There are so many options out there when it comes to computers. We have so many demands in life, and depending
on your needs and desires, it can be hard to decide what kind of device or computer would work best for you. Today, there are three main categories of computers: tablets, laptops, and desktops.
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of benefits and drawbacks to owning to the three main choices. You may need multiple devices, or have them for different needs, but let us walk you through some of the things to think about when shopping for the product that works best for your lifestyle.
Lifestyle Considerations
There are many things to think about before making this decision, and it may depend on your job, your location, or even your age. When thinking about buying a computer or device for a gift, you will want to make extra consideration for things like age and familiarity with technological devices. Your choice for the average student will differ from your choice for an elderly parent.
Tablets
If your device is for basic web browsing, a tablet is the most user-friendly choice. The interactive screen allows
you to navigate by simply tapping and swiping – giving the power to your fingertips! Tablets have become the popular choice for kids, and even seniors. It is portable and light (though a good case is important when children are around!).
A tablet turns on immediately, and doesn’t take time to start up. The battery life is usually quite long – about 10-12 hours – which is roughly double that of a laptop. Some tablets have cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi and even GPS. This makes it handy in transit, and because of its portability, tablets are conducive for reading e-books, magazines and online newspapers – always a great thing to have on hand for long commutes!
Takeaway: Great for easy navigation, portability, and web browsing.
Laptop
If you’re in need of something with a little more power and capability, a laptop is likely necessary. For anyone that is typing a lot (students, employees who work remotely, etc.) the built-in keyboard and mouse make a laptop a good option. They are also incredibly portable and their “clamshell” design protects the screen when not in use. Some of the modern laptop designs also have touch screen capabilities, giving you some of the benefits of the tablet but on a larger screen.
The bigger screen is very beneficial as well for multi-tasking between programs. Compared to a tablet, the storage is much larger, normally 10 times more, and there are USB and SD card ports, allowing you to easily accessing external drives and hardware. If the capabilities of a laptop still don’t meet your needs, a good desktop may be what you require.
Takeaway: Great for getting consistent work done, more capability than tablet, and has portability features.
Desktop
There are many benefits to owning a desktop. The most obvious drawback is its lack of portability. A desktop is just that: stuck to the top of your desk. But this is also a good thing, as your computer is less prone to the damage that can happen when being transported from place to place – dropping, surface damage, etc. Desktops are great for gamers, designers and visual artists as multiple windows can be open and visible at once, therefore making multitasking much easier!
Parents with young children also see the benefits of a family computer that can be located centrally in the home and therefore easily monitored. A desktop is also much easier to upgrade. Components such as external hard drives, SSD and RAM can be added or upgraded at any time, with new pieces only having to be bought as opposed to replacing the whole computer!
Takeaway: Easier to maintain, more power and visual capability. Terrific for heavy design or programming work!
Price Considerations
There are many things to consider before buying your computer. Price range can also be an issue. Typically, a tablet costs the least, and a desktop the most. But depending on which brand, size and capabilities the device has, the range is quite large. Once you decide what you need it for, it is much easier to narrow down your options!
Hopefully we have helped you figure out what type of device you need and why, but our experts here are always available to help you decide which system is best for you! Contact us today!
