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to scale as teams grow, and giving employees access to better, more current devices without the risk of them becoming outdated.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.

Quick Summary

Device as a Service (DaaS) is transforming how small businesses access, manage, and upgrade their tech. Instead of large upfront costs, DaaS offers a flexible subscription model that includes the latest devices, expert support, and built-in security. HardSoft’s Devices for Teams takes this even further—offering unmatched flexibility, no penalties for returns, and a fully managed service tailored to your business needs.

What Is Device as a Service (DaaS)?

DaaS (Device as a Service) is a subscription-based model where businesses lease tech hardware, like laptops, tablets, and smartphones, rather than buying them outright. It’s a smarter, more scalable way to equip your team with the tools they need to thrive.

But DaaS isn’t just about hardware. It includes:

• Pre-configured devices
• Security software
• Remote deployment
• Ongoing tech support
• Automatic upgrades

For small businesses, this means no more outdated tech, no surprise costs, and no IT headaches.

DaaS vs Traditional Leasing: What’s the Difference?

While both DaaS and leasing reduce upfront costs, DaaS is far more comprehensive. Here’s how they compare:

Feature	Traditional Leasing	DaaS (Device as a Service)
Hardware	Yes	Yes
Pre-Configured Devices	No	Yes
Remote Deployment	No	Yes
Tech Support	No	Yes
Automatic Upgrades	No	Yes
Security Software	No	Yes
Flexibility to Scale	No	Yes

With DaaS, you’re not just leasing a device—you’re investing in a complete IT solution that grows with your business.

Explore the pros and cons of buying vs leasing business devices.

Benefits of DaaS for Small Businesses

Small businesses face unique challenges:

• Limited cash flow
• Lack of in-house IT support
• Rapid growth or change
• Remote and hybrid workforces

DaaS solves all of these pain points by offering:

• Predictable monthly costs (Opex-friendly)
• Expert support without needing an internal IT team
• Flexible scaling – add or remove devices as needed
• Remote-ready deployment for hybrid teams

Why Choose Devices for Teams?

Device as a Service solutions aren’t all the same. With HardSoft’s DaaS solution, Devices for Teams, you get:

• A wide choice of Apple, Microsoft, Lenovo, Dell, and HP devices
• Devices delivered directly to your team—pre-configured and ready to go
• 3-year warranty, 30-minute SLA tech support, and optional accidental damage cover
• Remote management tools like Apple Business Manager and Microsoft Autopilot
• Automatic upgrades to keep your tech current

And the best part? You only pay for what you use. No penalties for scaling up or down.

Why DaaS Matters More Than Ever

The way businesses buy and manage technology continues to evolve. Hybrid working, growing cybersecurity requirements and the need for greater flexibility are driving organisations towards subscription-based technology models.

For small businesses, DaaS provides a practical way to:

• Support employees wherever they work
• Scale technology as the business grows
• Keep devices current without major refresh projects
• Reduce the burden on internal IT teams
• Adapt quickly to changing business requirements

Ready to simplify your business IT? Get a quote today and discover a smarter way to manage your tech.

Key Takeaways

• DaaS for small businesses is a cost-effective, scalable way to manage IT.
• It includes hardware, support, security, and upgrades—all in one monthly payment.
• HardSoft’s Devices for Teams offers unmatched flexibility, expert support, and no hidden fees.
• DaaS is ideal for remote teams, growing companies, and businesses that want to stay agile.
• With HardSoft, you get a trusted partner with 40+ years of experience and a 4.9 Trustpilot rating.

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.

Quick Summary

Buying business tech often looks cheaper upfront, but once you factor in downtime, repairs, deployment, security, disposal, and refresh cycles, the total cost of ownership (TCO) can balloon far beyond the sticker price. This guide breaks down the hidden costs of buying versus leasing business laptops and devices. It shows how HardSoft’s lifecycle-led approach reduces risk, improves predictability, and helps SMEs scale without incurring heavy CAPEX.

Why ‘Cheap to Own’ Is a Myth

Many SMEs buy devices outright because it seems cheaper – a one-time purchase with full ownership. The problem? Hardware ownership comes with a long tail of unbudgeted operational costs that aren’t visible at the point of sale. When you factor in depreciation, downtime, unpredictable repairs, security vulnerabilities, compliance risks, disposal, and deployment, buying tech has a much higher TCO than most businesses expect. Leasing shifts your device estate into predictable OPEX, providing you with flexibility, support, insurance, and lifecycle management all bundled together.

Hidden Cost #1: Support, Repairs & Downtime

When a purchased device breaks, the cost isn’t just the repair bill, it’s the hours or days of productivity lost. SMEs often overlook replacement parts, diagnostic fees, emergency repair premiums, loan devices, lost revenue due to downtime, and IT time spent troubleshooting. Leasing eliminates these pain points: with HardSoft, support, warranty, remote helpdesk access, insurance, and loan devices are built into the subscription. Issues are resolved faster, with minimal disruption.

Hidden Cost #2: Deployment & Configuration

Buying devices means taking responsibility for provisioning, imaging, asset tagging, and preparing them for use. For a scaling business, this quickly becomes a drag on time and resources. HardSoft delivers a fully managed end-to-end IT solution—devices arrive pre-configured, secured, and ready to use straight out of the box, dramatically reducing onboarding time and ensuring consistency.

Hidden Cost #3: Security & Compliance

Unmanaged IT estates are one of the most significant hidden liabilities for SMEs. Buying outright means you handle patching, anti-virus, encryption, device tracking, access control, and compliance reporting. Leasing turns security into a proactive managed service: HardSoft devices can be monitored, secured, and wiped remotely, with insurance included.

Hidden Cost #4: End-of-Life & Disposal

Purchased devices eventually reach the end of their life, incurring costs for secure data wiping, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)-compliant disposal, logistics, and storage. HardSoft’s Boomerang programme repurposes older devices, reducing e-waste and lowering costs, which is all included in your lease.

Refresh Cycles, Not Replacement Cycles

Buying locks you into long replacement cycles, often 3–5 years. Leasing avoids this problem completely: with HardSoft, you can refresh devices regularly, upgrading early when workloads change, or employees need more power. Shorter, flexible refresh cycles improve productivity, compatibility, and scalability.

Real-World Numbers: A 3-Year Cost Comparison

When businesses weigh leasing versus buying, the numbers tell a compelling story. Let’s break down a practical example.

Scenario: A company needs 10 MacBook Airs for its team.

Buying Outright

• Purchase Price (per device): £1,200
• Repairs over 3 years: £250
• Support & IT labour: £300
• Deployment: £100
• End-of-life disposal: £80
  Total per device: £1,930
  Total for 10 devices: £19,300

These figures don’t include the hidden costs of downtime, insurance, and refresh cycles, which can significantly inflate the total cost of ownership.

Leasing with Devices for Teams

• Weekly cost per MacBook Air: £49
• Over 36 months, that’s approximately £1,100 – £1,200 per device, including:
  • Support & insurance
  • Repairs and loan devices
  • Deployment and configuration
  • Refresh and disposal at end-of-life
    Total for 10 devices: £11,000 – £12,000

Result: Leasing saves around £7,000 – £8,000 over three years and eliminates unpredictable costs. Plus, it offers flexibility to switch, add, or return devices as your business evolves.

Why This Matters

Leasing isn’t just about lower upfront costs – it’s about predictability, scalability, and peace of mind. With a single monthly payment, businesses avoid surprise expenses and keep their teams equipped with the latest technology. For example, Devices for Teams offers MacBook Air leasing at £49 per week, making premium hardware accessible without the financial strain of ownership.

Want to see the full breakdown? Check out the Cost Comparison Guide for detailed figures and scenarios.

Who Should Lease?

Leasing is ideal for scaling SMEs, startups with limited CAPEX budgets, businesses hiring remote or hybrid teams, and companies requiring predictable budgeting and compliance. Buying may suit businesses with highly specialised hardware and strong in-house IT support, but most modern SMEs need flexibility, and that’s where leasing shines.

Next Steps

If you’re ready to reduce IT TCO, eliminate hidden costs, and transition to a predictable and scalable device strategy, HardSoft can help. Explore leasing options or speak to a Devices for Teams specialist today.

Quick Summary

Choosing the best device for content creation in 2025 can be challenging as creative tools become more demanding. This guide helps you match your workflow to the correct device, whether you’re a video editor, photographer, designer, illustrator, marketer, or social media creator.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is ideal for content creators working with video, photography, design, illustration, audio or social media; agencies equipping teams with scalable creative tech; and freelancers who need high-performance devices without high upfront costs.

What to Look for in a Creator Device in 2025

• High-performance CPU, GPU, and NPU (minimum: Intel Core Ultra or Apple M5, NVIDIA RTX 2000 Ada or higher, Apple Neural Engine, or equivalent)
• At least 16GB RAM (32GB+ recommended for 4K/8K video editing)
• Fast NVMe SSD storage (512GB minimum)
• Colour-accurate displays (DCI-P3 or 100% sRGB coverage)
• Long battery life for portability
• Robust build quality for frequent travel
• Multiple ports for accessories and external drives

Best Laptops for Video Editing

1. MacBook Pro 16″ (M5 Max) – Extreme GPU performance with Apple ProRes acceleration, XDR HDR display, and up to 22 hours battery life. Ideal for professional video editors who need seamless 4K/8K editing and long battery life on the go. Lease it here: MacBook Pro Leasing.

2. Dell Precision 7780 – NVIDIA RTX 5000 Ada GPU, 17″ UHD display, ISV-certified for Adobe workflows. Perfect for studios needing certified reliability and top-tier graphics for demanding editing tasks. Lease it here: Dell Precision Leasing.

Best Laptops for Photography & Graphics

1. MacBook Pro 14″ (M5) – DCI-P3 display, top-tier performance for Lightroom, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma. Great for photographers and designers who need accurate colour and fast processing. Lease it here: MacBook Pro Leasing.

2. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 – Unique hinge for drawing, NVIDIA RTX 2000 Ada GPU options. Excellent for illustrators and graphic designers who want a versatile device for both sketching and editing. Lease it here: Surface Laptop Leasing.

3. Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 – ISV-certified, professional-grade display, strong build. Suited for professionals who need reliability and a robust device for heavy creative workloads. Lease it here: Lenovo ThinkPad Leasing.

Best Laptops for Marketers & Content Managers

1. MacBook Air M5 – Lightweight (1.24kg), 13.6″ Liquid Retina display, up to 18 hours battery life. Perfect for marketers who need portability and all-day battery for working anywhere. Lease it here: MacBook Air Leasing.

2. Dell Latitude 9440 – 14″ QHD+ display, ultra-portable, excellent multitasking with Intel Core Ultra CPUs. Ideal for content managers who juggle multiple apps and need a reliable, portable device. Lease it here: Dell Latitude Leasing.

3. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 – 14″ WUXGA display, Dolby Audio speakers, ideal for hybrid work. Great for professionals balancing remote and office work. Lease it here: Lenovo X1 Leasing.

Best Tablets for Designers & Social Creators

1. iPad Pro M5 with Apple Pencil Pro – 120Hz ProMotion, wide colour accuracy. The go-to for designers and illustrators who want a responsive, portable drawing experience. Lease here: Apple iPad Leasing.

2. Wacom Cintiq Pro – Elite pen precision, perfect for illustration. Best for artists who need the highest pen accuracy and a large creative workspace. Lease here: Wacom Leasing.

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra – AMOLED display, strong for Adobe apps. Excellent for creators who want Android flexibility and vibrant visuals. Lease here: Samsung Tab Leasing.

Mobile-First Creators: Smartphones

• iPhone 16 Pro – Delivers pro-level camera features, advanced video editing, and seamless integration with Apple’s creative ecosystem. Lease here: iPhone Leasing.
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – Offers a powerful camera system, S Pen support, and robust editing tools for creators on the move. Lease here: Samsung Galaxy Leasing.
• Google Pixel 10 Pro – Implements Google Gemini AI for on-device editing, real-time enhancements, and smart photo tools, making it perfect for creators who need to edit and share content instantly. Lease here: Pixel Leasing.

Creator Bundles You Can Lease

If you’re a content creator, designer, or video editor looking for high-performance Apple devices without the upfront cost, leasing is the smartest way to go. HardSoft offers flexible leasing solutions that combine cutting-edge hardware with unbeatable support, making it easier than ever to scale your creative workflow.

Lease the Apple Studio Ultra Bundle and unlock the ultimate creative workstation. This bundle includes:

• Apple Mac Studio M3 Ultra – Featuring a 28-core CPU, 60-core GPU, and 96GB unified memory for extreme performance.
• Alogic Clarity 5K Touchscreen Display – Stunning 27-inch 5K resolution for pixel-perfect editing and design.
• Alogic Echelon Wireless Keyboard & Mouse – Sleek, ergonomic accessories for a clutter-free workspace.
• FREE SafeGuard Protection – Covers theft, fire, flood, and accidental damage for peace of mind.

With Flexi-Lease, you can upgrade, continue, or cancel after 12 months, plus enjoy 3 years of support and loan devices. Starting from £48 per week, this bundle is perfect for professionals handling demanding workflows like 4K/8K video editing, 3D rendering, and AI-driven creative tasks.

MacBook ProArt 5K Offer

Lease the MacBook ProArt 5K Offer for a portable yet powerful creative setup. This bundle includes:

• MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 Max – Equipped with 36GB RAM and 1TB SSD for lightning-fast performance.
• Asus ProArt 27-inch 5K Display – Exceptional color accuracy and clarity for design and video production.
• Apple Magic Keyboard & Magic Mouse – Seamless integration for a professional workflow.
• FREE Safeguard Protection – Comprehensive coverage for accidental damage and theft.

Starting at £37.45 per week, this bundle is ideal for creators who need mobility without sacrificing power. Whether you’re editing videos, designing graphics, or coding complex projects, this setup delivers unmatched speed and precision.

Why Lease Instead of Buy?

Leasing offers predictable monthly costs, flexible upgrades, and built-in support, making it the perfect solution for freelancers, agencies, and creative teams. With HardSoft’s Flexi-Lease, you can stay ahead of technology trends without the financial strain of ownership.

Buying vs Leasing for Creative Teams

Leasing avoids upfront costs, offers predictable budgets, flexible upgrades, built-in support, and sustainable lifecycle management. Learn more: Buying vs Leasing Computers for Business.

Next Steps

Talk to a Creative Tech Specialist or explore Mac, PC & Tablet Leasing on HardSoft.

With the rise of remote work, businesses are re-evaluating their approaches to equipping their remote workforce. Instead of purchasing computer equipment outright, an alternative option gaining popularity is computer device leasing or renting.

Advantages Of Leasing Or Renting IT Equipment Over Buying

OpEx vs. CapEx: Operating Lease for Tax Purposes

When businesses purchase equipment, it typically falls under capital expenditure (CapEx), requiring upfront investment.

However, with computer device leasing, some arrangements are considered an operating lease for tax purposes. This means that the leasing costs classify as operating expenses (OpEx), that business owners deduct as a business expense. By shifting from a CapEx to OpEx model, businesses can allocate their financial resources more efficiently. DaaS (Device as a Service) is one such leasing model that is an OpEx for tax purposes.

Tax Benefits and Monthly Payments

Renting computer equipment offers tax benefits through its monthly payment structure. As the lease payments are made monthly, businesses can claim tax benefits continuously over the duration of the lease. This provides financial flexibility and can help manage cash flow more effectively compared to a one-time purchase. By spreading out the expenses over time, businesses can optimise their budgeting.

Auto Upgrades and No Obsolescence in DaaS Leases

Device as a Service (DaaS) style leases provide an additional advantage – auto upgrades and protection against obsolescence. With rapid advancements in technology, computer equipment can quickly become outdated, resulting in decreased efficiency and productivity.

However, with a DaaS lease like a Devices For Teams package, businesses can ensure that their remote workers will always have access to up-to-date equipment.

These leases often include provisions for regular hardware upgrades, enabling employees to enjoy the latest technology without additional costs or concerns about device obsolescence.

Choice of Lease Styles

When opting for computer device leasing, businesses have various lease styles to choose from based on their requirements. They can opt for purely renting, allowing them to have access to the equipment without the intention of ownership.

Alternatively, businesses can choose a lease structure that gradually works towards ownership, allowing them to eventually own the equipment at the end of the lease term.

The flexibility of lease styles enables businesses to align their leasing arrangements with their long-term goals and financial strategies.

DaaS style leases are becoming the most popular owing to all the extra support and IT services. Devices For Teams is a one-stop-shop for all business IT needs, including insurance, MDM management and cyber security.

Reduced Risk of Misclassification

Classification of freelancers is a critical consideration for businesses. Using company-owned equipment for contractors can potentially lead to misclassification issues, as it may blur the line between an independent contractor and an employee.

By renting equipment, the lease provider retains ownership, reducing the risk of misclassification. As the freelancer is not using company-owned equipment, and the rental expense can be treated as a business expense, the risk of misclassification is significantly mitigated. Renting equipment provides a clear separation between the business and contractors, helping businesses maintain compliance and avoid potential legal complications.

IT Support Services

In addition to the benefits of computer device leasing, it is crucial to consider the IT support services offered by a leasing provider like Devices For Teams. We provide comprehensive support services, including device setup, maintenance, and technical assistance. Having access to reliable IT support ensures that remote workers can address any hardware or software issues promptly.

Renting computer equipment for remote workers offers numerous advantages over traditional purchasing models. It improves cash flow, boosts productivity, and minimises operational chores for your business.

Ensuring the protection of your computer hardware is of paramount importance.

Therefore, when it comes to leasing, buying, or managing business PCs, it is important that they are properly protected. So, yes, you should acquire asset protection cover for your leased business PCs.

While it is a sensible idea to protect your business PCs, (and it is also quite often a legal requirement), companies can face some challenges when to comes to finding affordable and suitable cover.

Let’s analyse some of these challenges and provide a Hardsoft solution, but first, let’s be certain that everyone properly understands the vital nature of protective cover for business PCs.

Getting Cover for Expensive Equipment Is ALWAYS A Good Idea

Getting asset protective cover expensive equipment is a smart idea.

This is actually the case for most valuable equipment inside and outside of a business. Even as an individual, it is a smart idea to get cover for expensive items, especially those such as your computer, smartphone, or fridge. These items are expensive and if they become damaged or stolen, cover will help recoup your losses.

In a business, it is even more important to get cover for equipment. You are likely to have many expensive electrical devices. In the case of PCs, they could be used by various staff. If they are laptops, they might even be sent to a staff member’s home.

There are a lot of things that can happen inside and outside of the office that could cause the loss or damage of your business assets.

The Importance of Insurance for Business PCs

Legal Compliance:

From a legal standpoint, having coverage for leased business PCs helps meet certain contractual obligations. Some leasing agreements often require your business to maintain cover to protect the equipment against damage, theft, or loss. This could be a requirement of your office building lease, or legally established by your CEO or board of directors.

Financial Protection:

Getting cover for your leased business PCs safeguards you from potentially substantial financial losses. Accidents can happen unexpectedly, and without cover, the costs of repairing or replacing damaged equipment can be a significant burden on your business budget. Asset protective coverage provides financial protection, ensuring that you can quickly recover from such incidents.

Mitigating Risks:

Leased business PCs are susceptible to a range of risks, including accidental damage, theft, power surges, and natural disasters. Cover helps mitigate these risks, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on your core business operations.

Challenges in Insuring Business PCs

Cost:

Getting cover for computer hardware in bulk can be very expensive. Surprisingly, few third-party companies have decent packages in place tailored to the needs of different sized businesses when it comes to covering a fleet of devices. It can become even more financially complex when you add individual devices to an existing fleet. High premiums can strain your resources.

Time-Consuming Process:

The administrative process of acquiring the cover can be time-consuming. Engaging with third-party providers often means navigating complex policies.

Limited Coverage and Exclusions:

It is essential to carefully review cover policies to understand the extent of coverage provided. Some policies may exclude specific types of damage or limit coverage for certain scenarios, leaving you vulnerable to potential losses.

Claims Handling:

While cover is intended to offer protection, the claims process can sometimes be challenging. Third-party companies may attempt to avoid paying claims or delay the process, causing frustration and potentially hampering your business operations.

Solving The Challenges With SafeGuard By Hardsoft

Luckily, Hardsoft has created one of the best options for business PC coverage on the market. Our product SafeGuard aims to make the protection of business PCs easy and faff-free.

This product can be added to your Devices For Teams computer lease. SafeGuard provides the best protection at affordable prices, and is one of the most cost-effective and competitively priced options for business computer protective cover on the market.

It is incredibly simple in one comprehensive invoice for your whole fleet at reasonable rates. Not only that, but SafeGuard is also very fast to set up. Since you receive the cover product from the same provider as your equipment and other IT services, there are no extra parties involved, which speeds up the entire process.

SafeGuard protects against theft, accidental damage, spills, fire, and flood. Plus, as well as covering devices you receive from HardSoft as part of your lease, you can also cover devices you already own with SafeGuard.

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.

Devices can be expensive – so it’s understandable that you’ll want to get the most from them.

In the past, when most work was office-based, reusing and re-distributing company devices was simple. However, with most modern companies now operating with employees spread across the country, there are numerous expenses and logistical challenges associated with transferring devices between employees and across regions.

Timing can also add to the complexity of re-using company devices. If one employee departs as another joins, it probably won’t create many problems. However, this is rarely the reality. So, you also need to consider storing the devices while they’re not in use, as well as any administrative tasks and potential costs involved.

We are passionate about making your device’s life cycle as stress-free as possible. That is why we have created the solution to your IT Asset Management (ITAM) issues: our Boomerang service.

With Boomerang, our clients can rest easy knowing that their company devices are being stored and redistributed with ease. We take care of everything, from sending the computer out at the beginning of its life cycle, to collecting it from your ex-employee, to storing it and reconfiguring it, and finally, redistributing it.

Our clients are able to maximise device usage, reduce significant costs, and easily transport devices across regions to meet their hiring needs—all with just a few clicks.

Reusing devices of remote workers: Explaining the logistical challenges

Consider a scenario where a software engineer who has an expensive Apple MacBook Pro Laptop leaves after six months. Their device is still in the early stages of its usable life.

Gifting nearly new devices to departing employees is extremely costly. Additionally, it is not as straightforward as it may seem. Gifting devices creates payroll and tax administration for your company and tax implications for the outgoing employees.

From a financial standpoint, it makes sense to reuse these computers, laptops or tablets. However, you will need to find a way to send their laptops back to your headquarters. The associated costs, such as shipping fees, and courier expenses, quickly accumulate.

Moreover, organising the collection requires significant time and effort. You need to locate a reverse logistics provider who can retrieve the device, handle all the necessary administration, provide suitable packaging, and return it to your headquarters. Subsequently, you would need to find storage space and a vendor to sanitize, refurbish, and repackage the device. All the while, you would manually track the device’s movements and handle multiple invoices.

To simplify the process, we have eliminated all the unnecessary hassle through offering Devices for Teams clients our Boomerang service.

How can I reuse my Boomerang devices?

Offboarding team members with Boomerang takes only a few seconds. Simply confirm their details, select their final day, and let us know what you would like to do with their equipment.

Leave all the heavy lifting to us. We will collect the device, manage the cleaning, wiping, and repackaging processes, ensuring the device is in the best possible condition and ready for reuse. We will store it for as long as you need to support your hiring plans.

When it comes to redelivery, we can preconfigure the device with your organisation’s preferred apps and software before shipping it. This way, the device arrives with your new employee ready to use straight out of the box, ensuring a fantastic day one experience.

Boomerang: In Summary

In summary, Devices for Teams’ Boomerang service offers a comprehensive solution for efficiently reusing company devices. By entrusting us with your IT asset management, clients can maximize device usage, reduce costs, and overcome logistical challenges associated with device redistribution. With Boomerang, repurposing company devices becomes a seamless process, enabling organizations to optimize their resources and enhance productivity.