'No direct cost benefits' from use of laptops at work

09:47 17th June 2008

Laptop computers may be used more and more in IT jobs and other careers, but one expert has claimed businesses may be losing money by pushing the technology.

Brian Gammage, a partner at research firm Gartner, believes that the benefits to be gained from allowing employees to use portable computers are largely indirect.

Laptops can enable staff to work remotely and flexibly - aspects that will be welcomed by those in database administration jobs or perhaps on home learning courses.

But while use of the machines can boost staff morale and allow managers to monitor usage via a virtual computer, actual on-paper savings are scant, Mr Gammage told Computing.

"In all cases, the direct costs related to hardware, software and personnel are higher. This is driven by the additional compensation paid to the user in lieu of hardware acquisition and third-party maintenance and support," he said.

According to Digital Lifestyles, figures from DisplaySearch show that notebook PC shipments in the first quarter of 2008 increased by 35 per cent compared to the same period last year.

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