Choosing the right laptop for your startup
Welcome to the Dell for Startups guide on choosing the right laptop. This guide will help you understand how to assess your needs, determine your software requirements and identify the key components to look for in a new laptop. We will also explain why some laptops may be more expensive than others. Dell for Startups is committed to providing startups with the right guidance, support and discounts to help you with your technology needs.
Assessing your needs
Before diving into laptop specifications, it is crucial to understand what you or your employees need from a laptop. Our dedicated advisors usually start by asking these questions:
- What type of work will be done on the laptop (e.g., coding, design, data analysis, general office tasks)?
- Will the laptop be used primarily in an office or on the go?
- What specific software applications will be used regularly?
- How much multitasking is typically required?
- What kind of data is being saved, and how much storage is needed?
- Is there a need for special features like a dedicated graphics processing unit (GPU) or high-colour-accuracy display?
Understanding software requirements
Once you have identified your needs, the next step is to understand your software requirements:
- Check software specifications: Determine the minimum and recommended system requirements for all the software you plan to use. This information is generally available on the software provider’s website.
- Future-proofing: Consider not just your current needs, but potential future needs as your startup grows. It is often worth investing in slightly higher specs to extend the useful life of your laptop.
- Analyze current usage: If you are replacing an existing computer, use its built-in tools to see how your current system is performing. On Windows: Use the Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to see central processing unit (CPU), memory and disk usage. On Mac: Use Activity Monitor to view resource usage.
- Check current specs: Determine your current computer’s specifications. On Windows: Right-click on “This PC” and select ”Properties,” or type ”System Information” in the search bar. On Mac: Click on the Apple menu and select “About This Mac.”
This information will help you understand your current specifications and where you might need improvements.
Understanding the hardware
You’ve considered your software requirements and understand what you’re currently running. You can now determine what components within the laptop you should search for and prioritize. At Dell for Startups, we can customize different parts of the laptop to design a system that meets your needs.
Main components
1. Processor (CPU)
The CPU is the brain of your laptop, as it handles most of the processing tasks. It executes instructions and performs calculations for all programs and applications. The right CPU ensures your laptop can handle your workload efficiently.
Considerations:
- Intel vs. AMD: Both chip manufacturers offer excellent performance. Intel is often preferred for business applications, while AMD is often chosen for multitasking and creative work.
- Intel Core i5 vs. Core i7: i5 is suitable for most business tasks, while i7 offers higher performance for demanding applications.
2. Random access memory (RAM)
RAM is your laptop’s short-term memory, which is crucial for multitasking and overall performance. It allows quick access to data that the CPU needs to process. Having more RAM allows you to have more applications open at the same time (e.g., browser tabs, applications, Word, Excel). Think of being able to have only 10 browser tabs open at the same time versus 50.
Recommendations:
- 8GB: Minimum for basic multitasking and office applications
- 16GB: Ideal for most startups, allowing smoother multitasking and handling of larger files
- 32GB+: For resource-intensive tasks like video editing or running multiple virtual machines
3. Storage
Storage determines how much data your laptop can hold and how quickly it can access that data.
| Storage type | Description |
| Hard disk drive (HDD) | Cheaper, larger capacity, but slower (and only recommended if there are massive data needs) |
| Solid state drive (SSD) | Faster, more reliable, but typically more expensive per GB. SSDs have faster boot times (sometimes 10x faster), quicker file access and improved overall system responsiveness |
4. Graphics processing unit (GPU)
The GPU handles visual rendering and can significantly impact performance for certain tasks.
| GPU type | Description |
| Integrated | Sufficient for most business tasks, uses less power (default on all laptops) |
| Dedicated | Necessary for graphic design, 3D modeling or data visualization tasks. Consider a dedicated GPU if your startup works with visual content, AI or data-heavy applications |
5. Battery life
Good battery life is essential for productivity, especially for startups with mobile teams. Longer battery life means more flexibility and less dependency on power outlets. Tip: Look for laptops with at least eight hours of battery life. Consider power-efficient components and larger battery capacities.
Secondary components
1. Build quality and materials
Build quality affects durability, portability and professional appearance.
| Material type | Description |
| Plastic | Lighter and cheaper, but less durable |
| Metal (e.g., aluminum) | More durable and premium feel, but typically more expensive (e.g., XPS, Latitude, Precision Dell Product Lines) |
2. Display quality
- Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080) is standard, while 4K offers sharper images but impacts battery life.
- Size: 13″-14″ is ideal for portability, while 15″-17″ provides more screen real estate.
- Brightness and colour accuracy: This is important for visual work and outdoor use. Certain Dell laptops have 100% Adobe RGB calibrated displays.
3. Brand and customer support
- Reputation: Choose brands known for reliability and good customer service.
- Warranty: Consider extended warranties for critical business laptops. Is the work mission critical? How quick do you need support for the work you are doing on this laptop? Do you have dedicated support? Do you need the manufacturer to assist with troubleshooting? How long do you plan to keep the laptop? (Average technology refreshes are 3-4 years for businesses.)
| Dell ProSupport feature | Description |
| 24×7 access | Round-the-clock access to Dell’s expert support, including holidays |
| Advanced technical support | Direct access to highly trained technicians for troubleshooting assistance |
| On-site service | Next business day on-site service after remote diagnosis, where a technician and/or part will be dispatched if necessary |
| Collaborative support | Dell serves as a single point of contact for troubleshooting issues with common third-party vendor products |
| SupportAssist technology | Proactive and predictive issue detection, automated case creation and part dispatch, and automatic driver and firmware updates |
| Comprehensive software support | Assistance with select Dell OEM end-user applications, operating systems and firmware |
| International support | Service and support options when traveling with select Dell products outside your home country (for periods less than six months) |
4. Additional features
- Keyboard: Backlit keyboards can improve productivity in low-light conditions.
- Ports: Ensure there are sufficient ports for your needs (USB, HDMI, etc.).
- Security: Features like fingerprint readers or facial recognition can enhance data protection.
- Touchscreen: This can be useful for certain applications but may impact battery life.
Conclusion
When choosing a laptop for your startup, start by assessing your specific needs and software requirements. Use tools and these questions to help understand what you are looking for in a laptop as you view all available options. Also consider secondary factors such as build quality and support, which can impact long-term satisfaction and productivity.
If you need help, our advisors and team at Dell for Startups offer a wide range of laptops tailored for startups, balancing performance, reliability and value. Our products are designed to grow with your business, ensuring you have the right tools at every stage of your startup journey.
Learn more about Dell for Startups at dellforstartups.com. For personalized assistance, reach out to the MaRS Dell for Startups Program Manager at startups@dell.com to connect with one of our dedicated startup IT advisors as your point of contact for any technology questions and needs.
Produced in partnership with:
YJ Lin