So you have decided that it’s time for a new computer and you aren’t really sure exactly what you need. In today’s world filled with devices ranging from smart phones and calculators, all the way to super computers and the Large Hadron Collider, the lines can get a little blurry between what you want and what you actually need. So where do you turn when you have computer questions? To your friendly local computer guys. Here’s a helpful guide on the strengths and weakness of each type:
Tablet: These nifty little devices have been around for a long time, but only hit the mainstream in the last ten years or so. They are used today for everything from email to point of sale displays, but is this the right option for you?
Pros:
- Portable
- Good for email and light web surfing
- Wifi accessibility
Cons:
- Limited hardware
- No upgradability
- Low program compatibility
Ideal for: The student on the go, children, the mobile professional.
Laptop: Laptops have become a staple of the day to day lives of most Americans, and why not; they’re really just small, portable computers, right?
Pros:
- Mobility
- Compatible with all desktop software
- Wifi accessibility
Cons:
- Low upgradability
- Overheating Issues
- Not always suitable for “hard use” (gaming, video editing, etc.)
Ideal for: Professionals, students, and those guys at the coffee shop who love to be seen “writing” on their laptops.
Desktop: That brings to the old stand-by; the desktop. The desktop computer has advanced by leaps and bounds over the past few years, and will continue to do so well into the foreseeable future, but what is this the right computer for you?
Pros:
- Powerful performance
- Awesome upgradability
- Completely customizable
Cons:
- No mobility
- The cables can be a mess, if not managed properly
- Components become obsolete over time
Ideal for: Gamers, office workstations, home media centers
This is only a short list, hopefully it helped a little. If you have any questions, or need additional help deciding what sort of computer to get that person on your Christmas list, feel free to give us a call, or drop by our shop. We’d be more than happy to help you decide what computer would be the best fit for you.