How to Choose the Best Computer Devices for Your Organization

Choose the Best Computer Devices for Your Organization

Not Sure Which Type of Computer is Right for Your Organization’s Staff? Learn How to Choose the Best One Based on Different User Preferences and Needs.  

With the proliferation of computer devices on the market, it can be difficult to choose the type that is best for your organization. Whether you’ve been charged with replacing thousands of systems for more than one facility or need to replace just a handful, making a decision involves knowing how well a device type fits with your criteria. For example, do you have an in-house IT staff that needs to be able to easily upgrade and replace hardware components? Or do the majority of your users prefer mobility? Before you make a decision, you need to weigh the pros and cons between desktops, tablets, laptops, all-in-one devices, and high-performance devices.

Desktops

Desktops are easy to customize, set up, and repair. Many suppliers can pre-configure a base model to fit your organization’s specifications for RAM and hard drives. If your IT department is in-house, it is also easier for staff to troubleshoot and repair desktops. The internal hardware is more accessible, and replacement parts can be found. In most cases, you also won’t void the warranty on the systems by replacing standard hardware components in-house. Since desktops tend to have larger cooling fans and more breathing room for internal moving parts, desktops are also less prone to overheating. The main disadvantages of desktops are size and a lack of portability.

Laptops and Tablets

Both laptops and tablets offer the convenience of portability. Your users can continue to use these devices if they need to work while they’re away from the office. Users can also effectively use laptops and tablets during presentations when they need to move around the room. Laptops and tablets are also becoming more powerful in terms of capacity and capability. However, mobile devices are more prone to overheating and battery issues. Laptops and tablets are also not as easy to repair and upgrade. Often, these devices have to either be sent in to a vendor’s repair center or be swapped out with a replacement.

All-In-One Devices

All-in-one devices help save space and are easier to setup. Users can simply plug all-in-one devices in to a power source and turn the computers on. Since the hardware components are stored within the back of the monitor, in-house IT staff will not be able to repair or replace worn-out parts. Similar to laptops and tablets, all-in-one devices in need of repair will have to be fixed or replaced by the manufacturer. However, all-in-one devices can be a viable solution for organizations that need point-of-sale (POS) systems and do not have the need to customize those systems.

High-Performance Devices

If users in your organization perform video editing, coding, and other graphics-intensive activities, high-performance desktops may be the best solution. These devices come equipped with enhanced video cards, more memory, high-performance processors, and more internal storage. These devices can also be easily repaired or upgraded by internal staff members. The main disadvantage of high-performance devices is cost. These devices often cost more to acquire and maintain.

Choosing the best type of computer system for your organization means learning about your users’ preferences. Know how they use computers and what needs their current systems aren’t fulfilling. Consider whether different suppliers will be able to offer repair and replacement support, as well as what the additional costs are for support and extended warranty services. Although it is possible that the same type of computing devices will best serve the needs of all users in your organization, it is also possible you will need a mixture of two or more device types.