What Are the Top 5 Computers for a Small Business?

No two small businesses are alike, and no two small business owners have the exact same needs. This is true in any area of small business advice– including purchasing a computer for your small business.

Options range from all in one to traditional desktops to laptops. Today, we are going to take a look at some computer choices for small businesses.

Again, your personal/professional choice of computer will vary depending upon what your small business represents, but here are five computers to consider for your small business.

The Best All In One Computer for Small Businesses

If you prefer desktop computers but don’t like all the separate components that come with one, an all-in-one computer may be a great fit for your small business space. 

Until recently, Apple was the clear front-runner in the all in one computer market. Now, with many other legitimate contenders, your options are widespread. 

An all in one computer at or near the top of many recommendation lists is: the HP Envy. 

Selling points of the HP Envy include a nice screen size, superior processing power, and quick boot up.

The Envy also offers superb sound quality, a pop-up camera and microphone enabled only when in use, and built in wireless charging for any compatible smartphone. 

The HP Envy keyboard is pretty cool, too, allowing you to connect up to three devices at once and switch from one device to another simply by touching a button.  

For more suggestions on top all-in-one computers, check out this list. 

The Best Desktop Computers for Small Businesses

Desktop computers often work faster and smoother than laptops, even when laptop and desktop computer processors have the same model numbers, because their processors are more powerful.

You can look at/plug in some comparisons here. 

Desktop computers tend to be less expensive than laptops, even when their performances are similar, and desktops generally have more storage space than laptops. 

If a desktop is the way to go, you can choose from all in one options like those listed above, or go the more traditional route of a desktop with a CPU. When it comes to desktop computers with CPU, you have countless options, but two common recommendations include: 

Dell OptiPlex Micro line of computers— Dell’s OptiPlex line of computers has offerings for any business needs.

The Micro versions are powerful and space-saving. 

OptiPlex is available in a 3000, 5000, and 7000 series.

The Micro line of the OptiPlex is powerful and boast a streamlined design, taking up very little space. 

Multiple CPUs can be stacked in the same workspace without overwhelming the space. The OptiPlex Micro can also be mounted to free up even more desk space. 

The 3000 series offers up to 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of SSD storage space.

Windows 10 Pro is standard, and you can customize/upgrade/downgrade your options before finalizing an order.

The 5000 series offers the same, with a more powerful processor option than the 3000 series. The 7000 offers up to 16 GB of RAM.

Full list of specs available here. 

Keep in mind, features listed here are referencing the CPU only.

Dell is known for their customizability, so you are able to select the monitor and keyboard and other components that suit your business needs best. 

Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny— The ThinkCentre M Tiny line of  space saving models are pretty budget friendly (starting at under $400) and offer several customizations.

The ThinkCentre M720q Tiny includes security features for businesses, plenty of ports, runs quietly, and is designed especially for business purposes.  It is designed to take up very little space- and while intended to lay horizontally, comes with a stand to allow it to rest vertically if that is better for your space. Lenovo offers a mount (sold separately) if you prefer to mount the M Tiny under a desk or to the back of the monitor. 

The ThinkCentre M720q Tiny also offers an impressive amount of features considering its size. For a closer look at specs, look here. 

There are countless desktop recommendations. If you’re looking to do further research, here’s a short list of some more contenders. 

The Best Laptop Computers for Small Businesses

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (2019 7th Generation) tops several lists of recommended laptops for small businesses, for good reason. It’s sturdy, lightweight, and has a great keyboard.

This G7 ThinkPad also has improved speakers, fast performance, long battery life, and the 4K version offers a beautiful and glossy display. The ThinkPad also has excellent network security/computer security features.  It even offers face recognition!

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon comes standard with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD storage space, but upgrades are available. 

This laptop is lightweight, making portability even easier. It is well-designed, offers some customizations, and is a premium option for businesses.

For even more details on this awesome laptop for small businesses, check out this info. 

MacBook Pro 16”

We haven’t looked at a Mac yet, but you knew Apple was bound to show up. To be clear, Apple makes the lists in every category we’ve looked at (all in one, desktop, and laptop). So, if you’re a Mac person, looking through some of the included links should get you started in the right direction in whatever category you prefer. 

When it comes to laptops for small businesses, the MacBook Pro 16” is a winner. It has a nice display size, an improved keyboard, and excellent audio quality. It also comes with a hefty price tag ($2399-$3899), but if it’s in your budget, it is one of the most powerful and capable laptops on the market. 

Storage options start at 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD and go all the way to 8 TB SSD, the most of any laptop on the market.  The MacBook Pro 16” battery life is around 11 hours, which is pretty impressive. 

Keep in mind you may need to purchase dongles and adapters, as Macs come complete with USB-C ports only. 

If Macs are your preference, and you’ve got the dollars to spend, you can not go wrong with this workhorse of a computer.

For all the details on this beast, look here and here.  

Laptops are a common choice in today’s mobile business world. For your small business, you won’t have any shortage of options when shopping for a laptop.

Some other small business laptop recommendations are included here and here. 

What to Consider When Purchasing a Computer for a Small Business

While the amount of options can seem overwhelming, some basic things to consider when choosing a computer for your small business include:

Do you want a desktop or laptop? 

If you want more power from your computer, a lower price, and don’t need to be mobile, a desktop may be a winner for you. If mobility is essential for your small business, a laptop is a more practical solution. 

Also keep in mind, computer repairs are often easier with desktop computers. If you don’t need the mobility, there are some great perks to choosing a desktop for your small business. 

What Specs Matter?

 

As with everything, this will depend on your small business needs and your own preferences, but specs to look at include: RAM, screen size, resolution, hard drive, and CPU type. 

When Is the Best Time to Buy a Computer?

If you’re not in a rush, there are some times of year that are better than others when it comes to purchasing a computer.

In general, Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales often include computers.

Three-day weekends, back to school sales, and Amazon Prime Day are other great times to look for deals on computers.

Outside of holidays/special weekends, January is the month of the year that tends to have the best prices on computers. 

Considering the number of three-day weekends in a calendar year and the fact that Prime Day falls in July, there are some good options year round for finding a deal on a computer for your small business. You also may be able to get more bang for your buck if you purchase your small business computer during these dates.