Purchasing a Workstation

By Joshua Erdman
Digital Foundation, inc.

Workstations are the end user's gateway to your business network. They should be seen as a disposable tool (like a paint brush). They are needed to get the job done but can just as easily be replaced. The real importance is at the server where all the data and workstation policies are kept and enforced making workstation replacement cheap and easy. When considering a workstation your focus should be more on the financial aspects (to lease or buy) than on features such as storage and speed. Again, the important storage takes place at the server and any workstation you buy today should have plenty of speed.

Major Considerations

CPUs and motherboards

Businesses are being faced with disposal costs as computers are replaced practically every 5 years. To do the environment a favor a business should purchase machines with the most up-to-date chasis (that is typically the newest motherboard chipset) since they can be upgraded later with faster CPUs. Even though the manufacturers do not advertise the chipset used in each line of their workstations, typically you can tell by the Front Side Bus speed advertised (as of this article writing 800MHz FSB speeds are the newest out).

Monitors and Flat Panel Displays

Space is a growing need for all desks so I also recommend equipping users with LCD Flat Panel Displays. They are more expensive but use less space and are easier on the eyes (picking up on productivity) and you will not be hit with any disposal fees.

Accessories

Speakers

You can find 5.1 surround sound speakers and turn your office cubicle into a live theatre. Check out speaker systems at -->

Toys!

USB Memory Stick
USB Portable Hard Drive

Memory

More RAM lowers the amount of HD access making the computer faster. This is most noticable if you use a PC with 256MB of RAM of less (in Windows XP). As a rule of thumb I always start laptops with 512MB or more. The other thing to note is that laptops usually have only ONE memory expansion slot so check out the configuration and make sure that slot is not used so you can add more later. Keep in mind that memory can be expensive (especially when purchased from the manufacturer so you can always buy more from a 3rd party vendor, such as Crucial.

Article last reviewed: 02/13/2005

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Created by: Digital Foundation, inc.

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