Giving your computer a performance boost will have positive effects on productivity and motivation levels.
Here’s a guide to six computer upgrades that can help you to make the most of your machine.
Note that although the following computer upgrades are generally inexpensive, it pays to always check compatibility and other technical details before buying. The prices I’ve given are indicative only.
1. Upgrade your RAM
More RAM means more work space
The more RAM (Random Access Memory) your computer has, the larger the work space inside it. Like a physical work space, the more room you have, the more stuff you can lay out and work on all at once.
Without enough RAM, every time you move from your email, to the document you are writing, to the web page you are referencing and back again, your computer has to spend time shuttling stuff back and forth between the work space and the storeroom. i.e. your hard disk.
Most computers are sold with insufficient RAM. If you are running Windows XP, you should have at least 1Gb (gigabyte) of RAM. With Windows Vista, go for 2Gb. If you work with graphics or large documents, double these figures.
Prices vary depending on your computer. Typically 1Gb of RAM will cost less than $100 for a desktop computer, more for laptops.
2. Increase hard disk space
Get extra storage via a second or larger hard disk
The hard disk is where all your documents, photos, music, and programs are “saved”. I try and keep about 10Gb of disk space free at all times. If your computer runs out of hard disk space, it can stop working altogether.
If you have a laptop, consider replacing the internal hard disk with a larger one. 100Gb 2.5” hard disks can be had for just over $100.
You can also move your less frequently used files onto an external USB hard disk to free up some space. A 320Gb 3.5” unit will set you back around $250.
If you have a desktop computer (i.e. a large box that sits on or under your desk) you can have a second hard disk added inside the case. A 250Gb 3.5” hard disk costs less than $100.
Programs like Photoshop and Illustrator can utilise the second hard disk as a “scratch disk” when working with huge graphics files, giving you a performance boost.
You can also use your second hard disk to store your backups.
3. Get a bigger screen
A large screen saves time by reducing scrolling
The more of your document you can see, the less you have to scroll and the faster you can work.
A $400 22” LCD monitor (1680x1050 resolution) comes close to showing you two full A4 pages at actual size and without scrolling.
For less than $300 you can get a 17” or 19” LCD (1024x1280 resolution) that pivots. This physically rotates the screen 90 degrees to give you a full vertical A4 page.
4. Set up a docking station
A laptop dock makes getting away easy
If you use a laptop and have lots of stuff hooked up to it like a monitor, mouse and speakers,, a docking station can make leaving your desk easier.
You connect everything to the docking station and dock your laptop onto it. When it comes time to leave the house, you simply undock the laptop in one step and walk out. The cables stay connected to the station, which means you don’t have to fiddle about disconnecting them.
5. Invest in a spare battery
A second battery lets you stay out longer
If you use a laptop and are on the road a lot, get a spare system battery to double your on-road time. Some manufacturers also offer an extended capacity system battery.
Some laptop designs even let you replace the DVD drive with a second battery.
6. BlueTooth information to your phone
BlueTooth enables you to see information on different devices
For example you can set up your BlueTooth-capable phone to automatically synchronise its address book with email programs such as Outlook. You may need a USB BlueTooth adaptor for your computer, but typically these only cost around $70.
You can now view, add or change a contact on either device and it all magically syncs up. No more trying to maintain two separate contacts lists.
When I had to replace a lost phone last year, I just had Outlook sync all my contacts to the new phone.
Have you made any of these computer upgrades recently? What impact has it had on your business? Let us know via a comment.
“ If you use a laptop and are on the road a lot, get a spare system battery to double your on-road time. ”
Zern Liew helps his clients build beautiful businesses by practically innovating across their Branding, Communications, Processes and Systems.