Top Desktop Computers for a Home Business

Written by: Sylvia Cochran • Edited by: Michele McDonough
Published Feb 21, 2010 • Related Guides: Desktop Computers | Dell

Investing in desktop computers for home based business uses can put a sizeable debit into the accounting column. Ensuring that an office machine meets current and anticipated needs makes the expenditure worthwhile. This guide to the top machines makes it possible.

Home-Based Small Business Computing Needs

Desktop PC Setup by Fleshgrinder/Wikimedia Commons (PD)

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How does an entrepreneur choose desktop computers for home-based business functions? Should s/he simply look to the first cheap notebook computer that is on sale? Should s/he order a custom-built computer to ensure maximum functionality? Perhaps s/he should read up on PC World computers lists and make a decision based on expert reviews?

Although all of these approaches have merit, it makes more sense to take an inventory of the business’ needs. The entrepreneur must address items such as:

Memory needs
Hard disk space
Needed (and wanted) peripherals
Intended usage and future expandability potential
Portability
Budget considerations

Whether s/he is starting a home-based business or merely seeking to computerize a venture that thus far relied on paper methods for accounting and business contacts, all of these considerations greatly determine the kinds of systems the entrepreneur might look at.

The Refurbished PC

A refurbished PC is a great money saver and may actually make high-end computers more accessible to the somewhat cash-strapped business owner. Major retailers sell refurbished desktops that might have been returned by customers for small flaws. In some cases, they are trade-ins for more costly systems.

Refurbished PCs may also be those returned to the manufacturer by retailers due to flaws and failures. Good examples are the refurbished desktops from the Dell Outlet Store⁽¹⁾. They come with ‘same as new’ warranties and customer support, which is a decided plus for the home-office entrepreneur who wants to avoid hardware and software problems with second-hand computers.

The Custom-Built Computer

Desktop PC by Everaldo Coelho/Wikimedia Commons (GNU)

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Investing in a custom-built computer has the immediate advantage of having hardware peripherals and software applications that are custom-tailored to the needs of the business. While a cheap desktop computer actually ends up incurring more costs – usually due to the purchase of software or additional hardware options – the custom-built model meets a business’ needs as closely as possible.

Even as this option is at this point an insider tip for serious gamers, entrepreneur who value speed, customization and the opportunity to ‘plug and play’ are also discovering this option. Costs depend on features chosen.

Systemax Computers

Entrepreneurs with a strong commitment to buying local may take a closer look at Systemax Computers⁽²⁾. The company prides itself on building the desktops – and providing the customer support – from its Ohio locale. The advantage is the knowledge that the entrepreneur supports America’s economy with the purchase.

An added bonus of dealing with Systemax Computers is the possibility of having a system custom-built. Costs vary, depending on the system; for example, a SYX-3045 with 2.8GHz processor, 160GB capacity and preloaded with Office 2007 costs about $420.

Continue on to the next page for more options to consider when choosing a desktop computer for a home based business.

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