The gamut from smartphone to desktop Vic Laurie http://vlaurie.com How to Buy a PC The gamut from smartphone to desktop Vic Laurie http://vlaurie.com

What we will cover 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

A multiplicity of personal computing devices Desktops or workstations Laptops AKA notebooks With and without touch screen Convertibles AKA “hybrids” Tablets Various sizes With or without external keyboard Smartphones Several sizes, including “phablets”

What do you use a PC for? 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

How much do you want to spend? 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

Desktops or Workstations 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

Laptops or Notebooks Pros Cons Convertible models available 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

Important components in laptops and desktops 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

Chromebooks Laptop that uses operating system developed by Google Pros 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

Online Ratings of PCs laptopmag.com pcworld.com cnet.com pcmag.com techradar.com consumerreports.org (subscription)

The Rise of Mobile Computing

Important factors in mobile devices 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

Tablet considerations Portability Screen size Screen quality Brightness, color fidelity, contrast, resolution Processor RAM Storage Operating system

Amazon Kindle Fire Very inexpensive tablet- 8” model under $100 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

Mobile phone website traffic

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

Phone hardware 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

NY Times Picks for Phone Plan https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/22/technology/personaltech/picking-a-new-phone-plan-here-are-your-best-bets.html http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-wireless-carrier/

Smartphone reviews https://www.cnet.com/topics/phones/best-phones/ http://www.pcmag.com/reviews/cell-phones http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/20-best-mobile-phones-in-the-world-today-645440 http://www.pcmag.com/roundup/233672/the-best-unlocked-phones

Places to buy PCs Local store Online Staples Best Buy Apple store Microsoft store Phone stores Online Amazon Newegg TigerDirect Individual manufacturers

Hidden costs Accessories Services Extended warranties Carrying cases Stands External keyboards Earphones Services Extended warranties

Connectors Type-C Lightning Thunderbolt 3 Micro USB Wireless 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

My Personal Choices Laptops Tablets Phone Asus Dell Lenovo Chromebook Tablets iPad Samsung Kindle Phone iPhone Google Pixel phone? No service contract

The End vlaurie.com