Desktop, Laptop or Tablet: What To Pick For Your Small Business

With the increase in technology options available for small businesses to use, it’s not uncommon for many businesses to get confused about which ones are the best choice for their individual needs. When deciding which type of device is right for your company needs it all comes down to the pros and cons that come along with them while working. This expert guide will cover the pros and cons of desktop computers, laptops, and tablets so you’re more informed about which ones may be the best option for your business needs and the needs of your employees.

Pros and Cons Of Tablets

Tablets are great choices for small businesses who require a convenient and small portable device. Some of the pros and cons of tablets include:

Pros

• Convenience – Tablets are highly convenient when it comes to portable computing needs. Tablets can be taken with you on business trips without taking up a lot of space that laptop computers would take up. They also provide flexibility when you need to review important documents. All you need to do is get it out quickly, check what you need to, and place it back in your bag. It’s that simple.
• Easier To Use – Tablets tend to be easier to use over desktops and laptops. They take less time to load which is perfect for those who are in a hurry. Tablets also provide easy learning for both the young and old because they aren’t as complex as what laptops and computers are.
• Lower cost – Tablets are also more affordable than desktop and laptop computers when purchasing a new one. This means you have the ability to outfit all your staff members with one and still save more than if you give your employees a new computer each.

Cons

• Reduced Power – Tablets don’t have the ability to maintain countless hours of power like laptops and desktops so they aren’t suitable for use in long term work applications. They are more suited to simple and quick work check-ups and check-ins.
• Smaller Screens – Unlike desktop and laptop computers, tablets have smaller screen sizes which can make certain searches and work more problematic. Because of their smaller size they also tend to be more fragile than your average larger devices when used constantly.

Desktop Computer

Pros

Desktop computers are ideal for working environments that require all day computing. These computers are more reliable because they run off the main power source. They also have the ability to promote good work ethics because they are stationary and stay in the one place.

• Screen Size – The screen size of desktop computers are also beneficial for small businesses because of their larger size. This is beneficial if you need to work on heavier and more demanding tasks which require a keen eye for detail.
• Expandable – Desktop computers have the ability to be expandable in memory and in RAM. This enables for businesses to enhance their current computer systems to meet job requirements without having to replace the whole computer.

Cons

• Reduced Portability – Desktops are stationary computers which aren’t able to move from one place to the other without difficult wiring being involved. This can be a problem if you need to move your computer to the boardroom or conference room to show your presentation or ideas.

Laptops

Pros

• Portable – Laptops are portable devices which make them superior to desktops for businesses who require a portable computer device. Their portability is ideal for employees to take home with them if they need to finish a project by a selected deadline. They also offer CEOs the opportunity to take important information and a writing tool with them when traveling the country.
• Flexible – Just like desktops, laptops offer flexibility when it comes to connecting other devices to it such as mobiles, printers and so on. This flexibility over tablets, make them more suited to higher demand work applications.
• Price – Laptops can be more affordable than some desktops depending on the model and specifications you need for your work environment. These days you can find a fairly priced laptop in most stores with some giving discounts for businesses who buy in bulk.

Cons

• Larger Than A Tablet – While they’re portable, laptop computers are larger than your average tablet making it more difficult to transport over longer trips. When using your laptop for work, you need to take extra precaution when traveling with it while staying in new places.

Device Work Recommendations: Which One Would Be Best For Your Business?

Here’s a brief guide on what type of work would best suit a particular device.

• For those who have a telemarketer setup which requires 8 hours sitting at a computer, the desktop computer is the best option to choose.
• For employees allowed to take the devices home with them to finish important work, laptops are the best option.
• For employees who need to keep in touch but don’t require the need to complete large complex tasks, tablets are the best option for your business.

Conclusion: When considering which device is better for your needs it’s important to take the pros and cons into account. Do you run a business? Which device do you believe would best suit your individual needs?

About the lead author: With over 30 years in the IT industry, Bill M has helped many people overcome their IT problems by providing effective problem solving solutions. Bill is an IT consultant who initially started out as a computer programmer within the finance industry maintaining and developing large applications. Today Bill is the owner of a Jim's Computer Services franchise in Drouin. His aim is to help all businesses gain value from all technologies that are available to them for maximum results.