SMB Technology

Buying a New Business Laptop, Part One.

| More

by Willem Hock

Buying a new business laptop is a big decision. There are many competing factors to consider and making an informed choice is key. In this two-part series we investigate the elements that small business have told us are important to them. Part One will focus on businesses’ most pressing needs – processor performance, portability and battery life. In part two we’ll cover some easily overlooked elements that should nonetheless have a big impact on the decision-making process.

Our online survey found that the most pressing concern for small businesses when purchasing a new laptop was portability. 40% of respondents opted for ‘thin, light and easy to carry’ as their most important consideration. A new generation of laptops are breaking the mould on this front.

No longer exclusive to the top of the line, a range of laptops exist in today’s market that are extremely thin and also affordable. It is not uncommon to see laptops with thicknesses less than 18milimetres. And while most are thin, light and sleekly designed this doesn’t need to come at the expense of performance.

Indeed performance was the 2nd most important factor for small businesses when purchasing a new laptop. One quarter of respondents rated having the ‘highest performing processor’ as their prime consideration. Here, processors that are specifically built for business stand out.

Current model processors are capable of powering all the IT needs of a small business from a laptop alone. Processors are able to handle data intensive applications as well as running multiple office apps concurrently. Security is important for any business, and a range of processors now offer unprecedented security levels, protecting both the client’s and the business’s data. Internet, email and Instant Messaging are standard across the board.

Battery life is also a big concern for small business and was the 3rd most important factor to consider when buying a new laptop. Certainly most new model laptops feature longer lasting battery life. Combine this with a high performance processor that manages the laptops power usage and the business both saves on electricity bills and extends battery life.

Tip! Although the most powerful processors cover the full range of small business needs, it’s important to choose the processor that best suits your business. Establishing your requirements and matching a processor to those may satisfy your IT needs and save the business money at the same time.

Clearly the priority for small business is to balance the need for high performance with the desire for an extremely thin, portable computer. These concerns were once mutually exclusive. Today, a new generation of laptops, manage this balancing act without compromising either performance or portability. And that leaves the business owner free to contemplate other requirements they may need.

Next week, we’ll cover a few of the more obscure considerations relevant to small business. Current laptops offer a range of features that may not be front of mind for small business, but can nonetheless have a big impact on a purchasing decision.

Ultrabook - Inspired by Intel
When it comes to purchasing a new laptop the needs of small business are many and varied. The Ultrabook meets those needs. Combining sleek, thin design with high performance, long battery life and heightened security, the Ultrabook is the ultimate tool for any small business.

To find out more head to http://www.intel.com/au/ultrabook/