Tips in Selecting a PC

The year 2012 will certainly bring new technologies, new gadgets and new developments in the world of information technology.

In the area of computers, users could be divided into the three main types - desktop, notebook and tablet. People who are contemplating on moving from being a desktop user to being a tablet carrier would benefit from a differentiation of the three types of PCs as the technology world continues to change and evolve.

Desktop Computers

It is the first among the personal computer devices ever used for a variety of purpose but is often placed in a regular spot at home or in offices.

The basic set comes with a central processing unit which is the brain of the desktop PC, then the monitor could be of any size but now usually flatscreen types. The complete set-up includes keyboards and mouse for control and an auto voltage regulator for power regulation. Each part of the desktop PC set may vary in size, design and add on technology.

Other devices which can power up the PC include the printer, scanner, headphones, speakers, joystick, stylus and cooler.

Specialty

Desktop PCs have one specialty, to maximize everything. This type of PC is the only one that can be upgraded many times superseding other units and making itself a supercomputer with only the risk of electric failure and shock, but definitely fast! A video uploaded in the Internet featured several processors installed in one PC unit capable of opening 20 programs in seconds.

Additionally, repairs and upgrade parts are easier to find and much cheaper than the notebook or a tablet. Owning a PC unit is relatively of low cost. A regular PC costs from $399 for the basic model and up to $10,000 for high-powered ones designed for gaming.

Drawback

The main drawback of the PC is its size because it takes a lot of space. Desktop PCs could create its own laboratory in the fullest set because of all its add-ons needed for various purposes. Because of its immense size the PC requires power as long as it is being used, hence there are no PCs run by batteries

The Notebook PCs

The notebook or laptop PCs is the mobile version of the desktop. It is integrated with a monitor, keyboard, pointing device and speaker. It has an AC adapter for direct power source and battery which allows its use away from the outlet for quite some time.

Notebook PCs virtually has the same ports that the desktop have, access hard drives, accessories and other PC devices that desk tops normally have. It can also obtain certain hardware originally from the desktop by purchasing the external version available for notebooks.

Today, notebooks are stylish, optimised and up-to-date, which makes it capable of replicating a lot of high-end functions of the desktop from internet connection to gaming.

Specialty

Portability is the number one advantage of the notebook. The owner can bring it anywhere by carry it by hand or on the shoulder.

Productivity is the next advantage because whenever the owners needs to access emails or documents, he can use it even while stuck inside the train or a car.

Immediacy means at the moment of need and the desktop is far and one has an unexpected need for a PC, the notebook is there.

Connectivity properties of notebooks allow it to be accessed through Wi-Fi and HSDPA networks which are common these days in public establishments. Notebooks have.

low power consumption compared to the desktop since it consumes 20-90 watts while desktops consume 100-800 watts.

The notebook is also quieter than the desktop due to smaller hardware and smaller cooling fans. Its components are all in one set, including the display, keyboard, mouse, and speaker. It is virtually immune to power outages.

Drawback

The main weakness of the notebooks is its performance. No matter how expensive it is, there is no chance it can really match the full capability of a fully upgraded desktop PC.

Next is unavailability of parts, making notebooks difficult to upgrade . Some of its parts are not in the same size, which is something the desktop PCs have in standards.

Health issues are also more noticeable in notebooks than desktops. Continued use of the device for several hours can cause wrist and arms pain.

Durability is also can issue because its major hardware can be exposed to heat, cold, dust, and other natural elements. The cooling fan may also get clogged from the accumulated dust inside the device.

Last but not the least is battery issue. Notebooks can last up to 5 hours maximum while a few powerful ones can last up to 10 hours, still depending on use and environment. Notebook batteries are easy to depreciate unlike that of mobile phones. As the battery ages, it function slowly goes down and independence from the outlet last from hours to just minutes.

Tablet Computers

The newbie in the personal computer arena is the tablet. It is larger than a mobile phone or digital assistant, integrated into a flat touchscreen and primarily operated by touching the screen than using a physical keyboard. It often uses onscreen virtual keys, passive stylus pen or digital pen.

The standard form is called a slate which does not have an integrated keyboard but may be connected to one with a wireless link or via USB port. Convertibles are integrated with the keyboard that can be hidden by a swivel joint or slide joint exposing only the screen for touch operation. Hybrids have a detachable keyboard so that the touchscreen can be used as stand alone keys. Booklets include two touch screens, and can be used as a notebook by displaying a virtual key in one of them.

Specialty

If portability is something the notebook has, the tablet has improved this by adding comfort. Tablets are very conducive to use in several environments such as lying in bed, standing or handling by one hand.

Another plus for the tablet is its lighter weight compared to notebooks without losing the need for performance and style. The touch feature makes it capable of controlling and manipulating everything such zoom and panning of images, video and music dragging during views.

Tablets can be used for easier entry of diagrams, mathematical notations and symbols. With the proper software, keyboards can also be localised for independent inputs depending on the owner's choice. Tablets allow the download of more applications from their respective markets or stores which makes this device more capacitive.

Last advantage of the tablet is the battery life. It is similar in strength to high-end smartphones. Tablets can last for up to 9 hours with all features under use or two days with just daily activities. Making it more powered up than notebooks.

Drawbacks

Significantly, tablets are very expensive similar to above-average notebooks. For beginners, using a tablet can be difficult at first since this kind of device is powered by OS similar to smartphones which requires being knowledgeable of its features.

Another drawback is with its hardware since tablets have very limited storage capacity with the maximum built-in storage memory less than 100GB. Although it is way too little compared to notebooks or desktops, however, the application versions for tablets are smaller in size too.

Input speed may not be as fast as what the user can do with the real keys, which may make it necessary to buy an add-on keyboard for the tablet. For business users , only a few tablets can perform impressively in terms of presentations, scheduling and data management.