What Type of Computer to Get for Your Business





Follow ComputerHelpHi on Twitter for Lightning Fast Notifications of New Computer Articles Cell Phone and Tablet Tips and Helpful Products or Text 40404 Follow ComputerHelpHi

What Type of Computer to Get for Your Business

By in home computer, tablet and smart cell phone tutor, mobile virus removal and repair specialist, dual certified teacher J. Richard Kirkham B.Sc. of Honolulu Hawaii covering all of Oahu. Call or  Text 808.224.1870  Text only for the rest of the U.S. for English speaking remote computer support for help with Windows PCs, Surface tablets or Apple/Mac computers. Do It Yourselfers download Mr. Kirkham's Ebook

As an onsite computer repair specialist, setup expert and device trainer here in Honolulu Hawaii covering all of Oahu I see a lot of different styles of computers, tablets and cell phones. Here are my recommendations based on my own experiences out in the field.

What General Requirements You Need for Your Business in a Computer

Upgrade ability
Efficiency 
Flexibility
Repair ability
Cost effectiveness



Notice first I placed cost effectiveness last. If you have employees making extra clicks because you didn’t have someone like me optimize your computers for use or employees having to waiting for programs and web pages to load while being paid by the hour, a low cost, but inefficient computer will cost you a lot more money in wages and time then you spent on the cheap computer.

Upgrade Ability

Requirements for software and now online processing and applications change over time. Processing speed becomes a factor but even more important is RAM. RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It’s the memory used to run both the operating system of your computer, whether it’s Windows 10, Apple or Ubuntu, as well as programs and applications both online and offline. Having your videos buffer while you’re trying to watch them for example is a symptom of not having enough RAM in your computer.

Efficiency

Efficiency covers a wide range 

Proper setup
Removal of bloatware
Keeping unnecessary programs from loading automatically using RAM
Proper screen size for comfort
Number of clicks to do your work
Space requirements

Flexibility

Flexibility and upgrade ability are related. The ability to install a more powerful video card as your computer processing needs change is one important example of flexibility.

Repair Ability

Did you know some of Microsoft’s new devices, according to the Microsoft representative I spoke to at a Chamber of Commerce event, CANNOT be repaired. He specifically told me I could not even take the screen off (a pain in the okole by the way) to repair the computer. The computer was built for disposal and to buy a new one. I think the one I looked at cost $800.00 NOT my idea of a disposable price. 

Stay away from expensive tablets or combination tablet and computer devices. Most of these require the computer repair technician to remove the screen. There’s usually a 50% chance the screen will crack. I always have my computer repair clients here on Oahu sign a waiver when I repair these tablets. A standard laptop is as small as I would go if you’re going to spend a lot of money on the device. It can be repaired, normally, by opening the back (no I’m not suggesting you do that).

Cost Effectiveness

You usually don’t have to buy some high end gaming computer to solve your business electronic device needs. If, however your software requires a minimum amount of RAM for example, get more than the minimum. Windows 10 for example minimum requirements include on two gigabytes of RAM for a 64 bit computer. The average person can fix dinner and clear his or her unanswered emails by the time the computer would finish loading. 

For basic individual use, not business use, I suggest four gb of RAM IF my in home computer setup client doesn’t watch streaming video or play online games. If this is the case my recommendation for RAM is the same as business computers. 

I’ve optimized multiple computers in offices with different hardware. Even when I’m done cleaning out temporary internet files which slow you down enough that I see my onsite computer clients every four to six months to maintain their computers, there is a HUGE difference between four gb of RAM and 8gb of RAM. I’m not discussing processing speed. When you buy a computer with a higher amount RAM a faster processor usually comes with it. Changing a computer’s processor is tricky and I don’t normally recommend it.

Tablets

I’ve spoken of tablets briefly and recommended staying away from tablet computer combinations. If you need the portability of a tablet and there is NO software to install, just get the cheapest tablet you can get in your hands. 

Make it Android operating system based. It’s the most popular and the best supported. Even containing Google Drive built in so you can sync files and photos from your tablet and other business devices. I bought an Android Tablet a few years ago for $49.00 and it still works. For me six to 8 inches is the right size. Easy to carry and I can turn it sideways to landscape mode if I want a wider view. 

I’d stay away from Amazon Fire. Even though it’s technically Android it has its own version and last I checked many apps were not compatible with the tablet.

To Summarize What a Business Generally Needs for an Efficient Computer

 

Standard Desktop Computer Stay away from anything fancy including all-in-ones 8gb RAM minimum 

Standard Laptop Stay away from the two mode style combination tablet laptops 8gb RAM minimum 

Cheap Standard Android Tablet Only if you need the portability. Get the cheapest one you can. Software problems are fixable but hardware is difficult. 


Follow these simple guidelines and you’ll have efficient, repairable computers for your business. Oahu call or text me, Rick Kirkham for computer optimization, setup, preventive maintenance and repairs. 808.224.1870