I Need a new Computer – What are my options?

This request for help comes in every week. With IVDesk, there’s a number of options available to all our customers. Usually, it starts with do you need a laptop or not? So I’ll break it down from there.

1. “I need a laptop”
With laptops, there are three options that come to mind. You can buy a new Laptop from a retailer (Best Buy, Dell, etc.), you can buy an older Laptop from an on-line clearance house (TigerDirect, NewEgg, etc.) or you can buy a Apple Laptop.

We talk mostly about what they’d like then focus on screen size and weight. Those two characteristics seem to drive price the most. All of these options will work great with IVDesk, so that’s not a concern. We see most people getting a 15″ screen as light as they can afford for a desktop replacement, and if they’re going to be carrying it often, maybe one of the smaller ones.

2. “I need to replace a PC on my desktop” or “We have a new person starting, what are my options”
With a desktop machine, you have plenty of options. Apple, PC, or Windows Terminal.

Apples consistently cost more but some people like them. Any of the Macs connect great to IVDesk.

For the PC option, you can go with refurbished machines running Windows XP at the low end, up to larger new PCs with more power running Vista. IVDesk works great with the older refurbished machines, so if cost is an option, a refurbished Dell or HP is great if you need a PC. For new, what ever you buy should work fine. Your options are the same as with Laptops, big box stores or Internet retailers, or Internet clearance houses. It’s up to you.

Lastly, how about a Terminal? We help with a couple of options here. You can purchase a new Wyse thin client terminal for around what a refurbished PC costs but it will never have any local issues related to things done on that PC. Or, we’re seeing many of our customers choose a refurbished WinTerm that’s about $50 each. It gives a great IVDesk session at a fantastically low price. Many of our customers are using these for replacements then keeping one at the front desk, should anyone ever have a PC fail. Cost effective, easy to use, great performance.

So, options, options, options. With IVDesk, it’s up to you on what you connect with. We can help with a quick phone call.

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