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Lawyers increasingly rely on computing power to perform tasks. Things like discovery, legal research, case management, client communication, document management, and filing, and more have been made more efficient through software availability and internet access.
Law firms typically use a combination of laptops and desktops to complete daily tasks; Desktops are often used in-office, and laptops offer the flexibility of use both inside and outside of the office - a feature desired by lawyers who sometimes work remotely or require computing functions while meeting with clients outside of the office. With many different types of laptops and desktops, however, the question is regularly asked, “Which desktops or laptops should I buy for my law firm?” It can be easy for a tech purchase such as this to feel overwhelming; After all, depending on the size of the law firm, computer purchasing costs can add up quickly.
Below, we’ll take a look at the critical factors to consider when purchasing desktops and laptops for a law firm - hopefully making the process much easier.
Whether you’re considering desktop or laptop purchasing options, screen size is something you’ll need to consider. Lawyers often conduct multiple tasks at once on their computers - having the right screen size can make processes much more manageable. It’s recommended that laptop screens are within 12.5 to 14 inches for optimal usability. For desktops, 24” is typically considered an industry norm.
Laptops are built explicitly for portability. The last thing any lawyer wants to deal with is a bulky or heavy laptop. By keeping laptop weight three pounds or under, portability can be maximized.
One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing desktops or laptops for law firms is computing speed. As previously mentioned, lawyers multitask throughout the day; Having a computer that can keep up is incredibly important. There are three main elements that law firms should specifically consider when purchasing computers:
Computer purchasing for law firms can get pricey relatively quickly, especially for larger firms. While the price of a computer doesn’t directly impact its usability, it’s probably a good idea to remain within specific price points to have a better chance at quality and durability with selection. TheLawyerist.Com recommends laptop minimum costs stay around $1,000, and desktop costs (not including the monitor) remain around $750 or more.
Warranties are not required but can be helpful. Due to the likelihood of being used out of office, purchasing laptop warranties to protect against accidental damage is usually recommended. Desktop warranties are less popular and needed; however, they can come in handy in the long-term if an electrical component was to fail.
Desktop as a service, or DaaS, is an option being considered more often within the business and legal fields because it can save money and headaches. Mainly, all data, storage, upgrades, security, and backup is handled through a third-party provider. This can benefit law firms in several ways:
Purchasing computers for use within a law firm can feel daunting due to the number of choices and costs. But, through careful consideration of the factors mentioned above, law firms can feel more confident in their computer purchasing decisions.
Let's face it, downtime, hiccups and technical challenges are unavoidable in every business and they can be frustrating and downright costly.