Answer:
. What do I need it for the most?
It seems an obvious question, but it’s the best place to start by determining whether the device is for personal or professional use. Devices for work tend to be more powerful than home, and choosing a beautifully designed device will stand out for all the right reasons in the office. It’s also worth looking at premium devices that can cover both work and personal needs, because while they may cost a little more, they’ll still require less investment than two separate purchases.
2. Where will I use it most?
Increasingly, the technology we use is designed to be portable and fit in with our roaming work and life schedules. But just because you spend a lot of time on the road, it doesn’t mean you have to compromise – why should you pick between performance and style? A lot of new hybrid devices on the market offer the power of a PC with the connectivity and portability of a laptop or tablet. And if you’re purely interested in a fixed desktop with large screen, you may be surprised at the latest models, which are scaled down in size but still pack a punch. Say hello to extra desk space.
If a device is made from CNC aluminum then it’ll be even lighter, and if the screen is made from robust Gorilla Glass it’ll be less likely to break.
3. Do I need it to be super portable?
If you’re constantly on the move, you’ll have already decided to choose a device that you can pick up and take with you. However, it might be worth considering a few more factors that’ll make your portable device even better on the move. For example, if a device is made from CNC aluminum then it’ll be even lighter, and if the screen is made from robust Gorilla Glass it’ll be less likely to break.
4. Is multi-screen connectivity important to me?
For some people, like graphic designers, personal assistants or finance workers, multiple screens are essential. If this is you, choose devices that can offer you a seamless experience between screens, syncing from small to big in an instant. Mobile, multi-screen connected devices that you can take with you also help you avoid downtime and let you see your work in full size when you’re back in the office.
5. What battery life do I need?
Nobody wants to be hunting for plug sockets in a café, airport or train station. Extra-long battery life devices make it easier to work on the move. And while previously a long battery life meant choosing something bulkier, times have changed. Some devices with the best battery life are also the most beautiful looking, with the battery hidden in a super sleek and premium exterior.
6. Do I care about the look and design?
Do you want form or function? Does it matter what your device says about you? The technology you carry could speak volumes, so don’t underestimate the importance of an eye-catching design. After all, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, especially in business.
7. What apps do I need?
There’s nothing worse than buying new technology only to discover the apps you rely on for work and life aren’t compatible. Before you buy, make a list of every app you use and do your research to ensure they’re compatible with your new device. It’s also worth considering a more premium device that will often have more apps and programs pre-loaded, along with a better security offering.
8. What tasks will I be performing on it?
Writing reports in Word, creating presentations in PowerPoint or using your device for social media content? The specific tasks you plan to perform on your device will give you direction on the performance, power, connectivity and whether you need your work to sync across multiple devices.
9. What screen size do I need?
Smaller devices are gaining popularity due to portability, competitive pricing and becoming more powerful than ever before. For some though, their screens size still feels like a compromise. If you’re working on image or text heavy documents, you’ll be more productive on a large screen size that isn’t portable. This need hasn’t gone unnoticed by manufacturers, who now offer technology that syncs across all your devices from your palm to your PC. It’s not just seamless syncing that’s to be admired either, with these devices designed to look the part too.
10. Do I need more than one device?
The rise of the hybrid device has reduced the need for multiple devices and made life easier for the business traveller. There are still times when one device might not be enough, the need for a large screen or extra powerful desk-based devices for example. Only you can decide what you need, but it’s worth remembering the lines between stunning design and performance have been blurred. Sleek design no longer means poor battery life, and stunning compact desktop devices no longer equals a less powerful device.
