08/ 23/ 2005
by Jeffrey Moses
Computer manufacturers and salespeople are quick to point out that upgrading your computer system will make you more efficient, thereby saving you money. The sale’s rationale usually ends with something like this: “Upgrading to a faster model will save you so much time you’ll quickly pay for your new equipment.”
Is this true? Perhaps it is when a person is using equipment that is constantly in the shop or doesn’t run any of the programs needed. Much of the time, however, upgrading to the newest equipment will yield little performance improvement. A computer that theoretically runs twice as fast as a previous model will probably, in real-world activity, run about one-third or one-half faster. Remember, too, that computer users often sit for long moments just staring at the screen, calculating what they want to do next. Contrary to what computer manufacturers would have you believe, the majority of a computer user’s day is not spent waiting for a computer to finish a project.
You must also consider lost productivity caused by the inevitable learning curve accompanying a purchase. Every new piece of software or hardware––let me repeat, every new piece––comes with a learning curve attached. This includes computers, printers, drives and software. During the learning period, employees don’t produce much and may become anxious or frustrated, further reducing production.
From the standpoint of hardware efficiency, computers bought within the last two to three years are, by their nature, high performers. Competition between computer and software companies has been intense during the tech meltdown of the last few years. As a result, top-quality computers have been priced very, very competitively. This year’s model may have a few more bells and whistles, be a little faster, or have a little bigger screen or better optical drive. But companies should examine the advantages that could come from allowing employees to continue working with equipment and software with which they’re familiar. Most likely, it does the job just fine.
Exceptions to the above? As already mentioned, when a computer is in the shop or doesn’t run new software needed for a job, consider an upgrade. Other exceptions include:
- Upgrading to DSL or cable modem (the monthly cost of these services is so low today that employees who do extensive online research or communicate with customers continually via e-mail will find the expense paying for itself quickly).
- Upgrading from an ink-jet to a laser printer (printer prices have come down considerably and will enable you to print crisp, water-tolerant documents and envelopes).
- Adding keyboards that attach to laptops, which speed up typing significantly for a minimal cost, in most cases.
- Upgrading to rewritable optical drives (CD-RW) from 100 megabyte ZIP discs. When you need to mail large files or archive material, the extra space on CDs will save time and money, especially with the excellent, economical external optical drives available today.
