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.
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.
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.
Perhaps, the most important tip and buying factor is price. Outfitting
your workforce with laptops doesn't come cheap. But you can save money
if you practice that old adage: 'It pays to shop around and bargain'!
Don't just buy your laptops off the rack -- always speak to the manager.
Even when buying laptops online, contact the sales staff and try for a
special price or bargain. Since you're buying in bulk or volume, many laptop
companies and manufacturers will give you a special unit price.
The more units you're ordering, the lower the price.
A little haggling will go a long way in lowering the overall cost of
your company's laptop purchase; saving your company money. And if you're
the person in charge of this purchase, making such a deal will reflect
well on you, so try to go out of your way to get a good deal!
But don't sacrifice quality for a special price, always make sure you're
buying laptops that can get the job done. Use the laptop tips above
to guide you on the right path. It should make your task just be a
little bit easier.
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