Organization is an important theme for any contracting business owner, and one of the best resources for assisting you in this area is a computer, tablet or related device. Whether in the form of desktop, laptop or one of the more modern options, such a device will allow you to keep track of several different parts of the business, all in one handy place.
At Contractors School, we’re happy to help with a wide variety of needs among those starting a new contracting business, whether you’re looking into roofing business support, HVAC business support or any other type. If you’re in the process of shopping for a computer or similar device for your contracting business, here are some simple recommendations on what to look for and how to approach this.
Ensure Quality Storage
Within the world of contracting, you may have need for significant document, blueprint and other forms of storage. As a result, you’ll want to make sure that the computer you purchase has quality storage options. One popular choice is a solid state drive (SSD), which offers speed and durability advantages over a traditional hard disk drive (HDD).
For example, you’ll often be working with high-quality renderings or other files that take up a significant amount of space. With an SSD, you’ll be able to load these faster and have less worry about them becoming corrupted over time. If you go with an HDD, on the other hand, you run the risk of slower loading times and a greater likelihood of losing important files.
Choose the Right Operating System
The next thing to think about is the operating system (OS) that you’ll need. The three most popular choices for business users are Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS and Linux. If you’re already familiar with one of these OSes, it may make sense to stay within that ecosystem.
If you’re a Windows user, for example, you’ll be able to take advantage of programs like Microsoft Office that are designed specifically for that OS. On the other hand, if you’re more comfortable with macOS, you might prefer to use Apple’s iWork suite of productivity apps.
Price isn’t always the most important factor when it comes to business computers, but it can be a consideration. In general, Windows computers tend to be the most affordable, followed by macOS and then Linux.
Processor Quality
Another important factor to consider is processor quality. For most business users, an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 CPU will be more than adequate. These processors offer a good balance of power and efficiency, and they’re relatively affordable as well.
If you plan on doing more demanding tasks, such as video editing or 3D rendering, you may want to consider a more powerful processor, such as an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7. These will cost more, but they’ll offer a significant performance boost.
Screen Size
For contractors especially, elements like screen size play a major role. If you’ll be doing a lot of work with blueprints or other detailed documents, you’ll want a large screen with a high resolution. A 27-inch monitor with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 should suffice for most users.
If you plan on doing more graphics-intensive work, such as video editing or 3D rendering, you may want to consider a 4K monitor. These monitors offer a resolution of 3840 x 2160, which is four times that of a standard 1080p monitor.
Ports and Connectivity
Another important factor to consider is ports and connectivity. Most business computers will come with a variety of ports, including USB, HDMI and DisplayPort. If you plan on connecting multiple monitors or other external devices, make sure the computer you’re considering has the ports you need.
You’ll also want to think about connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. If you plan on using wireless peripherals, such as a mouse or keyboard, you’ll need a computer with built-in Wi-Fi. And if you want to be able to connect to mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, Bluetooth support is a must.
Portability
As a contractor or contracting business owner, you may need to take your computer with you on job sites or to meet with clients. In this case, portability is an important consideration.
Laptops are the most portable computers, and there are a variety of different sizes to choose from. If portability is your top priority, you’ll want to consider a Ultrabook or a 2-in-1 laptop. These laptops are thinner and lighter than traditional laptops, and some even come with touchscreen displays.
Tablets are another option to consider, especially if you need a computer that’s easy to carry around. Some tablets, such as the Microsoft Surface Pro, even come with attachable keyboards, making them more versatile.
Repair and Replacement Options
This theme gets back to the brand and operating system you select in some ways, but is worth mentioning on its own. Working with a brand that’s reputable and continuously upgrading its products can save you money and aggravation down the road.
The same is true of an operating system. If you select a Windows computer, for example, you can be reasonably confident that it will receive regular updates and security patches from Microsoft. The same is true of macOS and Linux computers.
For more on how to select the ideal computer for your needs within a contracting business, or to learn about any of our contractors exam licensure courses or other services we offer, speak to the team at Contractors School today.
