�ݺ�ߣ

The gamut from
smartphone to desktop
Vic Laurie
http://vlaurie.com

 What the different platforms are and what
capabilities they have
 How to get information and reviews for the
different computing devices
 Where to buy computing devices
 My personal prejudices

 Desktops or workstations
 All-in-ones
 Laptops AKA notebooks
 With and without touch screen
 Convertibles AKA “hybrids”
 Tablets
 Various sizes
 With or without external keyboard
 Smartphones
 Several sizes, including “phablets”

 Writing the great American novel
 Managing investments
 Playing games
 Watching movies and video
 Going to school
 Reading websites
 Social networks
 Texting and email
 Staying in touch while on the go

 Basic cost of a platform ranges from several
hundred to thousands of dollars
 Accessory costs
 Carrying cases, external keyboards, mice, and so
forth
 Service costs
 Internet provider
 Cell or wireless service

 Pros
 Can be very powerful
 Very versatile and easy to customize
 Can take numerous peripherals
 Big screen(s)
 Cons
 Immobile
 Takes up space
 Primarily Windows

 Pros
 Range of mobility
 Can be quite powerful
 Good general purpose PC for many people
 Variety of operating systems available
 Cons
 Screen size somewhat limited
 Fewer ports or connectors
 No DVD
 Convertible models available

 RAM
 8-16 GB
 Type of RAM not important for most people
 Permanent storage- Hard drive and SSD
 128-256 GB SSD
 500-1000 GB hard drive
 Processor
 Intel i5 or i7 family
 Integrated graphics or separate graphics card
 Quality of display
 Keyboard

 Laptop that uses operating system developed by
Google
 Directed at PC users who primarily are internet oriented
 Pros
 Inexpensive
 Easy to use and maintain
 Better security
 Cons
 Assumes most activity is on internet
 Some peripherals will not work
 Fewer software choices
 Future models will be able to run Android apps

 laptopmag.com
 pcworld.com
 cnet.com
 pcmag.com
 techradar.com
 consumerreports.org (subscription)
 www.clcewing.org/new_computer.html

 Battery life
 Storage space
 Micro SD slot
 Android or Apple
 App availability
 Other hardware owned
 Weight and heft
 Quality of cameras
 Consumer Reports suggests 5 Mp back and 2 Mp
front

 Portability
 Screen size
 Screen quality
 Brightness, color fidelity, contrast, resolution
 Processor
 RAM
 Storage
 Operating system

 Very inexpensive tablet- 8” model under $100
 Cheapest versions are ad-supported
 Amazon version of Android operating system
 Apps only available through Amazon
 Full range of Android apps not available
 Somewhat heavier and thicker
 Poor camera according to reviews
 Low cost choice for basic applications

 Added complication of choosing a service
provider
 Geographical considerations
 Various packages and deals
 Length of contract
 Family plans
 Deals on hardware
 Usage limits
 Bargaining

 Android or iPhone
 Different providers have different hardware
 Buy outright or long –term contract
 Locked or unlocked
 Latest model often not necessary
 Storage
 32-256 GB
 Larger amounts considerably more expensive
 Camera

 https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/22/techn
ology/personaltech/picking-a-new-phone-
plan-here-are-your-best-bets.html
 http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-
wireless-carrier/

 Type-C
 Successor to USB
 Lightning
 Apple proprietary connector
 Thunderbolt 3
 Intel connector
 Micro USB
 Type used on phones and tablets
 Wireless
 http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/port-and-
adapter-guide

 Local store
 Staples
 Best Buy
 Apple store
 Microsoft store
 Phone stores
 Online
 Amazon
 Newegg
 TigerDirect
 Individual manufacturers

 Laptops
 Asus
 Dell
 Lenovo
 Chromebook
 Tablets
 iPad
 Samsung
 Kindle
 Phone
 iPhone
 Samsung
 Google Pixel phone?
 No service contract

�ݺ�ߣ

How to buy a pc

More Related Content

How to buy a pc