Are high technology items preferable for lease options from the outset?

Answer 1

It depends.

Leasing allows you flexibility to quickly update your equipment as emerging technologies evolve. To some this is critical and other not so. You have to consider your exact needs. Constantly having state of the art equipment is cool but an expensive habit in the long run.

Leasing also allows you to start with a small capital outlay and pay as you go. But the total lease cost combined with having to return the equipment in the end makes the period you used it generally far more expensive than if you bought the gear outright.

Still if capital is tight and you really need the equipment now, leasing may be the answer.

Leasing also tends to come with service replacement or repair features that might save time, headaches and money later if the equipment dies on you. And for many having that guarantee is everything.

Buying equipment outright and using it for the longest time possible can offer the best cost advantage, but requires major capital outlay up front. And service is only under warranty for a short time, then expensive if needed.