Toronto Computer Help

To many business startups their IT infrastructure comes as an afterthought, resulting in fragmented computer hardware from different vendors.

This variety of equipment, vendors and even operating systems quickly becomes difficult to manage and is not cost effective. For this reason it is a best practice for companies of any size to look for asset management and IT consolidation as early as possible.

When it comes to computer hardware and networking infrastructure you can usually do away with as little as 4 vendors. Here are our vendor and product recommendations based on years of experience building networks and business systems and providing technical support.

Desktop or Laptop?

Start by establishing two or three user profiles to help you determine the appropriate PC option for your employees.

You need a standard desktop PC if…

• You use standard productivity/database tools and work in the office the majority of the time.

You qualify as a high-end user if…

• You regularly use “high power” applications that require heavy data processing (e.g., you are a software developer, graphic designer).

You need a laptop computer if…

• You travel more than 4 or 5 days a month.
• You regularly (several times a month) use your PC for presentations outside the office.
• You regularly work at home using applications that cannot be accessed via remote access.

Disatvange with Laptops

While laptop PCs offer flexibility, there are several important issues to consider when choosing one:

• Laptops typically require about three times the support from IT staff as desktop computers, greatly increasing the total cost of ownership.
• A laptop with a docking station costs twice as much as a desktop computer.
• Employees with laptops tend to store their files and data directly on their PC’s hard disk (rather than on the network), creating a potential for lost or stolen data --and work hours.

For these reasons limit laptops to employees who need mobile computing capabilities (e.g., employees who travel frequently or are frequent telecommuters).

Consider other solutions to meet employees’ remote access needs, including loaner laptops, RSA SecurID tokens for accessing e-mail, or remote access software installation in their home PC.

Things to Consider

• Servers
• Desktops
• Monitors
• Notebooks/laptops
• Printers

Servers

Dell is a leader with the Poweredge line of servers, representing fantastic value. Make sure to order with as much RAM memory as you can afford, yet take into consideration the limit of RAM that your operating system can handle.

Another option is IBM xSeries line of Intel-processor based servers. Although the base price is just a little higher than Dell, the cost will skyrocket once you add any extras (pretty much like buying a new car), with every item that is not standard, such as extra storage, CD-RW drive, or extra RAM carrying a high price and an installation charge per item. There are other complications due to IBM's rigid Canadian e-commerce that affects the preloading of software, etc. --too long to detail.

Desktops

With a choice of chassis size and complete control over component configuration, for a great business system consider the Dell Optiplex line with at least 2GB of RAM. Remember to order with an operating system that is server/domain compatible, such as Windows XP Professional or Windows Vista Business.

Monitors

For office use, 17" and 19" LCD monitors are all costing very close to the same, thus making most sense to go with 19" LCD monitors.

Consider Viewsonic and Dell LCD monitors for their good quality and 3-year warranty on most models.

Notebooks

If you want to stick to Dell across the board then consider the Dell Latitude line of notebooks. The fact that it is the model used by the largest global corporations and even by Dell personnel is a good indicator. Avoid Dell Vostro models unless for home users who will not be depending on their notebook on a daily basis.

Lenovo ThinkPad are still decent business laptops although quality of components has dropped in recent years. We specially recommend the Thinkpad T-series for the best balance of features, performance and portability.

Lenovo Canada (formerly IBM Personal Computing Division) has its headquarters right here in Toronto's Don Mills Road, which is another advantage; technical support is top notch.

As a Dell Premier Access Partner we can provide you with better than listed price on most Dell productss. Get a quote from us before buying online!

Printers

For most easily serviceable and widely available parts, as well as workhorse and reliability, we don't recommend anything but HP. (Ask any printer technician.)

The HP "business" class printers are a good place to start- more than 20 page per minute, separate drum and toner cartridge (i.e. you do not buy a new drum every time the unit needs toner) are the best choices in most every case.

As for consumables, the general rule of thumb is the cheaper the cost of the printer initially the more expensive the consumables will be to operate --and operating costs account for more than 3/4 of a printer's total cost of ownership (TCO). Here are a good example of this, with two popular choices side by side:

HP LaserJet 1320n	Dell Laser Printer 1710n
133MHz	366 MHz
16MB RAM / 144 Max	16MB RAM / 144 Max
1200x1200 dpi	1200x1200 dpi
Automatic duplex	No duplex
Up to 22 ppm	Up to 27 ppm

Although the Dell 1710 is a good buy, the HP 1320 in the short run becomes better value --not to mention the lack of duplex printing when it comes to printing cheques, for example.

Next best choice is the units that have 3rd party (not always the drill and refill recycled) cartridges and drums available for them. Companies like Verbatim and Xerox are now making good 3rd party drum kits for many printers that are made by HP and others.

Note that Dell and other proprietary printers are made to use only their supplies - single sourced and with no price pressure or competition.

How we can help

Confused about hardware purchase options? Unsure about what product will best meet your needs? Please don't waste your money. Let Toronto Computer Help take care of your hardware and software procurement. Besides getting great deals we can provide you with:

• asset management
• software licensing
• computer installation
• obtaining drivers
• connection troubleshooting
• computer replacement parts
• printer repairs
• copier maintenance
• recycling

Appoint us today!

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