burden when you travel.
2. Battery Life - the longer the better. How long will the battery in your laptop last before it needs recharging. Of course, if you’re going to be using the laptop in motel rooms you will be able to use the power pack but, it is inevitable, there will come a time when you can’t plug it in to a power socket. That’s the time when you will want a battery that can run for several hours without the need to recharge.
3. Warranty - is it on site or back to base? If something goes wrong will your laptop be away for long periods of time. Does the manufacturer have a temporary exchange programme if your laptop is going to be out of service for several days.
4. Price is not always a guide when it comes to suitability. More expensive laptops may not necessarily be more suitable for your business.
Here in Australia the Samsung X20 comes highly recommended for many applications and the RRP is only $1799.
There are three other points to consider when thinking about buying a laptop.
1. Not every computer repair centre will work on laptops. They are a specialised piece of equipment and only some technicians will touch them.
2. Talk to your insurance company about coverage as soon as you make your purchase. You might find that your new laptop is not covered under any of the policies you might have.
3. Don’t buy a laptop to replace a desktop machine. If you spend a lot of time working on your computer the change to a laptop will quickly become an ergonomic nightmare.