When starting a business, you are looking to maximise the return on your investment of cash as well as reduce the time spent on administration.
I launched my starting a business course in 2016 and gave a list of recommended equipment for someone starting out.
Things have moved on in the last seven years, so in 2023 I have updated my list:
As the move to online has continued, the actual specifications of the physical device are now less important.
You can also get good value by purchasing used equipment, which is likely to have many years of reliable service left at a much lower purchase price. In addition, many resellers of used equipment also offer a one-year guarantee.
- Laptop
I have had good experiences with both a Microsoft Surface Pro (with a type cover it functions as laptop or tablet) and a MacBook Air that were bought used with a guarantee.
- Tablet
As many apps are available on different app stores, the Amazon Kindle Fire HD 10-inch tablet is a good bargain new. There are also other Android tablets available for not much more, as well as earlier generation iPads.
- Smartphone
The iPhone SE (second generation onwards) is another good bargain, offering the latest operating system and apps and at a very good price. If you are looking to buy new then the latest SE is priced at about half of other mid-range phones.
For Android, I have had good experiences with both the Motorola G series as well as Samsung Galaxy A.
- Multi-function printer
With individual ink tanks. Although the cost of these is much higher, the value of the ink they come with is worth more than the higher cost of purchase. Rather than getting a cheap printer and then having to pay a lot for ink, it works the other way round.
- USB memory sticks & portable hard drives
USB3 type as the transfer speeds are so much higher. For hard drives, SSD is the recommended type. They are now much more affordable, and the speed is vastly greater.
- Online disk drive storage
Particularly for the software below, being able to store your files in the cloud (as well as having physical backups) means that you have access to them through a web browser or app wherever you are and whatever device you are using.
- Software
Spreadsheet, word processor and diary.
Now using online systems with apps installed on your devices and online disk storage, they are always up to date whichever device you are using.
Personally I use the Microsoft Office applications, however there is also good software available from Apple or Google instead if you prefer.