There are a dizzying number of PC models out there, in every size, shape, and color. Manufacturers don't always do a good job of differentiating between consumer-oriented computers and business computers. What ARE the key differences?
1) Models in the business class do not change as frequently as consumer-class machines. For your support staff, computers bought six to twelve months apart may still use all the same driver files, so they aren't spending their time learning the intricacies of many unique configurations.
2) Business-class PCs also tend to have warranties that cover the useful lifecycle of the machine. Consumer PCs are often covered under a twelve month warranty (or less!)
3) Manufacturers tend to put the individual components that offer the most value to business users in their PCs. The latest video cards benefit the serious gameplayer, but don't offer any benefits to a Microsoft Word user. So this type of component is offered as an option, if at all.
How do you tell which is which? HP offers the following lines of business class PCs: NX, NC, NW, 2000, 5000 & 7000. Dell offers the Precision, Optiplex and Latitude lines. Inetium can also help you determine what types of computers are best for your business.