Computer Purchasing & System Requirements

Q: Why do most businesses and university IT departments buy enterprise desktops/laptops, which sometimes cost more than consumer versions?

A: Most enterprise models come with these benefits, which are usually worth the additional initial cost:

1. Components are more thoroughly tested before delivery

2. All machines come with full on board testing/diagnostics

3. Machines come with minimum 24/7 availability, 3 year warranty, which may be optionally extended

4. Warranty replacement time is overnight

5. Components meet business standards for computer safety, reliability, and compatibility (components are higher-quality)

6. Manufacturer technicians are available for on-site calls if needed

7. Computers have longer expected lifecycles than consumer models

8. Non-scripted service RMA requesting, which means significantly faster parts dispatch/repair

9. Laptop, desktop, and mobile enterprise devices are built to be physically stronger than many consumer models.

10. Consumer models often take 3-5 days longer to fix than enterprise models, often due to poor warranty exchanges and non-standardized or unavailable diagnostic tools

11. The additional money spent on an enterprise model almost always is recuperated in long-term reliability and systems that last much longer

12. Most enterprise machines have a lower total cost of ownership, even if the initial cost is higher