Guidelines For Purchasing Business Laptops

Laptops or notebook computers can empower any business or company. 
They can be a platform for a fully equipped workforce, one that 
is well organized and ready to meet all of today’s vast technological 
challenges. A workforce that’s cohesive, well connected and 
totally prepared for the modern work place.

Laptops are state-of-the-art communication machines. These sophisticated 
devices are ideal for many business applications such as record keeping, 
wireless networking, presentations, instant communication… can your 
company really compete in today’s business world without this great 
techno advantage?

Not completely!

Laptops should be a vital element in your company’s overall business 
strategy. They should be a priority on your company’s acquisition list 
for they just may be the competitive edge your company needs to 
increase production and beat out the competition.

Purchasing any kind of high tech device can be a real challenge in 
itself. Laptops are no exceptions. Notebook technology is constantly 
changing, there’s a new generation of notebook technology every two 
years or so. Keeping abreast of recent advances is not an easy job.

Notebooks are getting smaller, faster and are almost matching the 
performance level offered by their bigger cousin — the desktop computer. 
And for the first time in history, they are outselling their desktop 
rivals.

Laptops are also becoming better connected, most high quality notebooks 
come with Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) connections, many have a 
tri-mode 802.11a/b/g wireless system. Some recent models, like the 
Sony’s New Ultra-Portable VAIO VGN-T350P, are raising the bar, it has 
the world’s first ‘Built-in Cellular Modem’. You can use your cell 
phone to connect to the Internet. This may be a great advantage 
since finding a ‘Hot Spot’ in some parts of the world can still be 
difficult.

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One of the main features of a good business laptop is portability. 
A great business laptop must be very portable. You should be able 
to carry it around in your briefcase or under your arm with ease. 
Its weight should not cause you any discomfort even if you have to 
lug it around all day.

Most lightweight and small laptops can be found in the ‘Thin and 
Light’ and ‘Ultra-portable’ categories of notebooks. Notebooks 
in those classes are usually well under 5 pounds, around 
10 by 14 inches in size and approximately an inch thick. Many 
are a lot smaller.

But don’t let the small size fool you, these laptops are very 
powerful. They can do almost any business application you can 
throw at it. However, you must make sure your company’s laptop 
is powerful enough to get the job done. It’s usually agreed that 
you need at least 256MB RAM for Windows XP and Mac OS X. You will 
only need 128MB for other operating systems in Windows or Mac.

Storage space should not be a problem, most recent models come 
with 60 to 100 GIG hard drives which should be sufficient space 
for most companies. If your company deals in heavy graphics or 
visual work more space can be obtained with an extra external 
hard drive.

The main function of your laptops should be considered. For instance, 
if you have workers that require a lot of note-taking (floor 
managers/inspectors, real estate agents, medical personnel, etc.) 
a slate or tablet PC would be a more appropriate choice for your 
company. If your workers or employees do a lot of traveling then 
you want the lightest and most portable laptop or notebook you 
can find.

See also  How To Choose A Business Laptop

Battery life will also be very important for the traveling 
business person. Must recent laptops now supply 5 or more hours 
of power, if you want more you should considered buying an 
extra battery or two. Also, remember when choosing your laptop 
battery always pick the battery with the higher numbered 
cells. More cells will give you longer battery life.

Security is another consideration for your company’s laptop. You 
must be careful to protect sensitive company records or documents — 
some notebooks like those in the IBM/Sonoma ThinkPad series 
include an integrated fingerprint scanner for biometric authentication 
that uses an Embedded Security Subsystem and Password Manager. 
This offers extra security.

Along with security, your company will need a laptop that’s sturdy and 
well built, especially if your workers do a lot of business traveling. 
Many laptops are ruggerized and can take a decent pounding or two. 
Some even offer some novel sturdiness features such as IBM’s Active 
Protection System which is designed to protect the hard drive from 
falls and spills for those accident prone notebook users in your 
company.