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Ask HN: Early Founders – Do you buy new computers for all of your employees?

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Re: Ask HN: Early Founders – Do you buy new computers for all of your employees?

#11
post #5

Seems kind of wasteful if you're not loaded with funds. If I were an employee, I wouldn't mind using my own computer. Prefer it actually.

I somewhat agree here, but when a company is small it could be awkward to have a policy where you buy computers for some and not for others, right?

Re: Ask HN: Early Founders – Do you buy new computers for all of your employees?

#13
post #8

Yes. Always. Computers are the core tool of the job, and expecting professionals to provide their own tools is like saying "hey guy, build your own business, but then give it to me when you're done". Plus, the hassles are reduced when we (the company) own the equipment - we can set policies for how these machines are to be used, which are productive policies. We have far more control over time being wasted in the too…

And when you do that, how do you justify having those people in the office?

Re: Ask HN: Early Founders – Do you buy new computers for all of your employees?

#14
This is an easy question to answer in the form of "do it the right way if you can afford to; do what you have to if not."

As other responders have pointed out, there are various reasons it's better for the company to provide company-owned boxes, but the stakes aren't very high in the very early days. Just make sure people aren't doing stupid stuff like not having screenlocks.

Re: Ask HN: Early Founders – Do you buy new computers for all of your employees?

#15
Good question! I'm not quite there yet, but I've got it in mind to buy all new staff members personal laptops.

A lot to think about with that though: Obviously they need to be insured against loss, theft and damage. We'd probably need some spare laptops around in case anyone is temporarily without one for any reason.

Also, I guess some 'give it back please' policy for anyone who's terminated within the first few months? And you'd probably need to commit to replacing them every year or two, or we'd be compromising productivity. It'd take a while to hammer out all these kinks. Interested to know what others do!

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