PNW Computers' Recommended Hardware

After years of working with small and medium businesses across the Pacific Northwest, I've learned one fundamental truth: the right hardware makes all the difference. Whether you're building out a new office network, upgrading your storage infrastructure, or simply need a reliable mouse that won't quit on you during a critical deadline, choosing the right equipment saves time, money, and headaches down the road.

This guide represents my go-to recommendations for devices that consistently deliver performance, reliability, and value. These aren't just products I recommend; they're the equipment I trust for my own infrastructure and confidently recommend to clients.

Network Switches:
The Backbone of Your Infrastructure

Your network switch is the unsung hero of your IT infrastructure. Choose poorly, and you'll face bottlenecks, downtime, and endless troubleshooting. Choose well, and it becomes invisible; exactly what infrastructure should be.

48-Port Solutions for Growing Businesses

When you need serious port density, I recommend:

Managed PoE (48-Port):

• Netgear GS752TP - Offers full management capabilities with Power over Ethernet support, perfect for powering IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras without additional power infrastructure.

Unmanaged Non-PoE (48-Port):

• TP-Link TL-SG1048 - A cost-effective solution when you need raw port density without the complexity of managed features.

Small Office & Desktop Solutions (5-8 Ports)

Non-PoE Options:

• BrosTrend 2.5GB Switches - Future-proof your setup with 2.5 gigabit speeds
• Ubiquiti UniFi Flex 2.5G Models - Compact, powerful, and aesthetically pleasing

PoE Options:

• Ubiquiti UniFi Flex 2.5G PoE Series - Ideal for powering access points and cameras in small installations
• Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Lite Series - Budget-friendly option without sacrificing UniFi integration

High-Power PoE Solutions

When standard PoE won't cut it (think PTZ cameras or outdoor access points), step up to:

• Netgear GS Series (PoE+)
• Zyxel XMG Series
• Ubiquiti UniFi ProMax Series

Wireless Routers:
When Enterprise Isn't Necessary

Not every deployment needs enterprise-grade routing. For home offices, small businesses, and specialized applications, these consumer-grade solutions punch well above their weight class.

GL.iNet Routers

• Comet Series - Perfect for portable or travel use cases
• Flint Series - Powerful enough for home or small office deployments

TP-Link Routers

• Archer BE Series - Excellent performance-to-cost ratio with Wi-Fi 6E support

Enterprise Networking:
The UniFi Ecosystem

For businesses ready to invest in professional-grade infrastructure, the Ubiquiti UniFi ecosystem offers unmatched value, scalability, and management capabilities.

Core Infrastructure:

• UniFi Cloud Gateway Max & Security Gateway - Centralized routing and security
• UniFi U7 Pro Max AP's - Top-tier wireless performance for demanding environments
• UniFi Mesh 4x4 AP's - Seamless coverage for complex layouts
• UniFi ProMax & USW Switches - Scalable switching solutions

Network Attached Storage:
Your Data Deserves Better

When it comes to business data, you need reliability, performance, and features. Here's what I deploy:

Premium Choice:

• QNAP TS Series NAS Systems - My current top recommendation for enterprise features and performance

Alternative Option:

• Synology - While falling out of favor in my practice, we still sell, setup, and support these systems for clients who prefer them

Budget-Conscious:

• Buffalo - For situations where cost is the primary concern

USB Network Devices:
Flexibility When You Need It

Sometimes you need to add network capabilities or upgrade existing connections without opening up a case.

Wireless Adapters

Alfa Networks (Essential for wireless security testing and troubleshooting):

• AWUS036ACS
• AWUS036AXM

Ethernet Adapters

Upgrade to 2.5 gigabit speeds:

• Plugable 2.5G USB-C & USB-A Ethernet Adapter
• TRENDnet 2.5G USB-C & USB-A Ethernet Adapter

External Storage:
Backup, Transport, Expand

Your data backup strategy is only as good as the drives you use.

External HDDs (For Capacity)

• Lacie Rugged Mini Series - Built to survive the field work
• WD Elements Series - Reliable and affordable

External SSDs (For Speed)

• Samsung T Series - Industry-leading performance and reliability
• Crucial X10 Series - Excellent value proposition
• SanDisk Extreme Series - Rugged enough for mobile professionals

Printers:
The Necessary Evil (Done Right)

Let's be honest, printers are often the bane of IT support. But these models can minimize the headaches.

LaserJet (Best for Volume)

• Brother DCP Series - Reliable, economical, and Linux-friendly

Eco Tank (For Regular Color Printing)

• EPSON ET-15000 - High capacity, low cost per page

Ink-Jet (When Color Matters)

• HP Officejet Pro 8000 Series - Professional results without breaking the bank

Mice & Keyboards:
Don't Neglect Your Interface

You interact with these devices every day. Invest in quality, and your hands will thank you.

Mice

Standard Wireless:

• Logitech G Series - Gaming precision for professional use
• Tecknet - Budget-friendly reliability

Standard Wired:

• Logitech M100 - Simple, effective, and nearly indestructible

Trackball (Ergonomic Alternative):

• Seenda Ergonomic Series - Reduces wrist strain
• Nuela M500 Series - Precision without the wrist movement

Keyboards

Wireless Options:

• Logitech K Series - Dependable across the board
• Redragon - Feature-rich at competitive prices
• SteelSeries - Premium feel and performance

Wired Options:

• Vilros 15 (Keyboard & Touchpad) - All-in-one solution
• Redragon - Mechanical options at reasonable prices
• SteelSeries - Professional-grade typing experience
• Perixx Periboard (USB-C) - Modern connectivity

Portable Bluetooth:

• ProtoArc - Perfect for mobile professionals

Final Thoughts...

This list represents years of field experience, client feedback, and real-world testing. Technology changes rapidly, but these recommendations have proven themselves time and again in demanding environments.

Remember: the cheapest option is rarely the most cost-effective when you factor in reliability, support, and longevity. Invest in quality hardware from the start, and you'll spend less time troubleshooting and more time getting work done.

These recommendations are based on professional experience and may be updated as new products prove themselves in the field.

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