HP TECH TAKES /...
Exploring today's technology for tomorrow's possibilities
Subscribe
Best Small Business Tech for Productivity on a Budget
Jamie Finch
|
November 3, 2023
Most modern businesses need to use technology like computers and printers to help keep them productive. However, some of the best tech for small businesses can be expensive, making it difficult for many companies to afford them.
Fortunately, you will find numerous small business tech products on the market at affordable prices, including some quality products from HP. Here’s a brief look at some of the best.
The HP ProBook Series
The HP ProBook Series was made for professionals who need a powerful yet portable workstation. While these machines are made with professionals in mind, they are also flexible enough to be used casually, such as playing games and watching movies.
For example, the HP ProBook 455 G10 15.6-inch Business Laptop comes with an AMD Ryzen™ 3 CPU that is enough for most professionals to power through their tasks. The 15.6-inch Full High Definition (FHD) screen provides all the clarity most will need and graphics are provided courtesy of an AMD Radeon™ graphics processor unit (GPU).
Online security is enhanced with help from HP Sure Sense from potentially costly malware, while the HP Manageability Integration Kit also helps make it easier for you to maintain and update your machine as required.
This model has 8GB RAM and 256GB solid-state drive (SSD) storage that both help enhance this machine’s speed. This small business laptop is also highly portable thanks to its connectivity and light weight of just over 1.7 kg. In addition to the configurations mentioned above, you can also choose a Ryzen 5 or a Ryzen 7 CPU. You can also choose 16GB RAM instead of 8GB, and 512GB SSD storage instead of 256GB.
The HP ProBook 455 G10 15.6-inch Business Laptop is made primarily from aluminium and plastic, providing durability alongside portability. This is also a sleek, professional machine that will fit well in any professional environment.
The HP Pavilion Series
One of the first things you’ll likely notice about the HP Pavilion Series is the wide variety of features the range offers. Such a variety means the Pavilion series has all that most professionals will need, while it is also ideal for home use and entertainment.
The series’ flexibility is highlighted by the HP Pavilion x360 (14-ek1004na) Convertible Laptop. One of this machine’s key features is that you can easily convert it from a laptop into a tablet. As such, you can use this device in numerous ways, helping to boost small business productivity.
This laptop has an Intel Core i3 processor, while you can also choose an Intel® Core™ i5 or an Intel Core i7 CPU. Other configuration options include 8GB or 16GB RAM, and you can choose between Intel UHD Graphics or Intel Iris® Xe Graphics. This model also lets you choose between 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD storage.
As a convertible, this laptop also uses a touch screen which further enhances its flexibility. Not only that, but in-plane switching (IPS) technology offers vibrant images and a wide viewing angle. Flicker-free technology also helps keep comfortable viewing during long sessions.
This machine’s portability is enhanced with the help of its long-lasting battery and the HP Fast Charge feature that helps ensure you remain productive. The HP True Vision 5MP camera also helps make this model a good option for remote workers.
Value for money HP desktops
For those who don’t need the portability of a laptop, HP offers a range of powerful desktops made to boost productivity. The HP EliteDesk 800 Series typically focuses on running complex apps quickly, ensuring internet connectivity and giving you flexibility in how you work.
For example, the HP Elite Mini 800 G9 Business Desktop has a powerful Core i7 processor that helps provide the power you need. Alternatively, you can choose from an Intel Core i5 or i9 processor. Other options include 16GB or 32GB RAM or 512GB or 1TB SSD storage.
This mini desktop also offers the security small businesses need when operating online, including HP Sure Sense, HP Wolf Pro Security Edition and HP Sure Run. The HP Elite Mini 800 G9 Business Desktop’s compact size helps you stay tidy, and it runs quietly, helping you focus.
Printers and scanners
Printers and scanners are essential tools in offices around the world and they tend to offer numerous features that enhance productivity. Here’s a brief look at some of the best printers and scanners for small businesses on a budget.
HP Colour LaserJet Pro 4202dn Wireless printer
The HP Colour LaserJet Pro 4202dn Wireless printer is an ideal option for small businesses that need access to high-volume printing. This printer has a capacity of 300 sheets of paper, which is plenty for most small businesses. However, if you need more, there’s also an optional 550-sheet tray that raises the maximum to 850 sheets.
This printer can also print on both sides and print up to 33 A4 pages per minute (PPM) whether printing in black or colour. The HP Colour LaserJet Pro 4202dn is also compatible with tablets and similar devices, and it comes with the latest security features to keep sensitive data safe.
HP ScanJet Pro 3000 s4 Sheet-feed Scanner
Another essential tool for many is a scanner, and the HP ScanJet Pro 3000 s4 Sheet-feed Scanner makes a sound choice for many small businesses. This scanner can scan up to 4,000 sheets per day which is plenty for most needs. It also features one-touch scanning and one-pass duplex scanning to boost flexibility and productivity.
Many users find this machine’s compact design appealing, while this scanner still has plenty to offer despite its petite size. In addition to the benefits mentioned, you can also expect excellent image quality, helping your business make the right impression.
Other useful features include optical character recognition (OCR) technology that helps you find the right documents, while the HP ScanJet Pro 3000 s4 Sheet-feed Scanner also lets you scan to the cloud for added flexibility.
Collaborative tools & accessories
HP also offers a range of collaborative tools and accessories that help small businesses work closely together as a team. When used right, these tools can give you a welcome productivity boost, and here are a couple of the best:
HP 620 FHD 1080P IR Webcam
The HP 620 FHD 1080P IR Webcam is the ideal tool for business owners and employees who regularly work remotely. This camera works with most conferencing software including Zoom, Chrome, and Microsoft Teams.
Fully adjustability helps you get comfortable while others can see you. This camera also gives you more control over what other people see with an adjustable field of view, colour and brightness control, and digital zoom. The auto-focus and zoom features also help make collaboration with remote team members easier.
Dual microphones with noise-cancelling technology ensure everybody else can hear you even with high levels of background noise. This webcam also offers all the security and privacy you need, giving you peace of mind when working online.
HP USB-C Essential Dock G5
Another handy tool that can help streamline your workflows is the HP USB-C Essential Dock G5. This sleek, compact hub connects directly to your computer and lets you connect with a range of devices using a single USB-C port on your machine.
This dock gives you easy access to one HDMI Port, 1 RJ-45 port, two DisplayPort™ ports, and two SuperSpeed USB Type-A ports. As such, this port provides access to up to 3 high-resolution displays, accessories, a stable internet connection, and provides your machine with 65W.
This dock also gives your IT department management features that help them organise and maintain your small business tech so it continues to help your business prosper. Among the most popular features of this dock is its small size and petite profile that helps to keep your desk tidy.
Summary
Which small business tech tools above work for you depends on factors like your needs and budget. Before investing in any technology, it’s best to think about how you are going to use it to ensure you get the right tools for you. For example, if you run resource-hungry apps for work, you will likely need a powerful CPU and plenty of RAM.
Using the right tools can not only help boost your productivity but can also make the working day easier for some people. Modern tech can also be extremely valuable to people who regularly work remotely, keeping you productive and keeping you safe.
