But from a business owner's perspective, the decision to equip your employees with a computer has consequences far beyond questions of style and personal preference.

Productivity, price, and portability are all important considerations that need to be factored into your decision. Match the right computer to the right employee and your workplace technology will run smooth as silk. However, mismatched technology will have the opposite effect, burdening your business with expensive hardware that works against - instead of for - your company.

Laptops

When you think about all they can do, laptops are really an engineering marvel. Designed to go nearly anywhere, these little wonders enable your employees to do their jobs when they are away from the office. That can be bad news for them, but good news for you.

Laptops aren't the right choice for every employee. Generally speaking, laptops are more expensive and less powerful than desktops. Still, some job functions lend themselves to laptops more than others.

• Sales staff. Laptops are a perfect fit for sales staff who are constantly on-the-go. Outfitted with the proper accessories, it's possible for sales personnel to do presentations, print receipts, and place orders without ever setting foot in the workplace.
• Management. Laptops are also a nice option for managers, especially those who spend a significant amount of time away from their desk. In addition to taking their computer with them when they travel, many managers take their laptops home with them to continue to work in the evening hours.
• Field staff. Other employees who need laptops are individuals whose job requires them to work in the field or in multiple locations.

Desktops

Despite the popularity of laptops, desktops continue to be a good option for most employees. Although you give up something in portability, you gain something in price and power. In some cases, desktops are an even better choice than laptops. Here's why:

• Office-based staff. Office-based employees don't need a laptop because they don't spend a significant amount of time working outside the office. By providing them with a desktop, you encourage them to stay close to their - which is where you want them to be.
• Bookkeeping staff. Bookkeepers increasingly rely on computers to record and analyze your company's financial information. Much of that information is stored in databases that you need to be able to access at any time. If the bookkeeper's computer isn't in the office, there's a good chance you won't be able to pull up the data you need when you need it.
• Graphic design staff. Because of their added power capabilities, desktops are a no-brainer for employees whose job requires them to do tasks involving graphic design and desktop publishing. Graphics require a lot of memory and can bog down a laptop. Most desktops, on the other hand, can handle graphics without slowing down the computer's processing time.