August 2012 - Computer 101 New Computers

Buying a Computer 101 – August 2012

Picking a Computer :

Computing devices come in every shape and size these days, but which one will fill your needs. There are Desk tops, Notebooks/Laptops, Net books, Tablets, and Smart Phone available that can preform computing needs. Each class very in quality and price. It is like buying a new car. You don't buy a Ferrari to go shopping, or a mini Fiat to take long trips. They all can do the job but some special features of each make them more useful.

Desk Top:

This is the work horse of computing. It can be faster, more powerful, and more versatile then all the others.

Cons: It needs a monitor, is big heavy and not portable.

Pros: They support large screen monitors up to 30 inches. New hardware, memory, and processors can be added since the case is large and open. They can come with the fastest processors, memory, full keyboard and storage. They can preform the basic computing needs like word processing, spreadsheet, presentations, email, surfing, and storing data . In addition they have the computing power to edit movies and create fancy graphic quickly.

The prices vary from $350 to $2000.

Notebooks/Laptops:

These are the computers for moving around from room to room and the choice for limited users with space problems.. They should not be used on your lap as the more powerful models get very hot. The newer high end models are almost as powerful as desktops, but get heavier ( 6-7 lbs) and hotter. They run on batteries so they can move around where there is no outlet. Battery life is 2 to 4 hours before recharging. Batteries also need to be replaced yearly to maintain peak usage. They cost from $70 to $120.

Most models come with built in cameras and microphones for video calling.

Cons: They are portable and can be dropped and damaged. They normally cannot be up graded by adding memory or storage. Monitors are 14 to 17 inches and can't be changed. They use mouse pad which is a problem for some people. A separate mouse can be added.

Pros: They are portable, smaller then a desktop and can be used for all normal computing. If space is a problem they can be stored out of the way and brought out when needed. Traveling is a major advantage for vacations, but they are subject to theft when set down in airports or in your room.

The prices vary from $350 t0 $1500.

Netbooks:

Small portable and light is the advantage for these computers. They have small keyboards, and 8 to 10 inch screens. Ideal for travel since the are light (1.2 lbs) and will fit in your luggage of carry on. They are capable of doing all normal computer tasks like word processing and email. They come with built in cameras and microphones. They can run on batteries or plug in outlet. They are not as powerful as Desktops or Notebooks so they run cooler and have longer battery life. Battery life is still a yearly problem, but replacements are slightly cheaper.

Cons: The screen is small and the keyboard is not full size so typing is slower. Many models don't have DVD drives so you have to use an external drive if you need one. It is fine for short word processing, but not for long documents. The processors are not the fastest so large calculations are slow. They cannot be upgraded.

Pros: Light weight, small size and easy of usage for email, and surfing. The built in cameras and microphones are ideal for video phoning. They are hard to beat for an easy travel and simple computing.

Price from $300 to $500.

Tablets:

Now we get into the area of different operating systems and totally different methods of usage, There are three major operating system systems, Apple I-Pads use Apples system, the majority of the rest use Android from Google, and there are some using a Windows system. The Androids come in 4 versions, Froyo (Version 2), Gingerbread (Version 3) and Honeycomb ( Version 4). Each version offered better graphics and more control features like I-Pads. The newest Version is Ice Cream Sandwich(Ver. 5) just coming on the market it will compete with the I-pad 3.

Tablets come in screen sizes from 7 to 10 inches and have screens set to the 3 by 4 ( analog TV) and 9 by 16 (HD TV) format. You use your finger on the screen to select items and use finger movement to control the screens. This takes some practice and playing around to feel at easy.

All have on screen keyboards that pop up when you need to type a command or log in. The more pricy models have an add on keyboard available that can be plugged in through a USB port. It is also used as a stand and case ($ 29 - $ 59). Some offer built in G4 connections which require data contracts at $69 -$99/ month.

Cons: The screens are small making text small on web pages. This also makes touching menu buttons difficult unless you enlarge the page. Although you can setup to use your existing network some have problems with printer connections. Lower priced unit lack high definition screen and get blurry when you enlarge the screen.

Not very useful for business applications, many do not include word processors or spreadsheet applications or anything but simple emails. All systems require learning to use the unit , since they use different file storage and program loading. Many of the “apps” are specific for one grand or model and may or may no work.

Pros: Light weight, small and easy to carry. Long battery life in the rest mode as long as 24 hours. Most have fast processors and few built in programs so they start fast and surf quickly.

Many free or low cost “APPS” available for special applications and games. I keep on in the side pocket of my chair, so when my wife asks a question or want information about something she seen on TV, I can get it quickly. Useful as a travel email checker and light surfing computer.