This document discusses different types of computing devices including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. It covers key aspects of each type such as capabilities, uses, costs, and factors to consider when purchasing. Recommendations are provided on what to look at like RAM, storage, and screen quality when choosing a laptop or tablet. Information sources and retailers for research and purchase are also listed.

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

3.  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.  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”

5.  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

6.  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.  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.  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

11.  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

12.  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

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

19.  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

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

22.  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

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

25.  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

27.  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/

28.  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

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

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