From data scientist to creative professional, every type of power user—and their IT department—has its own list of must-haves when choosing a workstation for data-intensive jobs. However, certain attributes can have a major impact on user performance in each of these power user categories. This article looks at four types of power users and offers advice on configurations, networks and peripherals that can keep users engaged while maintaining top performance for each function.
Whether power users opt to return to the workplace or continue their pandemic-driven work-from-home routines, they all have different needs when it comes to their compute platform. Let’s look at four different power user categories—data scientist, engineer, product developer and creative professional—and which PC attributes best help them get their jobs done.
Data scientists: These digital warriors are among the most in-demand jobs today, relying on software such as Python, Jupyter, R, MATLAB and more. Although many prefer virtual workstations for remote work, data scientists are focused on performance first. Their must-haves include high-performance compute capabilities, high bandwidth and access to vast amounts of data, and support for multiscreen displays so they can see the big picture without having to open and close windows.
Their checklist includes 13- to 15-in. displays, up to 32 GB of RAM for number crunching, 500 GB to 1 TB of SSDs to store visualizations and intermediate results, rock-solid conferencing capabilities, and a GPU to support visualizations or local computations.
Engineers: With a software stack that often includes AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Autodesk and others, their workflow includes both individual work and collaborations. Engineers’ preferences include a single portable device that offers consistent displays and accessories wherever they work, touchscreens and voice recognition, connectivity including virtual private networks, and solid endpoint security.
Their checklist includes the latest and greatest CPU to support CAD, 16 or 32 GB of RAM, NVIDIA RTX GPU for 3D modeling, 17-in. monitors and long battery life for on-the-go work.
Product developers: These workers look for power, portability and immersive computing experiences such as curved screens and virtual reality headsets as well as support for first-rate conferencing tools such as webcams, microphones and quality speakers. Product developers’ reliance on CAD, project tracking and conferencing software is amplified by their need for mobility.
Their checklist includes portable devices with the latest Intel Core i9 CPUs, up to 32 GB of RAM for simulations or rendering, NVIDIA RTX GPU for 3D modeling, and a 15-in. or larger display.
Creative professionals: With workflows that include design, rendering, post-production and collaboration, these power users have many computing needs that are similar to those of product developers but with an eclectic mix of sophisticated software tools to help fuel their creativity. Creators’ computing needs, and the size of the files they manipulate, often demand that these users work on site, since data transfer of these huge files can be prohibitive if not impossible. They often work with intellectual property resulting in greater security demands.
Their checklist includes midrange to ultra-high-end laptops, access to server farms or virtual workstations for complex rendering tasks, 4K displays and advanced peripherals, including sound equipment and multiple displays.
What do all these power users have in common? All their needs—and more--can be met by the full range of Z by HP workstations. Click here to learn more.
