Before powered computer carts were on the market, non-powered computer carts were the one (and maybe only) option. Now that powered computer carts provide portable power supplies, deciding to invest in either depends on the needs of your staff and facility.
Since these computer carts can offer different industries the tech they need, both are equally beneficial. Each provides specs and features that are important to any industry. Before weighing your options, you should ask yourself these questions:
- Do you need to move around constantly at work? Or are you stationary?
- Do you need continuous power to get the job done?
- Do you need portable power? Are outlets hard to come by in your workplace?
- Are you looking for desktop, laptop, dual-monitor, or tablet compatibility?
- Do you need to bring power to devices used on the cart?
Generally, powered carts provide a much longer-lasting power supply, while non-powered carts are limited to the battery in the laptop/tablet. Since a large number of devices have USB capabilities, your decision may solely depend on how long you need to function before charging your tech. When choosing between a non-powered or powered computer cart, there are several benefits to consider:
Mobility
If you need a workstation on wheels (WoWs) that can easily be moved around the facility, both a powered and non-powered computer cart offer the same smooth mobility. Both of these carts are typically lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them ideal for use in a variety of care settings. However, if you need a workstation that can be used for extended periods without the need for frequent charging (or an actual outlet), a powered computer cart might be a better choice.
DATACART™ powered carts have a long-lasting Lithium Iron Phosphate portable battery that can be recharged at night and ready to power through the entire day. So essentially, when it comes to mobility, you need to consider if you don’t mind plugging in your non-powered cart vs. not having to search for an outlet with a powered cart. But if being stationary and charging isn’t an issue, non-powered carts may be of best interest.
Power/Charging Needs
As stated above, power and charging needs are also crucial benefits to consider. If you plan to use power-hungry devices, such as large monitors or powerful CPUs, a powered cart might be necessary to ensure that you have sufficient power to run the devices for extended periods. On the other hand, if you are looking to use a simple laptop or tablet device, a non-powered cart may be the best option. This isn’t to say that a non-powered cart can’t house large dual monitors or CPUs, it’s just that a powered cart would offer more efficient power usage for a longer time.
DATACART™ non-powered carts offer plenty of cable and power cord accessory holes to ensure everything that needs power, gets power. While the Small Form Factor carts provide dedicated cable management capabilities for tangle-free maneuverability and charging.
Workflow
The workflow and productivity factors are similar to mobility needs. If your staff needs to move frequently between rooms or care settings, a non-powered cart might be more practical. However, if your staff needs a workstation that can be used for extended periods without the need for frequent charging, a powered cart might be necessary.
The great thing about each of these carts is that their storage and security accessories can help increase overall productivity. When your staff has everything they need at their fingertips, on their computer carts, it cuts down unnecessary time spent searching for essential items or worrying about the security of important documents.
Ergonomics
Lastly, consider the ergonomic needs of the professionals who will be using the workstation. When it comes to being ergonomic, there isn’t much of a difference between these carts besides sit-to-stand capabilities and other fatigue-limiting specs. Not all non-powered carts have these features. DATACART™ powered and non-powered carts can be adjusted to meet the specific needs of individual users, so you won’t have to sacrifice comfort.
Although sit-to-stand capabilities are important, they aren’t the only factors that affect ergonomics. Think about how these carts move around from place to place—are the wheels operating smoothly? What type of wheeling technology is used? Caster wheels are very important. DATACART™ uses high-performance casters—both single and dual wheels. These caster wheels provide smooth gliding motion for all of our carts alike. The ability to move a cart easily is limited by how good the wheels are.
Which is Right for You?
The decision to invest in powered or non-powered computer carts will ultimately depend on your needs. Here at DATACART™, all our powered and non-powered carts are completely customizable, and adjustable, and offer mobile storage for all professionals!
Need help deciding what you need? Contact us today to discuss options!
