Desktop Computing for Business

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  humdingaling on 31/05/2016 - 13:00

  umart

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  ylangylang55 on 31/05/2016 - 13:30

  thank you

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  Davo1111 on 31/05/2016 - 13:43

  +2

  I've never understood the point of buying computer shop PCs. Either buy the parts and build it yourself, or buy a full prebuilt machine from one of the known vendors (like HP, toshiba, Lenovo… or shudder… dell). At least then you'll get proper service support.

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  ItsMeAgro on 31/05/2016 - 13:47

  +1

  Does it need to be custom built?

  For most business users, a cheap Dell is fine.

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    Davo1111 on 31/05/2016 - 13:51

    For most business users, a cheap Dell is fine.

    I'm very anti dell, but they've made some great enterprise gear - particularly if you want something standard. Every uni, POS unit, heaps of companies, including government departments still use dells.

    We've bought our last few business machines from Officeworks/HT/lenovo website, and seem to be going fine. The only downside with Officeworks is they seem to be more focused on the "home computer" market, not business.

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      scrimshaw on 31/05/2016 - 15:10

      Business buys directly from the manufacturer, cutting out the middlemen and save on costs.

      Also you need enhanced warranty, this is where the technician comes to fix your computer at your workplace rather than having you shipping the computer out. Very important consideration if you want to minimise downtime.

      And if it's a laptop you'd probably take out some kind of Accidental damage prevention Insurance (ADP) where you're covered in case your employees get careless with your devices.

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        ProjectZero on 31/05/2016 - 15:31

        I've heard DELL actually have an option where you are guaranteed a on site technician next business day. Is that still applicable? Because that would be really great for most businesses.

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        airzone on 31/05/2016 - 16:26

        +1

        @ProjectZero: Yes. Just pay for the option. But it's not really a guarantee - if you call in the afternoon, it's an additional day.

        edit: they also have an option where you can bypass the L1 tech support and go straight to a local engineer. It's more for companies with IT staff who shouldn't have to go through the whole "did you turn it off and on again" routine.

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        ProjectZero on 31/05/2016 - 17:11

        @airzone:

        whole "did you turn it off and on again" routine.

        LOL

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  wombok2 on 31/05/2016 - 14:26

  +3

  What's the nature of the business and what will the computers be used for?

  For example:

  1. Small retail shop that requires email access, MYOB and some processing of spreadsheets/word documents.
     Anything with Intel Pentium processor or above, 4GB+ RAM and any sort of display will be sufficient.

  2. Number related business that requires processing spreadsheets and data.
     I'd get at least Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of ram and a screen with at least Full HD resolution(1920x1080).

  3. Graphics related business that requires processing of data, images and video.
     I'd get at least Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of ram, dedicated video card and a screen with at least Full HD resolution(1920x1080).

  IMO I used to believe Pentium processors and low resolution(720p) screens were fine in order to save money. But until I did more excel spreadsheets that required more number crunching I knew that you need at least Core i3 and a better resolution screen to be able to work more efficiently.

  While standard hard drives are fine, if your partner doesn't need much storage I'd definitely recommend a SSD disk, it'll be alot faster and it's worth the money imo. I'd buy a branded PC if you want better after sales support.

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  Ryanek on 31/05/2016 - 14:47

  We have all switched to Metabox laptops here at work. It has enough grunt and has the bonus of being mobile. When compared to a comparable unit by Dell etc. it is much better value. eg. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/250003