Computers & Accessories

Computers

Your computer is the foundation for running all of the business applications that allow you to operate your business.  When it isn't working, everything comes to a standstill, leaving you frustrated, angry and even more importantly, unable to make any money!  It goes without saying therefore, that having the "right" and reliable computer for your business is a significant contributor to your business' success!

But what should you look for in a computer?  There are tons of choices, a number of manufacturers and a variety of "form factors" as well.  Desktops, all-in-ones, media centers, notebooks, tablets - all in a variety of configurations and price ranges.  CPUs, memory, hard drive capacity, ports and connectivity, monitors and screens, audio and video cards, DVD, CD, floppy drives - well you get the idea.

So before you decide on the best computer for your business, we think that you should first decide on what "type" of computer you want/need.

• If you do most, if not all, of your work in your home, a desktop is still the most powerful and cost-effective computer you can buy.  Because manufacturers don't have to try and squeeze everything into a small, light package (as with notebooks and tablets), they can produce desktops quickly (leading edge CPUs, big hard drives) and cost-effectively.  A desktop is, in our minds, always a good thing to have - even a "low end" one - if only as a back-up in case something happens to the laptop you use on the road!
• If you travel, a notebook or tablet is probably the best solution - however, there ARE software solutions (like I'm InTouch from 01Communique or GoToMyPC) that allow you to use an Internet connected phone or PDA to access your home desktop's files and email so you can just use your desktop and not lug around a notebook!  However, once you've decided on a notebook, you'll need to decide on its size, (screen), weight (a BIG factor for most folks) and capabilities.  There are notebooks that have all the power of a desktop - but cost more and are HEAVY (8 lbs or more).  Other notebooks are lighter and cheaper - but not as powerful and lacking many connectivity and storage options. 
• Notebooks are also good for those of us that like to "migrate" around the house when working (we are BIG on this at Home Office Reports!  Staves off the boredom of the office from time to time!).  So if that is something YOU like to do, look for a notebook that also has a port replicator option.  With a port replicator you can "plug" your laptop into external drives, monitors and other accessories by merely attaching it to the replicator - saving you from attaching and reattaching any number of devices to the back of the notebook every time you return to your office (or from a trip on the road!).
• Tablets are the "latest thing".  They offer small form factors (thin) combined with large, bright screens that allow you to enter data or operate the computer with a stylus.  Think of a notebook-sized PDA - with a lot more power!  Tablets are very cool - but, for most home-based businesses, probably not YET the best choice as a primary computer.  We'd suggest that if you have your heart set on a tablet, that you also budget it an inexpensive desktop to back it up.

Web Home Office Reports

Once you've chosen your "favorite" form factor, you'll need to decide whether you want to:

• Go with an Apple or Wintel (Windows/Intel) platform.  Apple products are known for their "easy to use", reliable, operating systems.  Apple folks LOVE their systems and take great pride in being "MAC" users.  The downside for an Apple purchase is that, on the whole, software applications tend to be more expensive and fewer in number than those for Wintel machines - and of course, you only have one choice for the hardware - Apple.  With Wintel, you get lots of choices, less expensive applications and the knowledge that you're software and system are compatible with the majority of computing systems in major corporations around the world.  And, although Windows XP has dramatically increased the reliability of Windows as an operating system, most folks still find this environment moderately difficult to use to its fullest potential.
• Purchase your system new from a "name" manufacturer - the "tried and true" way for most of us, but not always the most cost-effective solution.
• Purchase a refurbished "name" system - every manufacturer has an area on their web site where they sell refurbished machines.  The good news is that they are priced very well, the bad news is that selections are limited to what is in stock at any moment in time.  Additionally,  refurbished systems can contain "dated" technology and sometimes carry very limited warranties.
• Purchase a system from an independent who builds systems from a variety of component manufacturers (known in the industry as "white box" solutions).  There are probably a number of small computer Value Added Resellers or VARs in your area that will custom build a computer for you - or you can check for one on eBay.  You'll find lots of options there as well.
• Build it yourself!  If you have the time, patience and confidence.  (This isn't as hard as you might think by the way!)

Whew!  And now for the REALLY big decisions - what you'll need in the system itself.  We think the main ingredients in a good system are:

• Fast CPU - if it can't keep up with what you need done, you'll spend a lot of your time waiting around!
• Lots of Memory (we believe 1GB is best, more is always better!) - again as an aid to computer performance.
• Solid storage options - 80 GB hard drive MINIMUM! (again, more is always better!), CD, DVD.  A writeable CD is almost a necessity these days for those of you who want to provide documents, marketing material or other files to customers or partners.
• Connectivity options - USB 2.0, Firewire, Ethernet, Parallel and Serial ports are essentials.  Make sure that the system you choose has the right combination, and number, of ports to meet your needs.
• Readable display - important for a desktop, a HUGE issue in a notebook.  Making a display more readable in either environment is simple to understand - the bigger, often better, always more expensive.  But remember, if you can't read what's on the screen, the best system and software in the world won't make much difference.
• Support, Support, Support!  What happens if something breaks?  Do you have to take the system in to a local maintenance provider, ship it back or wait for a new part that is shipped to you?  What type of help is provided when things go wrong?  And are there warranty options (like on site, multi-year contracts) that might ease your worries and save you time if something does go wrong.

Since we can't possibly review the products of every maker of "white box" solutions nor are we able to look at every possible component available to "do it yourselfers" setting off to construct their own system, our reviews encompass the new systems provided by major computer manufacturers in the "big three" areas:

• Desktops -  including new multimedia entertainment centers, "regular" desktops and all-in-ones.
• Notebooks - the traditional laptop computers that have been in existence for the last twenty years.
• Tablets - newer, pen-based computing systems.

Computing Accessories

As you can see, adding some accessories to your system can serve any number of purposes - from making the work experience easier and more enjoyable to protecting your business' data from accidental destruction.  We've looked at the accessories that we believe are the ones that are the most critical to enhancing your business productivity and making it easier to work with your system (and in your office!).  The accessory areas we'll address include:

• Keyboards and Mice - including everything from the most basic PS/2 keyboards and mice to more innovative Bluetooth-enabled wireless desktops.
• Headsets and Microphones - for those of you who spend many hours on the phone, use your system for voice as well as data, listen to music during the day (but don't want to disturb others in your household) or are using or planning to use voice recognition software to enter text or operate the system.
• Displays - to replace an existing or inoperable monitor, add one for your notebook or just upgrade to something that is more "usable" - we'll look at everything from CRTs to high resolution digital flat panel displays.
• Drives - CD, DVD, hard drives, Zip, Micro....  There are a number of choices.  We look at a variety of internal (replacement or add-on) and external drive choices and help you understand the best application(s) for each type (as well as the folks that "do them best").
• Speakers - if you like a little music as you work, we'll help you choose between basic two speaker and THX-certified surround sound speakers - "entry level" and "audiophile", inexpensive and "get out the check book".
• Web Cams - still or video, web cams can be used for a multitude of purposes - video conferencing, collaboration, home monitoring - and we'll look at which cameras deliver best for a variety of purposes.
• Graphics Cards - if you work with video or high end graphics software, a more powerful graphics card is a good business investment.  We look at the major choices available - from replacements for existing "middle of the road" implementations to more robust capabilities for the experienced graphics professional (or business owner into gaming at night!).
• Audio Cards - as with graphics, we'll take a look at sound cards that deliver everything from the basics, to sound almost as good (or as good) as that delivered from many high end audio systems.

Quick links to accessory pages are listed below:

• CD Drives
• Dial Modems
• Displays and Monitors
• DVD Drives
• Flash Drives and Media Readers
• Floppy Drives
• Hard Drives
• Headsets, Headphones and Microphones
• Keyboards and Mice
• Sound and Audio Cards
• Speakers
• Tape Drives
• Video and Graphics Cards
• Web Cams and Network Cameras