Quick Summary

Startups need reliable technology, but big upfront hardware costs can eat into cash that’s better spent on growth. Leasing business laptops offers a practical alternative, spreading costs into predictable monthly payments, making it easier to scale as teams grow, and giving employees access to better, more current devices without the risk of them becoming outdated. 

This guide covers why leasing suits early-stage businesses, how to choose the right laptops for different working styles, and the flexible leasing options available through HardSoft.

Introduction

In the beginning, every startup faces the same challenge: doing more with less. Cash is tight and priorities shift quickly. Technology is no exception – yet it’s often one of the biggest upfront costs a new business faces, especially when equipping a growing team with laptops capable of handling modern workloads.

Buying hardware outright ties up capital that could otherwise go toward hiring, marketing, or product development. It also locks a business into devices that may not suit its needs a year or two down the line.

So how can startups get the technology they need without draining their cash reserves?

Common Ways to Finance Business Computers

1. Traditional Purchase

Where you simply buy computers from a supplier and own them outright and fully manage them yourself.

2. Business Loans

A financial sum granted by a bank or third-party finance company to allow you to then purchase computer equipment for yourself. Often comes with rising interest rates.

3. Leasing Business Computers 

Your business does not own the computer hardware assets but can use them for the duration of the lease. Rather than a large one-off payment, leasing offers single monthly payments while gaining access to reliable, business-grade technology.

The equipment is typically treated as an operating expense and may be tax-deductible. As a business grows, adds staff, or changes direction, a lease can often flex to meet evolving requirements, helping preserve cash flow while avoiding the burden of large capital investments. 

4. Contract Hiring Agreement

Similar to a rental. You can use an asset for a specific period and then return it. The equipment is not recorded as an asset or liability of the business. It is merely a rental expense. 

5. Hire Purchase

A hire purchase can feel very similar to a lease since it also helps to spread the cost of equipment out over time. The main difference is that in a Hire Purchase, the payments made previously count towards equipment purchase. 

Leasing vs Buying 

While there are several ways to finance business computers, leasing and buying outright are often the two most commonly compared options for startups and growing businesses. 

Both options have advantages, but they suit different business circumstances.

Leasing	Buying
Lower upfront costs	Higher upfront investment
Predictable monthly payments	One-time capital expenditure
Easier to scale as the business grows	Additional purchases required when expanding
Option to refresh technology regularly	Risk of hardware becoming outdated
Often includes support and lifecycle services	Responsibility remains with the business
Can improve cash flow management	Full ownership from day one

For startups, preserving cash flow is often more important than immediate ownership. 

Why Leasing Makes Sense for New Startups

Protects Valuable Cash Flow

Most startups operate with limited budgets during their early stages. Anything spent on technology is money that cannot be invested elsewhere, such as:

• Marketing campaigns
• Product development
• Recruitment 
• Customer acquisition 
• Business growth initiatives

Leasing means no massive bulk purchases draining your finances all at once, just smaller, manageable payments every month.

Reduce The Operational Burden

Depending on your supplier, leasing business computers usually comes with extra services regarding the management, maintenance, repair, replacement and recycling of your devices. This saves your IT department and staff a lot of time and increases your productivity. 

More Technical Support

Receive support for technical upkeep of devices, help with cyber security software, and replacements if anything goes wrong. Hardsoft includes full 3-year warranties with our leases, complete support packages, and optional accidental breakage cover – we explore this further below. 

Or for an even deeper dive, take a look at our full guide on the benefits of IT support packages. 

More Management Support

Suppliers like HardSoft can show you how to add all business devices under a single Mobile Device Management (MDM) platform. This allows you to manage devices, deploy apps, enforce security settings, and control how staff use company devices, even when working from home. You also have the ability to remotely secure or wipe devices if they are lost or stolen. 

Choosing the Right Business Laptops for Your Startup 

Not every startup has the same requirements. The right devices depend on how your team works. 

For Office-Based Teams

Look for: 

• Reliable performance
• Good battery life
• Business-grade security 
• Comfortable keyboards and displays

Popular options include: HP EliteBook,Lenovo ThinkPad, Microsoft Surface 

For Hybrid And Remote Teams

Prioritise:

• Lightweight designs
• Long battery life
• Video conferencing performance
• Portability 

Popular options include: Apple MacBook Air, Microsoft Surface, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

For AI Workloads And Future Growth

As AI tools become more widely adopted, startups should consider devices capable of supporting:

• AI-enhanced productivity tools
• Advanced collaboration applications
• Future software demands and security requirements

Choosing AI-ready hardware today can reduce the need for premature replacements tomorrow. 

HardSoft’s Flexible Leasing Options

HardSoft has supported UK businesses to access the right technology for over 40 years, combining flexible finance, expert support and business-grade devices under one roof. We partner with all the leading computer hardware manufacturers in the industry, including Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, Lenovo, HP, Dell, and more. 

Startup growth can be unpredictable, which is why flexibility matters. We offer a range of leasing solutions so you can choose the right balance of cost, support and scalability for your business. 

Flexi 

Our most popular leasing solution for startups and small businesses, Flexi is designed for organisations that expect their technology requirements to evolve over time. 

Key benefits include:

• Option to change devices after 12 months
• Add devices at any time as your team grows
• Three years’ warranty and support 
• Optional device pre-configuration
• Optional cover against loss and theft

 Learn more about your options at 12 months

Pure

Pure is our most cost-effective leasing solution and can be up to 30% more affordable than Flexi, giving businesses access to the same high-quality technology at a significantly lower monthly cost.

Available on:

• A 3-year term with the option to cancel after 24 months
• A 5-year term with the option to cancel after 36 months 

Pure also includes:

• Lifetime warranty and support
• Optional device pre-configuration
• Optional cover against loss and theft

For startups focused on preserving cash flow and keeping monthly costs as low as possible, Pure can be an excellent choice. However, businesses expecting significant growth, changing requirements or future hardware upgrades may benefit from the additional flexibility offered by Flexi. 

Devices for Teams

Devices for Teams is designed for larger businesses and ambitious scale-ups that need a fully managed, highly flexible device solution.

It’s particularly well-suited to fast-growing organisations that need the ability to add, switch and return devices as their workforce evolves. 

Key benefits include:

• Options to change devices at 12 months
• Add devices whenever required
• Three years’ warranty and support
• Device pre-configuration included
• Optional cover against loss and theft
• Additional lifecycle and device management services available

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Key Takeaways

• Leasing allows startups to access modern technology without large upfront costs
• Predictable monthly payments can improve cash flow and budgeting
• Leasing makes it easier to scale technology as your team grows 
• Sustainable IT strategies benefit from planned device refreshes and lifecycle management
• Flexible leasing options help startups adapt to changing business requirements 
• HardSoft offers device leasing, support, lifecycle services and finance from a single provider

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How to Get Started?

1. Arrange a call with our team to discuss your requirements and the amount of hardware you need.

2. We can conduct an evaluation of your industry and business objectives to match you with the right devices and the right type of lease.

3. HardSoft has our own finance arm and a deep understanding of what makes a good business. We have complete autonomy on who we lease to and we are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority. This makes the paperwork minimal and the approval process very rapid. We handle all of the administration and paperwork in the background through a streamlined process. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you receive your hardware and how little you had to do.

4. We can install or remotely deploy your hardware fully configured and ready to go.

5. We’ll be in contact throughout the lease to offer tech support, management support and strategic support to help you get the best from your devices.

There are several ways to finance a MacBook for your business. Whether you’re a start-up kitting out your first hire, a growing SME, or an established company refreshing an entire office, there’s more than one route to getting Apple hardware into your team’s hands.

If you’re weighing up how to fund a MacBook — or a whole fleet of Apple devices — it’s worth understanding your options before you commit. Below, we run through each one, then explain why leasing with HardSoft is, for most businesses, the clear winner.

Buying outright

Buying is the traditional, obvious route, and plenty of businesses default to it without much thought. You pay the full price up front and the device is yours.

MacBooks are premium machines, and the price reflects the build quality, longevity, and performance that make them so well suited to business use. But that quality comes with a hefty upfront cost, and paying it all in one go can sting, especially when you’re buying in bulk to fit out a whole team or multiple offices.

That single large outlay can eat into cash flow, delay other priorities, and leave you exposed if an unexpected expense comes along. It also means you’re carrying the full risk of the hardware ageing, and in a few years you may be left with a cupboard of outdated laptops you can’t shift.

Also read: Buying vs Leasing

Bank loans

With a bank loan, you still buy and own the hardware outright — the difference is the money comes from an approved loan that you then pay back over time, usually with interest. It spreads the cost, but you’re taking on debt, tying up your borrowing capacity, and still ending up owning kit that depreciates from day one.

Investor funding

Common among start-ups and scale-ups, investor funding works a little like a loan, but the money is usually applied across the whole business rather than earmarked for hardware. Even so, you’ll still need to budget for devices as though you were paying for them yourself — so the underlying question of how to finance them doesn’t really go away.

Buying on finance (and 0% finance)

Buying on finance lets you pay in instalments, usually monthly, and you own the devices once the payments are complete. It softens the upfront hit, though there’s often interest to factor in.

Some retailers offer 0% finance deals, which typically waive interest for a set period or delay the start of your repayments. These can look appealing, but the offers are usually time-limited and tied to specific products, and you’re still buying hardware that’s losing value as you pay it off.

Leasing — the smartest way to finance a MacBook

Leasing is, for most businesses, the most sensible and cost-effective way to get MacBooks into your team’s hands. Instead of a big one-off purchase, you spread the cost into predictable monthly payments — and critically, you’re not sinking capital into an asset that starts depreciating the moment it’s switched on.

The logic is simple, and it’s already how you run most of your life. Your car, your phone, your software, your office space — chances are you pay for all of them monthly. So why not your computers too?

Beyond protecting your cash flow, leasing brings some serious advantages:

• It’s tax-efficient. Lease payments are generally treated as an operating expense, which can be offset against your tax bill — unlike a capital purchase.
• You stay current. Technology moves fast. Leasing means you can refresh to the latest Apple silicon rather than being stuck with ageing kit.
• Support is built in. Your lease isn’t just hardware — it comes wrapped in expert technical support, warranty, and help throughout the life of your agreement.

Why lease your MacBooks with HardSoft?

Not all leasing providers are the same, and this is where HardSoft stands apart. We’ve been doing this for over 40 years, and in that time we’ve grown into the UK’s highest-rated business IT leasing company, with thousands of happy customers and hundreds of five-star reviews.

A few things set us apart:

• We’re our own finance company. HardSoft owns its FCA-regulated finance company, so there’s no mystery middleman or credit broker in the mix. That’s how we approve up to 98% of applications, often within 24 hours — start-ups included.
• A single source for everything. We handle the financing, the pre-configuration, the support, and the security of your devices, all on one simple monthly payment.
• Accredited and trusted. We’re authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, full members of the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA), ISO 27001 certified for information security, and a carbon-neutral, award-winning business.

Choosing the right lease for your MacBook

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all, which is why we offer three distinct leasing solutions. Whichever you choose, expert support and warranty come as standard.

Flexi – our most popular solution

A three-year lease built for evolving businesses and start-ups. What makes Flexi special is the freedom it gives you: if the majority of your kit is Apple, you can change your devices or end your agreement from just 12 months. 

You can add devices whenever you need to, Silver support is included, and at the end of the term you can take full ownership of your MacBook for just £1. If you want to understand exactly why it’s our best-seller, here are 7 reasons to choose Flexi.

Pure – our most affordable solution 

A no-nonsense three- or five-year lease that’s up to 30% cheaper than Flexi. Pure is ideal if affordability and agility are your priorities: you can change, cancel, or refresh your devices from 24 months (on a three-year term), and at the end you can continue, cancel, refresh, or buy your equipment at fair market value. 

Opting for the five-year term keeps devices in use longer, which is kinder to your budget and the planet. (Pure is available to businesses trading for over two years.)

Devices for Teams – our most flexible solution

Our Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) offering, and the UK’s number one for growing SMEs. Ideal for businesses that need 50 or more devices, it lets you switch — and even return — devices without penalty, with premium Gold support included. It’s built for maximum agility as your team scales.

Ready to get started? Build your lease solution online, or give our team a call on 0207 111 1643 and we’ll help you find the right fit.

Quick Summary

Choosing between NVIDIA DGX Spark and Apple M5 chip can define your success in AI development or creative workflows. This guide compares both platforms on AI performance, speed, energy efficiency, and enterprise deployment, while showing how HardSoft’s leasing solutions make cutting-edge hardware accessible for every business.

NVIDIA DGX Spark – The AI Powerhouse

The NVIDIA DGX Spark is a “personal AI supercomputer” designed for developers, data scientists, and research teams. It brings data centre-level AI capabilities to your desktop.

Key Features

• Grace Blackwell GB10 Superchip: 20-core Arm CPU + Blackwell GPU with 5th-gen Tensor Cores.
• Unified 128GB LPDDR5x Memory: Enables fine-tuning of models up to 200B parameters.
• NVFP4 Precision: Accelerates LLM inference for generative AI.
• Pre-installed AI Stack: Includes CUDA, cuDNN, PyTorch, TensorFlow, and NVIDIA NIM.

Performance Highlights

• LLM Training & Inference: Handles models up to 200B parameters locally.
• Energy Efficiency: 170–240W under load, compact and quiet (<40 dBA).
• Enterprise Ready: Scalable deployment, encrypted storage, and NVIDIA support.

Apple M5 Chip – Creative Workflow Champion

The Apple M5 chip is built for designers, video editors, and SMEs who need speed, efficiency, and seamless macOS integration.

Key Features

• 10-core CPU + 10-core GPU with Neural Accelerators.
• Unified Memory Architecture: Up to 128GB with 546 GB/s bandwidth.
• Thunderbolt 5 Clustering: Scale performance for large AI models.
• Creative Optimisation: Hardware-accelerated ProRes, Metal shaders, and CoreML.

Performance Highlights

• Creative Dominance: Perfect for video editing, 3D rendering, and design.
• AI Inference: Runs quantised models up to 72B parameters.
• Energy Efficiency: Consumes 90–200W in clusters—ideal for hybrid work.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature	NVIDIA DGX Spark	Apple M5
Target User	AI developers, data scientists	Creative professionals, SMEs
Memory	128GB LPDDR5x (273 GB/s)	Up to 128GB Unified (546 GB/s)
AI Performance	1,000 AI TOPS, 200B params	Up to 72B params
Power Consumption	170–240W	90–200W
Best For	AI training, inference	Video, design, creative

Which Chip Fits Your Business Needs?

• Choose NVIDIA DGX Spark if:
  You need maximum AI throughput, CUDA-optimised frameworks, and a personal AI lab for research and prototyping.

• Choose Apple M5 if:
  Your workflow is creative-first, you value energy efficiency, and need local AI inference with macOS integration.
  

HardSoft Leasing Options

Investing in high-performance hardware doesn’t have to mean high upfront costs. HardSoft’s flexible leasing solutions make both NVIDIA and Apple devices accessible.

Why Lease with HardSoft?

• Predictable monthly costs
• 100% tax-deductible
• Extended warranty & accidental damage cover
• Upgrade flexibility
• Sustainable trade-in options

Key Takeaways

• NVIDIA DGX Spark: Best for AI research, model training, and enterprise-scale inference.
• Apple M5: Ideal for creative professionals and energy-efficient workflows.
• HardSoft: Your partner for affordable, AI-ready device leasing.

FAQs

Q: Which chip is better for AI workloads?
A: NVIDIA DGX Spark leads for large-scale AI training; Apple M5 excels at creative tasks and local AI inference.

Q: Can I lease both devices from HardSoft?
A: Yes! HardSoft offers flexible leasing for both NVIDIA and Apple hardware.

Introduction

The modern workplace is evolving rapidly, and technology choices are at the heart of this transformation. Recent research shows that 60% of employees wish their company offered Mac devices—a clear signal that Apple’s ecosystem is resonating with today’s workforce. With the launch of macOS Tahoe and the latest Apple silicon, businesses have more reasons than ever to consider Mac for their teams.

1. Performance and AI: Supercharged for Business

Apple’s latest silicon—M5, M4 Pro, M4 Max, and M4 Ultra—delivers industry-leading performance per watt, powerful graphics, and unified memory up to 512GB. Macs are architected for AI, with dedicated CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine, making them ideal for demanding business applications and future-proofing your investment. 6x faster performance for LLM inference on MacBook Pro with M5, compared to previous generations. Apple Intelligence brings advanced AI features to macOS, enhancing productivity and automation.

Mac Does That:
Macs are built for multitasking and speed. The unified memory architecture of Apple silicon delivers fast, fluid multitasking, letting teams rip through workflows with ease. Macs start up in a flash and handle demanding business apps like Excel, PowerPoint, Salesforce, and Zoom without breaking a sweat.

2. Productivity That Matters

Macs excel in real-world business tasks:

• Faster spreadsheet calculations in Excel—up to 2.1x faster on the latest MacBook Pro compared to older models.
• Up to 24 hours of video playback for all-day productivity.
• Liquid Retina XDR display and studio-quality mics/cameras for unrivalled video calls and presentations.

Mac Does That:
Mac runs all your favourite business apps, including Microsoft 365, Outlook, Google Workspace, and more. Employees can multitask superfast with the M2 chip, and enjoy seamless integration with iPhone—copy and paste, sync edits, and continue conversations between devices.

3. Seamless Integration and Compatibility

macOS Tahoe is designed to work effortlessly with the apps your employees use every day—Microsoft 365, Teams, Slack, Zoom, Salesforce, and more. Employees can work seamlessly across Mac, iPhone, and iPad, boosting collaboration and flexibility

Mac Does That:
Mac and iPhone work even better together, giving employees the benefit of one seamless work experience. Features like Handoff, AirDrop, Universal Clipboard, and iCloud synchronise data across all Apple devices, ensuring files, photos, and documents are accessible from anywhere.

4. Security and Manageability

Security is built into every layer of Mac:

• Hardware and system security
• Encryption and data protection
• Network and app security
• Comprehensive management controls for IT

Businesses benefit from MDM and endpoint security solutions, reducing risk and simplifying compliance.

Mac Does That:
Mac is super secure out of the box, with features like on-the-fly encryption, Touch ID, and Gatekeeper built in. It’s compatible with the security tools businesses already use, and is easy for IT to manage, with faster setup and fewer support tickets.

5. Real Business Impact

Leading companies are seeing tangible benefits:

• 75% increase in deployment efficiency and 95% decrease in security incidents at Want Want Group, with over 10,000 Macs deployed.
• <1% of devices needed hardware repairs and 50% reduction in power consumption at Inter (Brazil), with 4,000+ Macs.
• $547 savings per Mac compared to PC over a four-year cycle (Forrester Consulting, May 2024).
• 78% of top US companies deploy Mac at scale.

Mac Does That:
Macs are built with high-quality materials, ensuring longevity and reliability. They have higher residual value, meaning users can upgrade more often, and businesses benefit from lower downtime and support costs.

6. Sustainability and Longevity

Macs are built to last, with high trade-in value and energy efficiency. The MacBook Air with M4 chip uses significantly less energy than comparable PCs, helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint.

Mac Does That:
Apple is committed to sustainability, using recycled materials and renewable energy, aiming to be net-zero by 2030.

7. Employee Experience Drives Customer Experience

As Fenna Boomgaard, Head of People at Rituals, puts it:

“Our employee experience directly impacts our customer experience. Working with Mac, iPhone and iPad gives you a really special feeling every day, which is exactly what we want to give our customers”

Ready to Transform Your Business?

Mac isn’t just about hardware—it’s about empowering people, driving productivity, and delivering measurable business results. With macOS Tahoe, Apple Silicon, and a robust ecosystem, businesses can unlock new levels of efficiency, security, and satisfaction.

Empower your team with the latest Mac devices, powered by macOS Tahoe and Apple Silicon. Leasing from HardSoft means you get flexibility, expert support, and cost-effective solutions tailored for your business.

• ✔ Flexible leasing plans for every business size
• ✔ Hassle-free device management and upgrades
• ✔ Expert advice and deployment support
• ✔ High trade-in value and sustainability benefits
• ✔ Dedicated business customer service

Lease Macs from HardSoft Today

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced business world, small businesses need technology that’s simple, reliable, and scalable. Apple’s ecosystem—spanning Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch—offers a seamless experience that helps teams work smarter, collaborate better, and grow faster. But what if you could access all these benefits without the upfront investment? Leasing Apple devices is an increasingly popular solution, delivering flexibility and financial advantages for small businesses.

Why Apple for Small Business?

Apple devices are designed to be intuitive and easy to manage. From the moment you unbox a Mac or iPad, setup is straightforward, and the familiar interface means less time training staff and more time focusing on your business.

Seamless Integration

Apple’s hardware and software are made for each other, ensuring a smooth experience across devices. Whether you’re managing projects, collaborating with your team, or onboarding new employees, Apple’s built-in apps and compatibility with Microsoft 365 make daily tasks effortless.

Productivity and Collaboration

With apps for productivity, creativity, and collaboration, Apple devices empower teams to do their best work. From managing schedules and accepting contactless payments to marketing your business and training employees, the App Store offers solutions for every need.

Security and Management

Protecting company data is simple with Apple. Devices come with built-in security features, malware protection, and secure software updates. Apple Business Essentials streamlines IT management, making it easy to set up, repair, and manage devices as your business grows.

Real-World Success Stories

Across the globe, small businesses are thriving with Apple technology:

• Dan’s Pet Care : Grew from a solo operation to 75+ employees, using Macs for payroll and iPhones/iPads to keep staff connected in the field.
• Hello Vet: Uses iPhones and iPads for instant access to patient records, improving workflows and client experiences.
• Bicycles Quilicot (Canada): Lowered IT costs and improved customer experiences after switching from PC to Mac.
• The Dinner Ladies (Australia): Scaled from 20 meals a week to 90,000, leveraging iPads for quality control and shift management.

The Benefits of Leasing Apple Devices

Leasing is a smart way for small businesses to access the latest Apple technology without large upfront costs. Here’s why leasing makes sense:

1. Preserve Cash Flow

Leasing allows businesses to spread payments over time, freeing up capital for other priorities like marketing, hiring, or inventory.

2. Stay Up-to-Date

Technology evolves quickly. Leasing ensures your team always has access to the latest devices, boosting productivity and security.

3. Simplified Management

Leased devices often come with support and management options, reducing the burden on your IT resources. Apple Business Essentials, for example, enables remote onboarding and device management—even without a dedicated IT team

4. Flexible Scaling

As your business grows, leasing makes it easy to add or upgrade devices. You can scale your tech stack in line with your needs, without worrying about depreciation or resale.

5. Tax Advantages

Leasing payments may be tax-deductible as a business expense, offering potential financial benefits (consult your accountant for details).

Why Choose HardSoft for Apple Leasing?

HardSoft is an accredited Apple Business Partner, trusted by thousands of UK businesses for over 40 years. As the highest-rated Apple Authorised Reseller on Trustpilot, HardSoft is rated “Excellent” with a 4.9/5 score from over 1,500 reviews. Their expertise, flexible leasing options, and outstanding customer service make them the ideal partner for small businesses looking to deploy Apple technology with confidence.

• Accredited Apple Business Partner: Certified and recognised by Apple for technical expertise and customer support.
• 40 Years of Trading: Established in 1983, HardSoft brings decades of experience and reliability.
• Rated Excellent on Trustpilot: Over 1,500 five-star reviews and a 4.9/5 rating reflect HardSoft’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

Apple’s ecosystem empowers small businesses to work smarter, collaborate better, and grow faster. Leasing Apple devices amplifies these benefits, delivering flexibility, financial efficiency, and peace of mind. With an accredited partner like HardSoft, you can unlock the full potential of Apple technology for your business—backed by expertise, trust, and a proven track record.

Business-grade laptop models are very different from consumer devices.

When it comes to choosing a laptop, it’s important to understand that business laptops and home laptops serve distinct purposes. While both may share some similarities, there are significant variations in their features and specifications.

In this article, we will explore the key differences between a business laptop and a home laptop and why all companies, even small businesses and sole traders, should lease business-grade equipment.

Cybersecurity

This is one of the most crucial differences between business and home laptops. Most business laptops come with added in-built security features to protect your business data.

Business laptops offer heightened security measures to counteract potential threats, ensuring that critical business information remains secure.

In the realm of cybersecurity, business laptops prioritise enhanced protection to safeguard sensitive data and intellectual property.

They often come equipped with advanced security features such as biometric authentication, TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chips, and encryption capabilities.

Durability and Repairability

Business laptops withstand the rigours of daily use and are built with sturdier materials compared to home laptops. They undergo rigorous testing to meet higher durability standards, making them more resistant to impacts, spills, and other accidents.

Additionally, business laptops often feature modular designs, allowing for easier repairs and component replacements, thereby minimising downtime.

Green Credentials

Everyone is more aware of sustainable living, but businesses are often held to stricter legal standards and benchmarks.

Businesses are, therefore, increasingly conscious of their environmental impact. Many business laptops are certified with energy-efficient ratings such as ENERGY STAR, EPEAT, or TCO.

These laptops consume less power, reduce your carbon footprint, and adhere to environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, aligning with sustainability initiatives pursued by businesses.

End users are also slowly becoming more environmentally aware, and we are starting to see greener builds on home laptops too. That being said, this is not to the same extent as business laptops and not as carefully certified.

Power and Speed

Business laptops often feature more powerful processors and greater memory capacity to handle resource-intensive tasks efficiently. This is vital for demanding applications such as data analysis, virtualisation, and complex software simulations.

The enhanced processing power and memory allow businesses to run multiple applications simultaneously, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted workflow.

Software and Compatibility

Business laptops support a wide range of software and applications commonly used in various industries.

They offer seamless integration with enterprise-grade software, collaboration tools, and cloud-based services.

Business laptops ensure compatibility, enabling employees to work efficiently and access necessary tools and resources with ease.

High-Quality Visuals

For industries involving graphic design, video editing, and content creation, high-quality visuals are essential.

Business laptops often feature high-resolution displays with accurate colour reproduction, allowing professionals to work with precision and deliver visually stunning results. The vibrant and accurate colour representation enables designers and creatives to showcase their work accurately.

Visuals are better on home devices as more people are streaming and watching media on their home laptops, however, the standard will still be much higher on a business device designed for a creative and visual industry.

Collaboration Tools

Business laptops have advanced camera, speaker, and microphone systems to facilitate remote collaborations and video conferencing.

The emphasis on clear audio and video quality enhances communication and productivity, ensuring seamless virtual meetings and collaborations across teams and geographical locations.

Cameras on home laptops are not always HD and the microphones and speakers are much cheaper. However, you can buy superior headsets and cameras that attach to your computer that could be better than in-built options.

Storage and Solid-State Drives (SSDs)

Business laptops typically offer larger storage capacities to accommodate extensive files, databases, and software installations.

SSDs, commonly found in business laptops, provide faster data access, quicker boot times, and improved overall system performance. This enables faster file transfers, reduced loading times, and improved productivity for business users.

However, more home laptops come with SSDs these days and you can ask to view only SSD computers when buying your home laptop. Not all business laptops have an SSD.

With more people and businesses using the cloud for data storage and sharing, you might notice that even business laptops come with less in-built storage space. It is very important to pay attention to the storage capacity of any laptop that you buy for work or home to ensure it meets your needs.

Price Considerations

The price of business laptops is slightly higher due to their advanced features, durability, and performance capabilities.

While the initial investment may be higher, business laptops offer long-term value, improved productivity, and durability, making them a worthwhile investment for businesses. All business laptops might be pricier than home laptops, but you can still find affordable business laptops if you work with a knowledgeable device leader.

CPUs and GPUs

Business laptops often feature more powerful CPUs and dedicated graphics processors (GPUs) to handle intensive computing tasks. The enhanced processing capabilities allow for efficient multitasking, rendering complex graphics, and running specialised software required by specific industries.

The Importance of Leasing Business-Grade Hardware

Business owners should understand the value of investing in business-grade laptops rather than opting for consumer-grade laptops intended for general use.

While it may be tempting to save costs, the enhanced features and specifications of business-grade laptops play a pivotal role in ensuring durability, performance, and security.

Business-grade laptops withstand the demands of professional use, offering greater longevity and reliability compared to their consumer counterparts.

The robust build quality, advanced security features, and optimised performance of business-grade laptops provide a solid foundation for businesses to thrive, safeguard sensitive data, and maintain uninterrupted productivity.

By leasing business-grade hardware, businesses can access top-of-the-line laptops tailored to their specific needs, maximising their investment, and avoiding potential issues associated with consumer-grade devices.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has existed for decades, but its recent surge in popularity is unprecedented, leading to innovative new software such as Microsoft 365 Copilot. With technological advancements, AI has become more accessible and efficient, integrating into various industries and daily life.

One of the most popular AI services is ChatGPT, a large language model developed by OpenAI, which understands natural language and generates human-like responses.

While AI revolutionises many businesses and industries, concerns about its impact on employment and privacy persist. These concerns are valid, but AI undeniably resolves numerous efficiency issues and streamlines workflow processes. Recognising this potential, Microsoft developed an AI service called Copilot, now integrated into Microsoft 365 apps.

Let’s explore the exciting world of Microsoft 365 Copilot!

What is Microsoft 365 Copilot?

Microsoft Copilot is a new AI digital assistant developed with ChatGPT version 4 and Microsoft Graphs. Integrated into Microsoft 365, Copilot provides businesses with a powerful AI solution that inherits all their valuable security, compliance, and privacy policies and processes. Copilot is a trusted AI assistant that streamlines workflows without compromising security and privacy.

Copilot integrates into Microsoft 365 in two ways. Firstly, it embeds in the Microsoft 365 apps you use daily, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and more. This integration helps users unleash creativity, boost productivity, and improve skills, making it easier to complete tasks and achieve goals.

Secondly, Business Chat works across all your business data and apps, including your calendar, emails, chats, documents, meetings, and contacts. It uses natural language prompts to generate status updates, simplifying team communication and ensuring everyone stays on the same page.

Business Chat also surfaces essential information and insights from vast data, promoting knowledge flow across the organisation and saving valuable time. Access Business Chat from Microsoft365.com, Bing when signed in with your work account, or Teams.

How do you use Microsoft 365 Copilot?

Now that you know Microsoft Copilot is a productivity game-changer, how do you use this innovative integration? Here’s how Copilot can improve your workflow.

To start, select the Copilot icon from your chosen Microsoft 365 app’s ribbon menu. A sidebar appears where you can enter your desired action (such as “write a first draft” or “send an email”) and receive Copilot’s recommendations. Copilot makes it easy to use the many commands available in Microsoft 365, regardless of your experience with the software.

In Word, Copilot jump-starts your creative process. You’ll never start with a blank slate again. Copilot provides a first draft to edit and build upon, saving hours of writing, sourcing, and editing time. Sometimes Copilot will be right, other times usefully wrong — but it always propels you forward. You control the content, driving your unique ideas and prompting Copilot to shorten, rewrite, or give feedback.

In PowerPoint, Copilot creates stunning presentations with a simple prompt, adding relevant content from a document you made last week or last year. Or, if you want to streamline your work in Excel, Copilot analyses trends and creates professional-looking data visualisations in seconds.

In Outlook, Copilot summarises long email threads, quickly drafts suggested replies, and clears your inbox in minutes, not hours. If you’re too busy to answer an email, ask Copilot to write a response. It understands the context and generates the reply; all you need to do is read and hit send.

Microsoft Copilot also extends to Power Platform, allowing anyone to automate repetitive tasks, create chatbots, and go from idea to working app in minutes.

Microsoft Copilot enhances your strengths and lets you quickly master new skills. It unlocks rich functionality using natural language, so you can focus on your ideas instead of the software.

Conclusion

Microsoft 365 Copilot is a game-changing AI digital assistant that significantly boosts productivity and efficiency in most workplaces. Integrated into Microsoft 365, Copilot helps you master new skills quickly and focus on your creativity, leaving tedious tasks to the AI assistant. Whether using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, or any other 365 app, Microsoft 365 Copilot is there to assist. If you’re seeking an innovative solution to boost productivity, Microsoft 365 Copilot is your answer.

Sadly, filing an insurance claim often results in paying higher premiums the following year.

It might seem unfair. You took the responsible step of getting insurance to protect against any unforeseen circumstances. However, when you use the cover as intended, you end up facing higher rates in the future.

It may not make sense to many, but it’s an unfortunate reality for a lot of insurance policies. Businesses must often accept this in order to properly safeguard their assets. Especially for high-value, productivity-critical items like computer hardware, skipping protective cover or insurance is never a wise choice.

That’s why we offer Safeguard: a comprehensive, affordable asset protection cover that doesn’t penalise your business when you make a claim.

In this blog, we’ll take a close look at the crucial aspects of asset protection coverage for businesses. We’ll also demonstrate how SafeGuard can be a true lifesaver for companies.

What is Asset Protection Cover, and why do you need it?

Asset protection cover is a contract. The policyholder, an individual or entity like a company, pays regular premiums to the asset protection cover company. In return, they get financial protection against specific risks or unforeseen events.

These risks could encompass a wide range of scenarios. These could include accidents, illnesses, property damage, or even liability for causing harm to others.

If the policyholder experiences a covered loss or event, the asset protection cover company agrees to provide compensation or benefits as outlined in the terms of the asset protection cover policy.

Essentially, asset protection cover offers a means of mitigating financial uncertainty. This is achieved by transferring the potential burden of losses from individuals or businesses to the asset protection cover provider. This, therefore, helps to provide businesses peace of mind and stability in the face of unexpected circumstances.

Sometimes, with cheaper items, asset protection cover hardly seems worth it when a business would have the funds to immediate replace the items themselves. However, computer hardware is complex, specialist equipment. It can be easily damaged, which is problematic if the item is vital to the daily operations of a company.

Losing a device used by a skilled employee could cause critical delays, and an accident like a flood or fire that damages all or most of a business’s equipment is a financial disaster. So, asset protection cover does make sense.

The swift processing and pay-out of claims by the asset protection cover company enable accidents to be promptly addressed. This then enables the business to swiftly recover and resume normal operations.

Why is IT device asset protection cover different for businesses Vs end users?

Asset protection cover for computers and IT hardware differs between businesses and end users. This is primarily due to the scale, scope, and specific risks involved.

Businesses often require more comprehensive coverage due to the larger quantity and higher value of the equipment they possess.

End users, on the other hand, generally require less extensive coverage, focusing more on personal devices and potential data loss.

The key distinction lies in the level of complexity and potential impact of hardware and data loss, with business policies designed to address the broader operational and financial consequences that could result from IT-related issues.

Why do insurance premiums usually increase when you make a claim?

In the scenario where a business makes insurance claims for accidental damages, theft, and other incidents involving their computer hardware, several challenges might arise, including a rise in premiums.

A business may also experience disruptions in productivity while waiting for replacements or repairs. This could potentially lead to operational setbacks and loss of profits.

While these scenarios are both frustrating, but one of the most common challenge is the insurance premium rising even if everything else about the claim was straightforward. This is due to the concept of “experience rating” in insurance, where an increase in claims activity suggests higher risk associated with the insured entity.

Insurance companies adjust premiums based on the perceived risk level to ensure they can cover potential future claims. While this practice aims to balance the insurer’s financial stability, it can be frustrating for businesses that utilise insurance as intended. After all, nobody wants to find themselves penalised with higher costs for seeking coverage against unforeseen events.

However, if you choose the right provider and avoid traditional third-party insurance companies, you can find affordable insurance/asset protection cover for computer hardware that does not penalise your business.

One such solution would be SafeGuard Protective Cover by HardSoft.

How is Safeguard Protection Cover different?

HardSoft and Devices for Teams, the creators of Safeguard Protection Cover, are computer hardware lease providers. Our aim is to offer comprehensive IT solutions for companies, enabling them to fulfil all their IT needs in one place.

This includes asset protection cover for devices that you lease from us. SafeGuard Protection Cover is very different from other asset protection cover/insurance options. This is because its primary goal is to help businesses keep working in light of unforeseen issues.

Since our goal is not to make big profits when you make a claim, but rather to make your access to IT hardware smoother, we do not penalise you when you make a claim.

Think of SafeGuard as one item in a family of products designed to make IT easier for companies. Since all your IT services come from one place, from the hardware itself to asset protection cover, repair and recycling, you don’t have to deal with third parties. This strips away many of the delays found with normal asset protection cover firms.

You will experience a fixed-price contract for 3 years with SafeGuard, the full duration of your lease for the hardware. That price is static for the 3 years, which protects companies from inflation prices, as well as no increase on premiums year on year if you made a claim.

Even at the get-go, SafeGuard rates are far more affordable than other insurance/asset protection cover options, despite being so comprehensive –  and this has won SafeGuard large popularity.

SafeGuard Protection Cover – Asset Protection you can trust

When hardware asset protection cover comes from the perspective of computer equipment experts, you will find that it is more affordable, more intuitive and aligns better with your own company goals since it’s coming from the angle of providing great quality devices and IT services.

There’s also only one simple bill for all your IT services, including SafeGuard, so no confusing separate invoices for all the different services. It is easy to manage and simple for your bookkeeping.

Regularly upgrading IT devices is far more crucial in a business setting than when it is your home laptop.

While repairing and repurposing is important for the environment, business hardware must stay relevant and deliver a competitive edge.

The rise of remote work has amplified the importance of robust device security programmes for organisations. Upgrading devices every handful of years can ensure that they are compatible with the latest business-grade cybersecurity technology.

Yet, regularly updating hardware and software is not just about enhancing security. It actually encompasses several other advantages as well, including optimising employee experience and staying competitive in the market.

How Often Should You Upgrade A Business Laptop?

The frequency of device upgrades depends on various factors, such as the type of equipment, whether it’s personal or business-related, and the specific model.

Business devices are built with robustness in mind, ensuring durability and fewer issues compared to personal devices. However, personal devices tend to be held onto for longer periods of time because it matters less if these devices are working at peak performance.

Ideally, business equipment should be refreshed every 3-5 years due to heavier use, the need to stay ahead in the competitive landscape, and security compatibility concerns.

On the other hand, desktops generally last longer than laptops, thanks to their larger size, accessible replaceable parts, and superior cooling systems.

It isn’t just whether the device is a laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone that affects how frequently you need to upgrade. It is also down to the make and model.

For instance, Apple devices tend to have longer lifespans, with software and operating system updates supported for several years, even for vintage machines.

It takes approximately 7 years for an Apple device to become obsolete.

PCs, on the other hand, offer greater repairability options.

Additionally, the longevity of a device is influenced by its initial specifications, including speed, power, and cost. Industries that require the latest technology advancements may necessitate more frequent upgrades to powerful models.

Why Regular Device Upgrades Matter

Staying Ahead in the Digital Era

The latest tech brings faster and more powerful laptops with new functionality and abilities. This can provide an advantage in the digital era of competition between businesses. Regular upgrades can actually result in keeping an edge over the competition and, therefore, drive superior profits.

Enhancing Security: A Paramount Concern

Outdated technology poses significant security risks in the business world. Companies must prioritise staying up to date to protect against cyber attacks.

Running old operating systems, that no longer receive patches, leaves systems vulnerable to exploitation.

In fact, more than four in 10 organisations in the US are using outdated technology and they experience nearly 50% more financial losses during data breaches compared to those with updated software and hardware, as revealed by a recent Kaspersky report.

Outdated equipment may lack access to the latest security features, such as advanced encryption standards and biometric authentication methods like fingerprint scans. Updating devices to the latest models with robust security features becomes imperative in minimising security risks.

Maximising Productivity: The Key to Success

Ensuring optimal productivity among employees is a shared goal for employers and staff alike.

Slow and outdated devices not only hinder productivity but also have a negative impact on employee morale.

According to an article by Work Place Insight.net citing research by Curry’s PC World, just booting up a computer wastes 8.8 days of work time per year for the average British worker, costing businesses approximately £1,009 per employee annually.

Waiting for outdated systems to start, coupled with unexpected crashes and data loss, results in significant time wastage.

The report also cited other worrying consequences of outdated tech in the business sphere, including:

• A third of UK workers lose motivation when they have to wait on slow technology.
• 28 % of Brits work extra hours to account for the time lost to tech delays throughout the day.
• 1 in 10 say tech hold-ups at work make them want to quit their job.

Providing employees with fast and responsive hardware and software fosters satisfaction, reduces frustration, and boosts overall productivity.

How Can You Regularly Upgrade Your Device Without Purchasing All New Equipment Every 3 Years?

When you lease your computer equipment in a DaaS (Device as a Service) style solution like Devices For Teams, your lease includes automatic upgrades to the latest technology. These upgrades are built into your lease, and you can be automatically swapped to the latest tech when it becomes available. Not only that, but Devices For Teams can advise your business and pair you with the most suitable devices for each department and staff member role. You don’t have to worry about a big expenditure every three years, since you pay in smaller, manageable amounts each month as part of your subscription.

Microsoft 365 permeates the business world, and its tools are among the most widely used in offices globally. Yet, unbeknownst to many companies is the fact that Microsoft 365 does not come with in-built data backup procedures.

Microsoft is a sophisticated family of programmes that allows you to create, communicate, present, and much more with tools such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, One Drive and SharePoint.

Owing to the fact that Microsoft does house document-sharing software like SharePoint and OneDrive, many businesses mistakenly believe that all their files and data across Microsoft 365 are sufficiently backed up and safe. However, this is not the case as Microsoft was never designed for data protection and recovery in the same way as a dedicated cloud data backup system will be.

The result is that business data, client data, financial data and any important documents could be at risk in your company if you don’t have some type of data protection beyond Microsoft 365.

Why Does It Matter That Microsoft 365 Doesn’t Back Up Your Business Data?

Well, while you or your staff may not often think about it, businesses without appropriate backups for their data are open to many vulnerabilities.

Accidentally delete a file that you think you didn’t need anymore and days later realise it had crucial information? With Microsoft 365 and no data backup solution, that information is lost completely.

Office server malfunction? Sadly, all that work is lost. Hours of productivity down the drain.

Ex-staff members, who retained access, maliciously deleted data? Unfortunately, it is simply gone and there is no way to retrieve it if you don’t invest in data backups.

For personal use, losing the odd file may not be that dire, but for a business, it can be a catastrophe. It can lose you money and clients and can even get you into legal trouble if you were responsible for important client data. Depending on your industry and services, the consequences of lost data could be financially and legally severe. At the very least, it can waste a lot of time for businesses.

Office 365 Is Not Alone In This Vulnerability

This vulnerability is not simply a quirk or error of Microsoft 365. They have never claimed to carry out data protection and it has always been clear that this would be the responsibility of the company to arrange its own data protection solutions.

This is fairly standard practice for a collection of business tools that aren’t anything to do with data protection. Office 365 is not alone in this.

SAGE software is also a commonly seen entity of many businesses the world over. This software isn’t just for collaboration and creating content, but rather actual financial data. SAGE deals with payroll, accounting, and business financial tracking and solution. Yet again, this is not data protection software. Despite the fact that it handles delicate financial information and bookkeeping that would be incredibly frustrating or even damaging to lose, it does not significantly backup this data. It can be easily lost.

If companies want to adequately protect their files and data, they require a dedicated data protection and backup system.

The Solution Is For Businesses To Utilise Cloud Data Backup Systems

The only way to ensure that your files don’t fall victim to accidental deletion, malicious deletion, malware, natural disaster, or server errors is to invest in cloud data backup systems.

Now, businesses can also try local backup with external extra hard drives or backup onto their shared servers. The weaknesses of this are that cloud data backup offers data protection offsite. If you had a flood, or a large disaster that affected your entire office, then local hard drive backups are not going to be much help.

In fact, 75% of IT managers who had a backup system in place couldn’t restore all of the lost data. A comprehensive, reliable and offsite backup system is, therefore, the best way to protect your company.

It is also true that in modern business, you could have a lot of remote staff, or hybrid and WFH staff, so having a cloud data backup just makes sense to protect all the data in the company.

Why Squirrel Is The Best Option For Data Backup?

Squirrel cloud data backup from Hardsoft does exactly what it says on the tin. It squirrels away your data safely, AKA makes copies on a secure cloud server hosted by Hardsoft.

Then, in the event of file loss locally on your devices or server, your digital “nuts”, more accurately known as your files and data, can be rapidly unearthed and restored by Squirrel.

Squirrel is the ultimate data backup system for Windows Servers, Microsoft 365, and NAS.

What makes Squirrel different is the high level of security and how much is properly backed up.

All data backup solutions are different and if you are using automatic backups, then that is great guaranteed protection; however, it can be unclear precisely which of your data is being appropriately backed up and retrievable.

Squirrel backs up what most solutions fail to back up. It can easily and seamlessly back up all the files that you utilise, including all of your Microsoft 365 files and SAGE files. These can all be automatically backed up and protected for your entire business, across multiple offices and including WFH staff.

The Squirrel system by Hardsoft is also a highly secure and affordable cloud data backup solution. It is also one of the most robust and thorough data backup options and is developed directly by Hardsoft who are ISO 27001 certified for data security. It is only £9.90 per week and is very flexible to allow you to select the amount of storage that is right for your company.

If you have only experienced cloud data backup in the form of iCloud or Google, then you won’t have experienced a very sophisticated version. Squirrel goes far beyond these systems. It not only backs up your data but ensures the security of all your files, including Outlook data, so all correspondence is kept. It offers more secure backups for OneDrive and SharePoint. This solution can even allow multiple computers in a large company of devices to be backed up to a single centralised location.

Our expert team can guide you on which level of storage will suit your business needs in a free 30-minute one-on-one call with our consultation team.