If you are going to purchase a new computer or replace a computer, then you want to get the most for your money. You also want to get the right computer that is going to provide the performance you need for the life of the computer.
We try to remain neutral when it comes to hardware. We make our recommendations based on what is best for the client. We use Dell because their service and sales are out of Nashville, they stand by their product, I get what I want without assembly and Dell sends a technician out to the client when there is a hardware problem. We use other vendors for different products all of which the client gets a good deal on the hardware. We simply charge them for our time. Enough about us.
A desktop PC can be reliably used up to five years if it is properly purchased. I see a lot of offices where the cheapest possible computer is put into place. I see user clicking icons and waiting. I tell them “This is taking way too long”. They tell me “It is always like this.” This is bad for employees who want to get work done and employers who are paying to get work done. How much time is lost over the five years of that computers’ life? If an $8 an hour employee has to wait 1 hour per week longer than necessary because their computer is slow for 5 years, then it will cost you $2080 over the life of the computer. ($8 x 52 x 5 = $2080) That is simply what the computer is costing you in lost salary. What are you losing on potential income?
So how much should one pay for a desktop computer? The cost for a computer from Dell that does not need a new monitor will cost $916. That includes Taxes and 2nd day Shipping.
These are our minimum recommendations which are in the desktop computer price above:
- Quad Core CPU
- 8 GB of RAM
- Windows 7 Professional 64 Bit
- Office 2013 Home and Business
- 500 GB Hard Drive
- Pro Support for 3 Years (for a little more it can cover up to 5 years)
A monitor should not cost more than $200.
I am a business owner and I understand keeping to a budget. A $400 computer from Walmart sounds great. How much will that $400 computer cost you in maintenance and time lost over five years. Will it last five years? Will they come out and fix it or will they require you to send it to them?
A computer is like any other tool. How much will it cost to purchase and maintain? How much money can I make from it? How long will it last? My recommendation is to get the right tool that you need to get the job done. You and/or your employees will be happier and more productive. So plan in your budget $916 to replace an existing desktop computer or $1116 for one that needs a monitor.
P.S. If you locate a vendor that has better pricing and I can get the hardware specifications that I have listed above with good service, then let me know and I will look at that vendor.
Adam Bell
Senior Systems / Network Engineer
Sublime Computer Services
We make your technology work
615-942-0850
adam@sublimecomp.com
www.sublimecomp.com
