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

3. 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

4. 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”

5. 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
Staying in touch while on the go

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

11. Important components in laptops and desktops
RAM
8-16 GB
Type of RAM not important for most people
Permanent storage- Hard drive and SSD
GB SSD
GB hard drive
Processor
Intel i5 or i7 family
Integrated graphics or separate graphics card
Quality of display
Keyboard

12. 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

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

18. The Rise of Mobile Computing

20. 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

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

23. 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

24. Mobile phone website traffic

25. 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

26. 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 GB
Larger amounts considerably more expensive
Camera

28. NY Times Picks for Phone Plan

29. Smartphone reviews https://www.cnet.com/topics/phones/best-phones/

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

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

32. 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

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

35. The End
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