Ergonomics: the hidden cost. If you have ever used a laptop for an extended length of time, you know they are not the most comfortable things in the world. They sacrifice comfort for size, and that can put a dent in your productivity. If you get fatigued after working on a laptop for a couple of hours, you will probably find reasons to get up and do something else. When you are at the office, you can plug in a full-size keyboard and mouse to mitigate this, but there are some people who just can't get used to laptops. Before you buy, test-drive a few and make sure you buy one that agrees with you.

Business is all about balancing costs and benefits, and nowhere is this clearer than in picking a computer. You can get a laptop packed with desktop-type features, but you will pay dearly for it. But if it means dramatically improved productivity for you or for your employees, it very well may be worth it.