Laptop CPU's Matter
Buying a Windows laptop with an ARM processor might save you dollars up front, but it could cost you hours in configuration woes and software incompatibility. Here’s what business buyers need to know before they commit.
The Hidden Architecture Divide
Not all Windows laptops are created equal. While Intel and AMD chips have long powered the majority of PCs, a growing number of laptops now run on ARM processors — a chip architecture traditionally used in smartphones and tablets. These machines promise longer battery life and sleeker form factors, but there's a catch: software compatibility.
ARM Windows devices (like some models of the Microsoft Surface or certain budget ultraportables) run a different instruction set than Intel-based machines. That means many legacy Windows applications either won't run at all or rely on emulation, which can cause performance issues, bugs, or missing features.
What Doesn’t Work?
Plenty of everyday software still hasn't made the leap to ARM. That includes:
- Older line-of-business applications
- Custom enterprise software
- Virtualisation tools (like VMware Workstation or VirtualBox)
- Security or backup utilities that run close to the hardware
- Certain printer drivers and hardware management tools
Even newer software may struggle. Microsoft has made strides with emulation, but it's not perfect. And when things break, vendors are often slow to support ARM configurations.
Why People Are Buying Them Anyway
ARM-based laptops often look great on paper: lightweight, great battery, whisper-quiet. And for general browsing, email, and Microsoft 365 use, they can be perfectly fine. That’s why they’re showing up in staff purchase programs, retail deals, and even business procurement pipelines.
But "good enough" for light tasks doesn’t mean "fit for purpose" in a business setting. Especially if your environment includes legacy apps, peripheral-heavy setups, or specific IT management tools.
The Cost of Getting It Wrong
Buying the wrong device isn't just a minor headache. It's hours of IT time troubleshooting obscure issues, replacing incompatible machines, and frustrating your staff. Worse, it's downtime and delays that ripple across teams.
Our Recommendation: Think Before You Click
Before buying a Windows laptop, especially from retail or during a sale, check the processor type. If it says "ARM," stop and double-check whether it's compatible with your business stack. When in doubt, choose Intel. It may cost slightly more, but it's guaranteed to work with the widest range of software and systems.
Or better yet, let us handle it!
Use Optimus as Your Procurement Partner
We don't just sell hardware. We help you buy smart. Optimus can advise on the right device for each user role, ensure compatibility with your IT environment, and manage procurement end-to-end. Whether it's one laptop or a fleet, we help you avoid costly mistakes and keep your business humming.
