Small Business Computing via Laptop

Many small solo business owners I know run their businesses from a laptop.  If  you don’t have employees and you work from home, or on the road, why not? With the availability of wireless communications and the computer power of laptops,  you can do just about anything with a laptop that you can do with a PC.

Benefits of Running Your Business on a Laptop

It is convenient, easy to transport from room to room or from home to office.  Everything is in one place, so you don’t have to switch files back and forth.  You know your software is compatible, because it’s the only software you have. Laptops are often less expensive than PC’s.

Disadvantages of a Laptop-Based Business

You must plug in and out of the laptop every time you change location.  A docking station can eliminate much of this problem, and you can find a docking station to fit your laptop, but the whole docking/undocking process is a pain.  I keep my laptop in one place, and only grudgingly move it.

The biggest disadvantage for me is the lack of a real keyboard.  I have a separate keyboard that I plug in to my laptop because it’s just too tiring to be typing all day on a tine laptop keyboard.  And, yes, I have the wrist rest and the mouse rest, to save my wrists.  The small screen is a problem, too, which means buying a large screen, if you are on the computer all day.

When you get all done with the docking station, large monitor, and the other accessories, what is really the advantage of the laptop?  Only one thing, that I can see: If you need to take it with you when you travel, you have everything you need from your computer ready to go.

Maybe one of these days no one will use PC’s any more. I’m betting the end of the PC will be later, rather than sooner.  What do you think?

Image: sxc.hu