The Business Computer Story

Culture | August 3rd, 2016

By Chuck Solly

What the heck is a business computer? Is there really any differences between your home machine and the one you use at work? Maybe the differences listed here will help you.

An important consideration when buying a computer for work purposes is whether you should purchase a consumer model or a computer specifically designed for business. Many computer manufacturers offer what appear to be the same computer make and model in both their home and business divisions, but they are actually not the same computer.

Here's what you need to know about the differences between consumer and business-grade PCs, and which kind you should get for your home or office/mobile office.

What's your percentage of business use? Be honest. Are you accessing that spreadsheet for work once a day and watching Pokemon Go videos the rest of the day? If so a consumer computer is your best bet. Computers sold to consumers usually cost less than business PCs, and since they're sold everywhere, including Best Buy and Walmart, you can pick up a consumer computer very quickly and easily.

Durability and Reliability: For more dedicated or serious work use, invest in a business class computer, which offers more value in the long run than its consumer counterpart. Business computers are built to last, with higher quality components that are tested more rigorously. Parts used for consumer computers may be more generic or even cheap, while computers designed for professional use more often include higher grade materials and name-brand parts. This emphasis on durability means that a serious business laptop or desktop you buy now should last you several years.

How about the features? Business grade computers offer more features for professional work, such as fingerprint readers, remote desktop control software, and encryption tools. The professional operating system version that comes on business PCs is also more suited to workers than the home version.

Windows 7 Pro for example, has features – which Windows 7 starter and home editions do not have. If you buy today you will probably get Windows 10 which tries to be all things to all people. The jury is still out on that one.

If you're not convinced yet, consider this: business PCs typically don't include the crapware that bogs down so many consumer PCs. Crapware is a high tech term that refers to advertising that manufacturers and distributors put on a new machine.

Who is going to fix my laptop when I drop it down a manhole? Business computer systems come with better support options and may be more easily supported by your employer's IT department as well. If you don't have an IT department, don't feel bad, neither do I.

The default warranties on business computers are usually longer than those on consumer models. Business users also tend to get priority support, via a dedicated support line, and you can opt for on-site tech support available within hours, rather than having to send in your computer for repair, which could take weeks.

When I say “opt-in,” think monthly charge. If you are working with critical data, either your own or your company's, tech support becomes very important.

Next time I will cover some areas of computer and telephone security. We will wait to cover computer monitors as well as home routers because there are some upcoming products in both areas that I want to mention.

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