I bought a computer for 1099 work. Can I write it off as an expense since it was under $2500 or do I have to depreciate it as an asset?

since it cost under $2500 you can write it off. however, if you are in a low tax bracket and expect to be in a higher tax bracket in future years depreciating it over its useful life may save you more in taxes. a definitive answer is not possible. 

You can generally write off the full cost of the computer as a business expense since it was under $2,500. Utilizing the de minimis safe harbor election allows you to deduct the entire amount in the year of purchase, rather than depreciating it over several years.

For more information, you can refer to the following resource: 

• TurboTax Help Article on Business Safe Harbor Election
• Depreciation of Business Assets