By Adam Myers
Senior PC Tech, SP Computer Services
“Call me crazy, but I just don’t know what to do! With all of the different gadgets out there, which one should I buy? ”…..said a customer at a local computer repair shop. No, she is not crazy and with so many options, there are probably more questions than answers. Should I get a PC or Apple Mac; desktop or laptop; tablet or phone? All say they do a lot, but which one is for me?
How to break it down
First decide if you want the device to be mobile or stationary. If you plan on using it on a desk or home office, then you may consider a desktop computer. A desktop computer will generally have a separate screen (monitor), a tower (CPU), keyboard and a mouse. Although there are some desktops that have the monitor and CPU in one. These are called ALL-IN-ONE (AIO) and can be a space saver if you have limited desk space. If you would like something a little more portable and yet gives you the look and feel of a desktop, you might look into getting a laptop, tablet or smartphone. A laptop will allow you to use it like a desktop with the freedom to take it with you and use without wires (providing the battery is charged). Tablets and smartphones also give you that “on the go feel” and have similar functions. Here is where it really comes down to the individual. Some tablets offer the option to install the same applications you would use on a desktop or laptop computer. Other tablets use operating system platforms that will only allow you to install “apps” rather than full traditional applications. Smartphones work in the same way and are generally used by IPhone, Android, Blackberry and Windows Mobile. Tablets and smartphones come in many different shapes and sizes, and all come with an array of functions (taking pictures, video recording, messaging, reading ebooks, etc.)
I hope this gives you an idea on where to start and I would urge you to start with what you “need” and then look at with you want.
TechTip – Passwords are very important and you should use one that has at least 8 characters and include at least 1 Capital letter, 1 numb3r and 1 $ymbol. This will make it extremely difficult for anyone to hack it.
Until we tech again………..
TechTime4Me offers the community helpful hints, tips and trends in today’s ever-changing technological world.
