The iPAQ hx2795 Pocket PC is among the most popular iPAQ models in the last year or so. This specific model has had quite a stir around it, as some users reported it as "buggy" (has bugs that disturb it's operation), and I thought it would be better to set the record straight about this device. First, let's take a look at its' features:
1.3.5" TFT Active Matrix screen with 16-bit color. This touch screen is very handy, and has become the leading standard in the PDA industry. It doesn't require you to use any of those stylus pens the Palm One has become famous for. This is actually a good thing as the pens get lost all the time.
2.IrDA, Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11b data link protocols
3.Includes touch-screen, five-way navigation button and stylus input sources
4.Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system usually comes with the device. This operation system is quite an improvement if you compare it to it to it's predecessors.
Now that's a pretty basic feature list. NO phone integration ability like the HP iPAQ H6315 PDA Pocket PC Phone, and not even a SVGA color set - you only get 16-bit platform with this device. By the way - the lower color quality help the PDA performance, so this can work out well for you if you're not into colors in a big way. So we're looking at a pretty basic set of features, aimed at people with basic needs.
Now let's take a look at a few of the more common complaints people had with this PDA:
1.The most common complaint that people have is that the device doesn't sync well with PC's that have a Windows XP system installed on them. This can be quite a problem if your computer has the XP OS. Anyway, if you have problems with that you can always contact HP's support and they should help you out.
2.The basic set of features may be disappointing to people who are looking and expecting for more.
To conclude, the HP iPAQ hx2795 Pocket PC is a standard device that does the standard operation of an average pocket PC. If your budget is low - about $280, and your demands are not too high, this may be the device for you.
If you are not a techie in any way, you may want to avoid this device, as technical problem seem to rise more often with it. These problems are related mainly to the operating system and the synchronization with a PC.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
PDA GPS Built In
One of the most useful and exciting features of the newer PDA's, is their ability to serve as real time maps. A PDA GPS built in system serves two purposes - it can help you keep track of your busy schedule as every PDA does, and, it can help you find your way to just about anywhere. You will no more get lost trying to find your way to a new client, to see your son's soccer game, or in a new city. Some of the PDA\s on the market don't have a GPS Built In system, so they require a special receiver that has to be bought separately and attached to the PDA.
The PDA's we'll discuss are PDA GPS Built In devices. You get them with the GPS system already integrated into the machine itself - the receiver, the maps, the antenna. Nothing needs to be added.
So here are the selected few pocket PC's that have a BuitIn global positioning navigation system:
1.Pharos Traveler GPS 525 - Includes maps and all your personal data. $388-$529
2.Mobile Crossing WayPoint 200 - A Good PDA and a great GPS. Too Expensive - $599.
3.Mio 168RS (GPS/PDA combo) - practical and cheaper than others. -$209
4.Garmin iQue M5 - Excellent navigation software makes this one of the best PDA/GPS combos. It's expensive - $599
5.Asus MyPal A636 - This is a PDA with a built-in GPS receiver that puts maps and directions on an equal footing with appointments and e-mail. While it delivers accurate directions and long battery life, it's a bit sluggish - not priced yet.
No matter what you use your global positioning navigation system for, you will find that the improvement over traditional paper maps is startling. Instead of trying to drive with the map folded on the steering wheel, the navigation system on your PDA can give you step by step and turn by turn directions to guide you right to your destination. No more stopping at every gas station for directions. Your satellite connected PDA will give you great instructions and keep you from getting lost.
If you are traveling on a regular bases, and often to unknown destination, you'll probably want to consider getting a PDA/GPS combo device. The cost will be considrably less than purchasing these two products separately. Why not stop by your local computer store or internet retailer and take advantage of this great technological breakthrough?
The PDA's we'll discuss are PDA GPS Built In devices. You get them with the GPS system already integrated into the machine itself - the receiver, the maps, the antenna. Nothing needs to be added.
So here are the selected few pocket PC's that have a BuitIn global positioning navigation system:
1.Pharos Traveler GPS 525 - Includes maps and all your personal data. $388-$529
2.Mobile Crossing WayPoint 200 - A Good PDA and a great GPS. Too Expensive - $599.
3.Mio 168RS (GPS/PDA combo) - practical and cheaper than others. -$209
4.Garmin iQue M5 - Excellent navigation software makes this one of the best PDA/GPS combos. It's expensive - $599
5.Asus MyPal A636 - This is a PDA with a built-in GPS receiver that puts maps and directions on an equal footing with appointments and e-mail. While it delivers accurate directions and long battery life, it's a bit sluggish - not priced yet.
No matter what you use your global positioning navigation system for, you will find that the improvement over traditional paper maps is startling. Instead of trying to drive with the map folded on the steering wheel, the navigation system on your PDA can give you step by step and turn by turn directions to guide you right to your destination. No more stopping at every gas station for directions. Your satellite connected PDA will give you great instructions and keep you from getting lost.
If you are traveling on a regular bases, and often to unknown destination, you'll probably want to consider getting a PDA/GPS combo device. The cost will be considrably less than purchasing these two products separately. Why not stop by your local computer store or internet retailer and take advantage of this great technological breakthrough?
iPAQ Case
So you want on and purchased that iPAQ you always dreamed of. Good for you. Now you really need to start thinking about getting a proper case for your iPAQ pocket pc. Why a special case? What's wrong with the standard case they gave you when you bought the machine, or maybe go without one at all?
Here are a few compelling reasons why we all need to put our HP iPAQ's in cases:
1.They are vulnerable. A pocket pc is a delicate instrument, that can be harmed if it gets hit, or dropped to the floor. Also - the screen can be easily scratched.
2.Humidity and wetness. Never forget that a PDA is an electronic device. With many people taking their PDA's out to lunch, getting some coffee spilt on your iPAQ is defiantly a possibility. So you want to protect them against these kind of accidents.
3.It looks better- if you are grooming a business or professional career, be aware that everything about you should project professionalism. An good looking PDA case will help you make that impression upon your surroundings.
I hope you are convinced by now as to how important it is to put a case around your iPAQ. Basicall, there are two types of cases: soft cases (leather, nylon), and hard (metal, plastic). Let's look at a few examples of good looking as well as practical case types:
1. Leather Wallet HP iPAQ - this case is a soft, leather like case. It will make your iPAQ look like an expensive wallet. The case also has room for other document, money, id's etc. You can use this case to take over your existing wallet and make room for you PDA as well. This can be a smart move.
2. Metal Deluxe Case - made of anodized aircraft grade aluminum. This material is scratch proof and can be the best protection available for your PDA. It's also stainless and un breakable. This case will protect your iPAQ investment.
3. Black Leather Open Face Case for hp iPAQ - This case is probably the most practical of them all. The case is crafted of premium leather, provides protection to you PDA, and the screen and keyboeard are covered with transparent plastic, so you can use your iPAQ without getting it out of the case. Case also has holes or cut-outs for headphones, buttons, loudspeakers etc ensures that none of the PDA's functions is lost when in the case.
These are just a few examples of from the vast world of PDA cases. So you have no problem what so ever to get yourself one of those cases and protect your investment. Be sure you or so you won't regret it later.
Here are a few compelling reasons why we all need to put our HP iPAQ's in cases:
1.They are vulnerable. A pocket pc is a delicate instrument, that can be harmed if it gets hit, or dropped to the floor. Also - the screen can be easily scratched.
2.Humidity and wetness. Never forget that a PDA is an electronic device. With many people taking their PDA's out to lunch, getting some coffee spilt on your iPAQ is defiantly a possibility. So you want to protect them against these kind of accidents.
3.It looks better- if you are grooming a business or professional career, be aware that everything about you should project professionalism. An good looking PDA case will help you make that impression upon your surroundings.
I hope you are convinced by now as to how important it is to put a case around your iPAQ. Basicall, there are two types of cases: soft cases (leather, nylon), and hard (metal, plastic). Let's look at a few examples of good looking as well as practical case types:
1. Leather Wallet HP iPAQ - this case is a soft, leather like case. It will make your iPAQ look like an expensive wallet. The case also has room for other document, money, id's etc. You can use this case to take over your existing wallet and make room for you PDA as well. This can be a smart move.
2. Metal Deluxe Case - made of anodized aircraft grade aluminum. This material is scratch proof and can be the best protection available for your PDA. It's also stainless and un breakable. This case will protect your iPAQ investment.
3. Black Leather Open Face Case for hp iPAQ - This case is probably the most practical of them all. The case is crafted of premium leather, provides protection to you PDA, and the screen and keyboeard are covered with transparent plastic, so you can use your iPAQ without getting it out of the case. Case also has holes or cut-outs for headphones, buttons, loudspeakers etc ensures that none of the PDA's functions is lost when in the case.
These are just a few examples of from the vast world of PDA cases. So you have no problem what so ever to get yourself one of those cases and protect your investment. Be sure you or so you won't regret it later.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Acer Notebooks
The Acer is a brand of notebooks that sits somewhere in the middle. For most people the idea of them being on the high end of quality is usually nonexistent, with most choosing some of the more decorated brands. However when critiques rated these notebooks, they were pleasantly surprised and found most of them to be even better than previously thought. This view has changed most minds about the Acer notebook family. With just a few mild complaints, these notebooks were rated very well.
Acer Aspire 8940G is a notebook with a lot of charm. It offers an Intel core 17 processor with 8GB system memory. You can have the optional blu-ray feature with a player and writer and Dolby-optimized sound system. This notebook offers a super multi webcam that provides many features when using the video camera. It has cine surround speakers that allow its five speakers to provide a high quality sound that make movie and video watching high quality.
The notebook also has a huge screen at 18.4". It has a large glass screen looking monitor that rates not so well on the glare and reflection aspects. The keyboard is set up well, with large flat buttons and a mouse pad that is responsive to the touch, with no lag to it. However, some complained that the mouse pad was too big, making it set up when it wasn`t needed.
The Acer notebook 4810 Timeline is a great new notebook. It offers 14" of monitor space for just the right amount of viewing. It also has an eight hour battery life which makes it very user friendly and appealing to those that travel. It can be both an Intel core 2 solo and a Pentium dual core processor a 3GB or a 4GB Ram. It offers a 5 in 1 media card reader and Intel GMA integrated graphics. Its portable weight of 2 kg makes it competitive with its rivals. The weight and size was actually one of the pluses to this notebook. It is very thin and light weight, making it easy to carry and travel with.
The ultra low voltage makes the battery life in this notebook last up to eight hours. It has a professional look to it that many critiques like. With all of the glamour associated with some trendy notebooks, many feel that the sophisticated look of the grays and blacks on the Acer notebooks give it that business savvy look and appeal.
The Acer Aspire 5536 is a 15.6 inch high definition screen display that has ATI radeon HD graphics and an AMD turion time`s 2 dual core processor. This notebook is also light weight and fairly thin. The excellent graphics make it ideal for watching movies and using the internet in style. The monitor offers minimal glare and reflection for a nice view. The keyboard is laid out nicely with lots of space and room for the fingers to reach buttons comfortably. The price tag is right for anyone looking for a nice notebook at a decent price. This product is aimed at students or people using it at home for personal use.
In general the Acer surprised many critiques with its high quality where it counted. With just minimal complaints standing against it, it makes them great buys for anyone looking to purchase a notebook without a hefty price tag.
Acer Aspire 8940G is a notebook with a lot of charm. It offers an Intel core 17 processor with 8GB system memory. You can have the optional blu-ray feature with a player and writer and Dolby-optimized sound system. This notebook offers a super multi webcam that provides many features when using the video camera. It has cine surround speakers that allow its five speakers to provide a high quality sound that make movie and video watching high quality.
The notebook also has a huge screen at 18.4". It has a large glass screen looking monitor that rates not so well on the glare and reflection aspects. The keyboard is set up well, with large flat buttons and a mouse pad that is responsive to the touch, with no lag to it. However, some complained that the mouse pad was too big, making it set up when it wasn`t needed.
The Acer notebook 4810 Timeline is a great new notebook. It offers 14" of monitor space for just the right amount of viewing. It also has an eight hour battery life which makes it very user friendly and appealing to those that travel. It can be both an Intel core 2 solo and a Pentium dual core processor a 3GB or a 4GB Ram. It offers a 5 in 1 media card reader and Intel GMA integrated graphics. Its portable weight of 2 kg makes it competitive with its rivals. The weight and size was actually one of the pluses to this notebook. It is very thin and light weight, making it easy to carry and travel with.
The ultra low voltage makes the battery life in this notebook last up to eight hours. It has a professional look to it that many critiques like. With all of the glamour associated with some trendy notebooks, many feel that the sophisticated look of the grays and blacks on the Acer notebooks give it that business savvy look and appeal.
The Acer Aspire 5536 is a 15.6 inch high definition screen display that has ATI radeon HD graphics and an AMD turion time`s 2 dual core processor. This notebook is also light weight and fairly thin. The excellent graphics make it ideal for watching movies and using the internet in style. The monitor offers minimal glare and reflection for a nice view. The keyboard is laid out nicely with lots of space and room for the fingers to reach buttons comfortably. The price tag is right for anyone looking for a nice notebook at a decent price. This product is aimed at students or people using it at home for personal use.
In general the Acer surprised many critiques with its high quality where it counted. With just minimal complaints standing against it, it makes them great buys for anyone looking to purchase a notebook without a hefty price tag.
Pen Drive
Pen drives are an amazing little invention that allows you to transfer files using a small pen like structure. They were created to take the place of the floppy disk and to make it easier to exchange and store information. With it being so small, it can be carried anywhere and give you the convenience that you may require.
For business purposes, the small backup device makes a handy mode of transportation. It can be inserted right on your keychain which makes it the ideal way to store and carry information. Now taking work home with you is a breeze with a small pen drive to store all of your work. No more carrying around floppy disks and hoping that they do not get ruined or lost, the pen drive can fit into your pocket with comfort or slip into a purse or wallet or on to a key chain or body chain.
The end of the pen drive has a protective cover on it that clips into place. That means that you don`t have to worry about files getting damaged do to wear and tear. The cover keeps everything safe, while you have it in your pocket or at the end of your key chain.
The pen drive can store lots of different files. It can store and transfer, photos, spreadsheets, word documents, movie clips, music tracks and anything else that would normally go on to a floppy disk. Your entire project or book can be stored right on it. Some people have a few devices, although with the space on each one, you don`t need that many.
The pen drive has more space on it than a few floppy disks, which really does make it more valuable because it can utilize more space and hold more files.
For personal use, many people use them to store pictures on them. They can hold a few years worth of pictures which make them the ultimate photo album. Being able to store photos on them, it means that it can keep them safe for as long as you need them there, in the future if someone wants a copy of a picture or you lose some pictures, you can just revert back to your pen drive and retrieve the pictures again.
Not only does the pen drive store your pictures for you, but you can also take it into a store and use it with a picture maker machine. There is a slot on the machine to insert it and from there you can view your pictures and have them printed out.
Many teachers use a pen drive to store all of their projects and class assignments. It is a handy way to transfer information back and forth from home to school. This is convenient for teachers to use them because they usually have lots of school work to carry home and home work assignments from all the kids. With arms full of papers and folders to mark, having the small device to hold other pertinent information is easier to lug around.
The pen drive has a USB connector on one end and fits into a USB port on your computer or lap top. You can load files on to your computer for viewing or for saving, or you can transfer files on to it right off of your computer. It is very easy and simple to do.
For business purposes, the small backup device makes a handy mode of transportation. It can be inserted right on your keychain which makes it the ideal way to store and carry information. Now taking work home with you is a breeze with a small pen drive to store all of your work. No more carrying around floppy disks and hoping that they do not get ruined or lost, the pen drive can fit into your pocket with comfort or slip into a purse or wallet or on to a key chain or body chain.
The end of the pen drive has a protective cover on it that clips into place. That means that you don`t have to worry about files getting damaged do to wear and tear. The cover keeps everything safe, while you have it in your pocket or at the end of your key chain.
The pen drive can store lots of different files. It can store and transfer, photos, spreadsheets, word documents, movie clips, music tracks and anything else that would normally go on to a floppy disk. Your entire project or book can be stored right on it. Some people have a few devices, although with the space on each one, you don`t need that many.
The pen drive has more space on it than a few floppy disks, which really does make it more valuable because it can utilize more space and hold more files.
For personal use, many people use them to store pictures on them. They can hold a few years worth of pictures which make them the ultimate photo album. Being able to store photos on them, it means that it can keep them safe for as long as you need them there, in the future if someone wants a copy of a picture or you lose some pictures, you can just revert back to your pen drive and retrieve the pictures again.
Not only does the pen drive store your pictures for you, but you can also take it into a store and use it with a picture maker machine. There is a slot on the machine to insert it and from there you can view your pictures and have them printed out.
Many teachers use a pen drive to store all of their projects and class assignments. It is a handy way to transfer information back and forth from home to school. This is convenient for teachers to use them because they usually have lots of school work to carry home and home work assignments from all the kids. With arms full of papers and folders to mark, having the small device to hold other pertinent information is easier to lug around.
The pen drive has a USB connector on one end and fits into a USB port on your computer or lap top. You can load files on to your computer for viewing or for saving, or you can transfer files on to it right off of your computer. It is very easy and simple to do.
AMD or Intel laptops
While the Netbook offers ever-smaller PCs for those for whom size is an issue, it has left the laptop manufacturers free to concentrate on functionality, performance and processor speed. The major battle is between the two giants of processors - AMD and Intel.
Intel - ahead of the game
The big news for 2010 is the introduction of Intel's new ‘Arrandale' chip, the mobile version of the dual-core 32nm Westmere line. This chip has the usual dual core processing facilities, but with the added advantage that it supports hyperthreading and that it will have both the 32nm processor die and a 45nm graphics die on the same chip. By integrating more features onto a single chip, Intel is going head to head with AMD's existing integrated chips, and the ones who will really benefit from this battle of the processors is the consumer as laptops become better able to support multiple functionality and integrated graphics processing.
With AMD, the big change will be the introduction of quad-core mobile processors and a new integrated graphics chip. This shows the trend for both manufacturers, who are both gearing up for 2011 which is when the current processor technology takes a big jump forward. They are both preparing the marketplace for the introduction of combined processor and graphics cores to form a single die from each company. The real winners here will be gamers and those who use their laptops for graphics packages such as CAD, with accelerated processing speeds, higher resolution and faster graphics download times.
In the meantime…
But all of that is in the future, so what about now? With so much advancement taking place at such a rapid pace, how do customers know whether to go for AMD or Intel? Intel has always had a much higher public profile (almost anyone into technology knows the Intel ‘theme tune', thanks to an aggressive marketing campaign), whereas AMD has always been more of a ‘backroom' boy. Although the two processors are comparable, it is Intel that gets all the press coverage and its Centrino range of processors are standard in almost any laptop of note. But AMD are fighting back, and trying to raise their profile with a public that thinks processors begins and ends with Intel. Where Intel has the edge is in Wi-Fi technology. Their most recent chips feature the latest version of Wi-Fi, known as 802.11n, and the even more up to date WiMax gives laptops a Wi-Fi signal of over several miles.
AMD has concentrated on graphics capability. Laptops have traditionally used low-end graphics chips that piggyback off other components. But now more than a quarter have stand-alone graphics chips, and it is here that AMD is making inroads. AMD has become better known amongst the gaming community, with its graphics chips delivering super-fast processing and exceptional quality and resolution, making AMD-installed laptops ideal for gaming or other graphics based applications.
Each has its own strengths, but to date, Intel has the lion's share of the laptop market. Which one to go for entirely depends upon the type of application you want to use your laptop for. What will be interesting to see is, with the advent of combined processor/graphics chips on the horizon, whether AMD will be able to take back some of a market that to date has been dominated by Intel.
Intel - ahead of the game
The big news for 2010 is the introduction of Intel's new ‘Arrandale' chip, the mobile version of the dual-core 32nm Westmere line. This chip has the usual dual core processing facilities, but with the added advantage that it supports hyperthreading and that it will have both the 32nm processor die and a 45nm graphics die on the same chip. By integrating more features onto a single chip, Intel is going head to head with AMD's existing integrated chips, and the ones who will really benefit from this battle of the processors is the consumer as laptops become better able to support multiple functionality and integrated graphics processing.
With AMD, the big change will be the introduction of quad-core mobile processors and a new integrated graphics chip. This shows the trend for both manufacturers, who are both gearing up for 2011 which is when the current processor technology takes a big jump forward. They are both preparing the marketplace for the introduction of combined processor and graphics cores to form a single die from each company. The real winners here will be gamers and those who use their laptops for graphics packages such as CAD, with accelerated processing speeds, higher resolution and faster graphics download times.
In the meantime…
But all of that is in the future, so what about now? With so much advancement taking place at such a rapid pace, how do customers know whether to go for AMD or Intel? Intel has always had a much higher public profile (almost anyone into technology knows the Intel ‘theme tune', thanks to an aggressive marketing campaign), whereas AMD has always been more of a ‘backroom' boy. Although the two processors are comparable, it is Intel that gets all the press coverage and its Centrino range of processors are standard in almost any laptop of note. But AMD are fighting back, and trying to raise their profile with a public that thinks processors begins and ends with Intel. Where Intel has the edge is in Wi-Fi technology. Their most recent chips feature the latest version of Wi-Fi, known as 802.11n, and the even more up to date WiMax gives laptops a Wi-Fi signal of over several miles.
AMD has concentrated on graphics capability. Laptops have traditionally used low-end graphics chips that piggyback off other components. But now more than a quarter have stand-alone graphics chips, and it is here that AMD is making inroads. AMD has become better known amongst the gaming community, with its graphics chips delivering super-fast processing and exceptional quality and resolution, making AMD-installed laptops ideal for gaming or other graphics based applications.
Each has its own strengths, but to date, Intel has the lion's share of the laptop market. Which one to go for entirely depends upon the type of application you want to use your laptop for. What will be interesting to see is, with the advent of combined processor/graphics chips on the horizon, whether AMD will be able to take back some of a market that to date has been dominated by Intel.
Laptop vs Desktop
The development of laptops revolutionised the way we use technology. No longer tied to the desktop PC and thanks to the invention of Wi-Fi, we now have the ability to surf the Internet wherever we roam, the tethers of cords and plugs no longer a problem. While there is still a place for the desktop PC, does the advent of more powerful, faster and more feature-rich laptops make the old ‘box under the desk' redundant?
Logistics, logins and leads
A laptop is great - you can wander around the house and even work in the garden if the mood takes you. But a laptop is only good as long as the battery has some life in it. Once that ‘low battery' symbol starts to flash, you're back to leads and cables to juice up your hardware. With a desktop, the power's constant, you don't have to worry about a low battery suddenly wiping out six hours worth of work (if you haven't got into the habit of hitting ‘save' regularly, that can send you into a snarling rage) and unless you suffer from powercuts on a regular basis, nothing should interrupt you as you work at your desk.
Laptops take up much less space than a desktop PC. Because a laptop is a self-contained unit, there's no CPU, monitor, keyboard, mouse and all the paraphernalia that goes into connecting the various components into one, working PC. While this may seem to be much more convenient, the extra space that a tower unit has inside its outer casing means that desktop PCs can be upgraded, added to and ‘pimped' up - particularly useful if you're a serious gamer, want to add some memory or are into high-tech gadgetry. The companies also take this into account, and most of the real cutting edge technology such as new processors, liquid-cooled chips and high-resolution graphics boards are designed for desktop PCs rather than laptops.
Price - you get what you pay for
Unless you're seriously into upgrading, a desktop PC is still cheaper than a laptop. And with so many people opting for the laptop, there are plenty of exceptionally good, second-hand desktop PCs for sale at a fraction of the cost of a top of the range laptop. Another major advantage of the desktop PC is that if one of the peripherals such as the keyboard or mouse fails, it is easy, quick and cheap to replace. Old, bulky monitors can be replaced by sleek, LCD screens and if you have a particular aversion to cables, wireless keyboards and mice can declutter your desk considerably.
All of this favours the desktop PC over the laptop, but if you're highly mobile, use a computer for work and spend much of your working day travelling between meetings, the laptop is head and shoulders above the desktop PC for convenience. Board any commuter train during rush hour and you'll see plenty of people making the most of their journey time by spending it working at their laptops. So for the go-getting businessman or woman, a laptop is the obvious choice. Once again, price is a factor, and laptops can range between a £150 bargain from Ebay right through to a top of the range AppleMac weighing in at just shy of £1000. It all depends on what you want your PC to do, where you want to do it and how deep your pocket is.
Despite the all-conquering laptop taking the lion's share of the PC market, there is still a place for the desktop PC, and it is doubtful that the laptop will ever completely replace the desktop unit. Rather, the two work in synergy with each other, with each having its own pros and cons. If you want to cover all the bases, have your desktop PC at home and invest in a laptop as well to cover you when you're away from your ‘basestation'. That way, you can have the best of both worlds!
Logistics, logins and leads
A laptop is great - you can wander around the house and even work in the garden if the mood takes you. But a laptop is only good as long as the battery has some life in it. Once that ‘low battery' symbol starts to flash, you're back to leads and cables to juice up your hardware. With a desktop, the power's constant, you don't have to worry about a low battery suddenly wiping out six hours worth of work (if you haven't got into the habit of hitting ‘save' regularly, that can send you into a snarling rage) and unless you suffer from powercuts on a regular basis, nothing should interrupt you as you work at your desk.
Laptops take up much less space than a desktop PC. Because a laptop is a self-contained unit, there's no CPU, monitor, keyboard, mouse and all the paraphernalia that goes into connecting the various components into one, working PC. While this may seem to be much more convenient, the extra space that a tower unit has inside its outer casing means that desktop PCs can be upgraded, added to and ‘pimped' up - particularly useful if you're a serious gamer, want to add some memory or are into high-tech gadgetry. The companies also take this into account, and most of the real cutting edge technology such as new processors, liquid-cooled chips and high-resolution graphics boards are designed for desktop PCs rather than laptops.
Price - you get what you pay for
Unless you're seriously into upgrading, a desktop PC is still cheaper than a laptop. And with so many people opting for the laptop, there are plenty of exceptionally good, second-hand desktop PCs for sale at a fraction of the cost of a top of the range laptop. Another major advantage of the desktop PC is that if one of the peripherals such as the keyboard or mouse fails, it is easy, quick and cheap to replace. Old, bulky monitors can be replaced by sleek, LCD screens and if you have a particular aversion to cables, wireless keyboards and mice can declutter your desk considerably.
All of this favours the desktop PC over the laptop, but if you're highly mobile, use a computer for work and spend much of your working day travelling between meetings, the laptop is head and shoulders above the desktop PC for convenience. Board any commuter train during rush hour and you'll see plenty of people making the most of their journey time by spending it working at their laptops. So for the go-getting businessman or woman, a laptop is the obvious choice. Once again, price is a factor, and laptops can range between a £150 bargain from Ebay right through to a top of the range AppleMac weighing in at just shy of £1000. It all depends on what you want your PC to do, where you want to do it and how deep your pocket is.
Despite the all-conquering laptop taking the lion's share of the PC market, there is still a place for the desktop PC, and it is doubtful that the laptop will ever completely replace the desktop unit. Rather, the two work in synergy with each other, with each having its own pros and cons. If you want to cover all the bases, have your desktop PC at home and invest in a laptop as well to cover you when you're away from your ‘basestation'. That way, you can have the best of both worlds!
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