When To Choose Dell Business Laptops vs. Consumer Grade Laptops
Trying to decide on the appropriate laptop for your needs is essential because this is an investment. While there are different brands, storage, and software, one thing you may not consider is the business vs. consumer grade. There is a difference between the Dell business laptops and the consumer-grade laptops available in retail stores. Before making a purchase, know the differences and which is right for you.
Dell Business Laptops vs. Consumer Grade Laptops
The biggest difference between these two laptops is the functions and purpose for which they are used. When you purchase a consumer-grade laptop, this is meant for various tasks like shopping, gaming, writing papers, and crafting as a hobby. When using a business laptop, there is the more direct use of various software and programs that are commercial grade. There are a few differences between the two that you will notice in design and hardware.
- Battery life is longer in business laptops.
- Often more memory and speed in business laptops.
- Less customization on business laptops.
- Configuration is limited with consumer laptops.
- Security is stronger in business laptops.
Battery Life
One of the first things you will notice is the battery life on a business laptop will lang much longer than on a standard consumer laptop. This is because it is meant to be transported regularly during the work week and can be away from a charger longer. Meetings often run more extended, and you may not have a place to charge your computer in the meeting area.
Memory and Speed Differences
Business laptops are used more frequently for virtual meetings and have substantially more software downloaded anytime. This means that more memory and speed are required to complete daily functions on a business laptop that on a home consumer laptop. Most home laptops do not have excessive software downloaded, even with hobbies like design and photography that requires a few different programs.
Customization
When it comes to customization and design, the options are endless for consumer laptops. You can choose one that fits you and your lifestyle easily. However, most Dell business laptops are limited in design. Business laptops are not meant for individuality, so it doesn't serve the laptop or business to put a lot of emphasis on this area.
Additional Configuration
Since business laptops are usually purchased in groups and meant for a specific company or organization, the configuration on these Dell business laptops is greater than it would be on the consumer laptops. The configuration options make up for the lack of design customizations. This allows your business laptops to have the same options available and have your employees working efficiently.
Security
While both Dell business and consumer laptops come with efficient security, the features of security are a bit different on business laptops. This is because they often store large files with compromising data or the ability to access a system with that information. Different security features are required on business laptops because of this. For example, cloud access on a business laptop is much more attainable than on a consumer laptop.
How to Decide Which Laptop is the Right One
When deciding which laptop you need to purchase, go through the list below to help you decide which laptop is appropriate for your needs.
- Are you using this laptop for business?
- How much software do you need to download?
- Do you need extra storage?
- How often will you be using your laptop away from the charger?
Are You Using This Laptop For Business?
Whether working with a company or yourself, your needs for your business are something to keep in mind when purchasing a laptop. If you plan to use several programs like QuickBooks and Windows 365, you will need a business laptop to accommodate these needs and maintain the necessary speed. A consumer laptop could meet your needs if your business does not require various software programs.
How Much Software Do You Need To Download?
Even hobbies that turn into side businesses from home, like photography, may need editing and design software that requires the speed of a Dell business laptop. Depending on the software and memory you need, you may need to upgrade from a consumer laptop to a business laptop. Those who work from home need a laptop that can manage the same amount of configuration and programs that you would have on your desktop at the office. The business laptop is the equivalent of that.
Do You Need Extra Storage?
Consumer laptops can store an efficient amount of pictures and documents and still maintain a reasonable speed. Family files and records are not as extensive as business records. Suppose you are planning to upload client documents, records, and business records to your laptop. In that case, however, the Dell business laptop is designed to safely store these records and maintain the appropriate security to keep them from being accessed outside of your company.
How Often Will You Be Using Your Laptop Away?
Consumer laptops are meant to be used around the home and for light traveling while out on vacation. Those planning business meetings during working lunches or traveling for a business need a laptop that can accommodate being across town for a few hours and traveling long distances. Meetings often run longer than expected, and you need a battery life that can keep up and keep you connected for the duration.
Do You Need Additional IT Assistance?
Making sure you have the right tools and equipment for your business is one of the core components of your success. Choosing a suitable laptop investment will allow you to upgrade and grow as you need.
If you still have more questions or want professional advice on choosing between Dell business laptops and consumer-grade laptops, our team at Velocity IT is happy to help. We offer various IT services to support your business in the Dallas & Fort Worth areas. Our business mentors have the experience and understanding of different industry needs regarding IT. Services like cloud-based development, network security, and database technology are areas where we specialize. Feel free to contact us today for more information.
