I am currently in the process of buying a new computer to start my new freelance/home base bookkeeping business. Any one out there can advise me on this topic?
I am confuced to taking about a laptop or a desktop pc. What do you think would be more convenient and effective. I want the space and the speed since I will be installing accounting softwares, most likely QuickBooks Pro and maintaining clients accounting data which I would think requires a lot of space. What is your recommendation based on your experience.
I use a laptop - this best suits my requirements, I am enable to work either on-site or at home.
Although some clients have their own pc`s and preferences with regards to accounting software ie; sage, quickbooks or just simple spreadsheets, so sometimes you use their pc and software others are happy for you to use your own and supply them with print outs of reports etc., - all depends on what the client needs and wants from you !
I have both VT and Sage on my laptop, but at the moment I am using simple spreadsheets.
I use a PC as I feel that it is the safer option as a laptop is easier to damage, especially because I have two small children. I would hate my laptop to get broken and me be unable to work for a few days. I am also going to invest in a laptop too if I end up working at a clients premises. Although I will primarily use my PC. It is a personal decision, it just depends on where you work and the amount of money that you have to spend.
It may depend if you intend to work (at times) from clients' premises as you'll find a laptop much easier for this unless they will provide you with a computer and software.
I'm not sure what you mean by "I would think requires a lot of space" - disk space or desk space?
Deskspace more so but disk space these days is rarely an issue. If you are strictly working on bookkeeping (light on graphics, games etc) then even a 40Gb HDD will be up to the job for most bookkeepers but might be impossible to find a new machine with that.
Deskspace... up to the individual but someone neat and organised and using paper documents probably fine with enough to sit 2 piles of A4 alongside the computer.
