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Choosing a desktop computer is never easy. In fact, choosing the right desktop computer can be difficult, tedious, and time consuming. Every company offers the ‘best’ and most cost effective desktop computer, but finding the company that is truthful is another story all together. Of course, there are many considerations to consider when purchasing a desktop computer- however, the number one question to ponder is what exactly do you need the desktop computer for. Owning a top of the line computer is going to be wasted on someone turning on their computer once a month to pay bills online; purchasing the least expensive computer possible is going to be frustrating and expensive in the long run if the computer is a business computer being used for intense graphical, video, and/or audio development. Knowing what you need a computer for is the first step in discovering that perfect desktop computer for you and your needs. Falling for the lure of the big numbers is easily done, but do what good is 10x300 GB hard drives or 15 x 2 Gb memory actually going to do for you? One type of computer that takes a bit of something extra is the desktop for the business. Finding the best top-end business computer takes a lot of work, but the end results are well worth the effort and time – just one day of lost productivity can sometimes cost thousands, so a reliable solution is essential. Hopefully, the end result will be versatile, cost effective, functional, and have room for future growth. A business computer should never be “cheap”, but that does not mean you have to spend an arm and a leg on your next business desktop. For instance, the HP Compaq dc7700 Convertible Minitower PC is a superb value business desktop filled with features perfect for any business and at an affordable price. The Duo Intel Core processor with a speed of 2.13 Ghz, and a front size bus of 1066 Mhz offers high speed necessary to keep things moving in a business setting. The DDR2-Synch 5300 DRAM can support up to 4 GB, and there are 4 DIMM memory slots meaning this business desktop is great for future expansion. The 250 GB hard drive is great for storage, and there are 3 external 5.25 inch drives, 1 external 3.5 inch drive, and 2 internal 3.5 inch drives. The Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000, the enormous chassis, and the copious number of expansion slots round out the many reasons this computer is perfect for business. Another popular business desktop is the Dell OptiPlex 745 computer, and makes an excellent option for those businesses needing affordability and service along with the desktop. The Duo Intel CoreTM processor offers a speed of 2.13 Ghz and a 1066 front side bus meaning this computer has the get up and go to handle various tasks without faltering. The Non-ECC DDR2 SDRAM is capable of handling 4.0 GB or RAM, and has 4 DIMM slots for future growth. The 250 GB hard drive offers enough space for just about any program, download, or file, and if that wasn't enough, there can be an additional hard drive added in the future via the serial ATA2 port. To top of this beauty of a business desktop, the ATO Radeon PCIe video card means you get great quality video viewing for your money. While the HP and Dell computers are excellent examples of affordable, reliable, and impressive business computers, the real trial testament to how well a business computer works is the versatility. So when the question of HP vs Dell arises, the answer is not straightforward in most cases. A business computer can only be properly classified “business” when it has room for growth – with today’s technology moving forward as quickly as it is, decisions have to be made as to whether to upgrade a computer or to dispose and get a new one. If the machine is set up for upgrading from the start then the former option becomes more cost effective. Many of today's home computers have 2 DIMM slots for RAM, but most business computer have a minimum of 4 DIMM slots for RAM. The hard drives are always large on business desktops, but there is usually a special cable for adding an additional hard drive with relative ease. When searching for the best business desktop, finding a reliable company to purchase from is only the beginning. Finding the desktop computer for your business with the most versatility is the next step. Businesses grow, and as such, the desktop computer should also have that same room for growth. Of course, there are many computer manufacturers offering top-end business computers, but to find the “perfect” one for your needs and changing demands will take patience and fortitude.
Staff editor, Electronics Section, April 2007 |
