What to look for when buying computers for your company

Ilaya Teejay

15 Apr 2025 • 7 min read

The wrong computer can cost your business more than the right one ever will.

From lagging apps to weak security, the wrong device can drain productivity, create security risks, and even stunt your growth.

That’s why choosing the right computers is both an IT and a business decision.

To help you get it right, we spoke with business leaders across industries—tech founders, school administrators, creative leads, and operations managers. They’ve all faced the challenge of buying computers that meet team needs without overspending.

What we found? You will have to keep reading to find out. Let’s get to it!

Match performance to the job

One of the most common mistakes businesses make when buying computers is assuming that “more power” automatically means “better choice.”

However, the ideal computer for your team depends entirely on the kind of work they’re doing.

If someone’s main tasks involve emails, spreadsheets, and video calls, you don’t need to spend heavily on high-end specs. But performance becomes a priority if they’re running design software, compiling code, or editing videos.

Mark Sanchez, founder of Gator Rated, explains how his team differentiates hardware needs internally:

“For our content and creative team, we prioritise solid processors and more RAM for multitasking and editing videos. Admin staff, on the other hand, use leaner setups.”

Nirmal Gyanwali, Director of WP Creative, outlines how his agency approaches this balance:

“For devs and designers, we go for power. Fast processors, 16 GB+ RAM, strong graphics. They run heavy tools, so their machines need to stay sharp under pressure. For admin or operations, it’s all about reliability, battery life, and portability.”

When you buy based on needs, you are optimising your spending budgets and reducing waste. Don’t overspend where it’s unnecessary, and definitely don’t underspend where performance is crucial.

Prioritise durability and support

Choosing a computer goes beyond the specs as the real test begins after the purchase. How well does the machine hold up over time? What happens when something goes wrong?

Durability and support are sometimes overlooked because of price. Yet, considering the long-term cost of downtime and repairs, you see that you get to spend more in the long run.

Matt Little, from lighting e-commerce brand Festoon House, emphasisesfavour how physical environment shapes hardware choices:

“Our team operates in diverse environments, frequently outdoors, setting up lighting for various events and installations. Gear that can withstand bumps, temperature variations, and the odd splash is essential. I favourcentre devices with rugged casings and solid-state drives because of their resilience against physical shocks.”

Even in less extreme settings, issues arise, and fast access to support and repair can make a major difference.

Nirmal Gyanwali puts support at the centreminimising of his buying decisions:

“Support is where we don’t compromise. If a laptop dies, I can’t wait a week for service. That downtime costs more than the machine.”

When evaluating durability and support, look for:

Business-grade build quality: These models are tested for durability and offer spill-resistant keyboards, reinforced hinges, and longer life cycles.
On-site or next-business-day support: This is Useful for minimising downtime.
Local service centres or authorisedunauthorised repair partners: This is especially important if you’re in a market where replacements take time to ship.
Warranty terms: A one-year warranty is standard, but three years with accidental damage protection can be a better investment.
Upgradability: Devices that allow you to replace batteries, expand RAM, or swap out drives last longer.

Security features are non-negotiable

When choosing a laptop or desktop, performance and price are usually the first things people consider. But in today’s world, security should be just as high on your checklist.

From client data and internal files to financial records, your devices hold sensitive information that needs to be protected.

Katie Breaker, Director of Marketing Operations at Hoppier, highlights how hardware-level security helps reduce risk:

“I always look for machines with encryption and biometric authentication to protect the data. The last thing I want is to deal with a breach or compromise, so I make sure the tech we buy has robust security systems in place from the get-go.”

This isn’t just for tech companies or financial institutions. Britannia School of Academics now insists on laptops with biometric login and secure boot capabilities for trainers and admin staff. It’s a precaution that helps prevent unauthorised access and tampering even if the device is physically stolen.

Nirmal Gyanwali takes it a step further for his team:

“We use devices with built-in encryption and remote wipe capabilities. If a laptop gets lost, we can wipe it remotely.”

So, what should you look for when buying?

TPM (Trusted Platform Module): A hardware chip that enables drive encryption and secure boot.
Full-disk encryption: BitLocker for Windows, FileVault for macOS these should be enabled from day one.
Biometric login: Fingerprint scanners and facial recognition add an extra layer of access control.
Secure boot and BIOS-level protections: Prevent tampering at startup.
Remote access and wipe tools: For IT teams managing devices outside the office.

Expandability and compatibility

Buy for where your business is going, not just where it is.

A laptop that works perfectly today might not work well in six months, especially if your team’s workload grows or your software needs to evolve. This means you need to buy devices that can grow with you.

Roy Kaufmann, who leads a military verification service, shares his experience building systems that scale:

“I want to make sure that the device has room for upgrades down the line. For example, I’ll check if it has extra RAM slots or the ability to swap out storage drives easily. This is crucial, especially when we’re buying equipment for the long term. I don't want to have to replace the entire computer when it's still functional but needs a little more power to keep up with the growing demands of the business.”

Here’s how to think long-term when buying devices:

Ports and connectivity: USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, and SD card slots ensure your devices can connect with your tools and peripherals.
Upgradeable RAM and storage: Look for devices with accessible slots.
OS and software compatibility: Ensure your chosen devices can support future OS upgrades and specialised software updates.
Modular components: Devices that allow easy battery swaps, keyboard repairs, or SSD upgrades can extend lifespan significantly.

Energy efficiency and battery life

Whether your team works remotely, travels frequently, or just likes the flexibility of moving from room to room, battery life and energy efficiency are major factors. A powerful device is great, but if it can’t stay on, it’s a liability.

Roy Kaufmann puts it plainly:

“With the company growing, I know that we’ll be running multiple devices all day long. So, I look for models that are energy-efficient, reducing both environmental impact and operating costs.”

Here’s what to consider when evaluating energy performance:

Battery benchmarks: Manufacturer claims aren’t always reliable. Look for third-party reviews or tests under real-world conditions.
Fast-charging support: A 50% boost in 30 minutes can be a lifesaver on a busy day.
Power-saving features: Newer processors and SSDs consume far less energy. Look for Intel Evo, AMD Ryzen Pro, or Apple Silicon models.
Energy certifications: ENERGY STAR and EPEAT ratings help you compare energy usage across devices.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

It’s easy to get drawn in by a low price tag. However, cheap devices can cost more over time. Whether from constant repairs, shorter lifespan, or poor energy efficiency.

TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) should guide your tech purchasing decisions.

Katie Breaker shares:

“A slightly more expensive option can sometimes save you money over the long run if it lasts longer and needs less maintenance.

Here’s how to factor TCO into your decision-making:

Hardware lifespan: Devices with solid build quality and longer update support last 2–3 years longer.
Repairability: Can parts be replaced locally? Is there a service centre near your team?
Energy costs: Energy-efficient devices lower electricity bills, especially at scale.
Resale value: Some brands retain value better than others. MacBooks and certain Dell or Lenovo business lines can fetch reasonable resale prices.
Support costs: Devices with enterprise-grade support plans save your IT team a lot of time (and frustration).

Where gamp comes in

You’ve picked out the right tools for your team and need to buy them. So what do you do?

Come to gamp.

At gamp, we help companies like you get all the devices they need to function properly. And if you don’t know what to get, we help you match the right device to the right role.

Whether you’re building out a dev team, equipping your admin staff, or setting up a remote workforce, we’ll guide you through the specs that matter and get you high-quality devices.

We also offer ongoing support, device protection, repairs, and financing options that help you scale without overspending upfront.

Want to get devices for your team? Talk to us, and we’ll bring your needs to life.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all laptop for business. What works for a field engineer won’t cut it for your design team or your admin staff.

Start with what your team does every day. Match the device to their tasks, think long-term, and don’t overlook things like durability, security, and total cost of ownership.

You’re not just buying a laptop. You’re choosing a work partner for your team. Make it count.