What to look for in a new computer Presenter: Mary Burns Desktop vs - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

What to look for in a new computer Presenter: Mary Burns

Desktop vs Laptop

Examples: Desktop, Laptop, Chromebook MORE>>>>>>>

Examples: All in one and Two in one

Operating system

Price range

$ spent depends on computer specs • Basic: Email/searching web/ basic tasks • Moderate: Editing photos, creating publications • Extreme: Gaming and virtual reality

Processor • AKA CPU • Determines applications you can run and how fast • Also determines how many programs you can use at one time • Intel and AMD most common • Intel: Core i3 (most basic), i5 (mid range), i7 (higher end) • AMD: A Series Elite

Processor speed • Measured in GHz • How fast CPU can process information • Higher the speed, faster Processor Speed

Memory: RAM • RAM: Random access memory, temporary storage • 4 GB minimum up to 32 GB (or more) • Look for model that lets you expand RAM • Not all RAM is equal! High end computer should have DDR4 RAM. If there is no description of RAM, it is probably not a high end.

Graphics • Video card (or graphics card) takes data and displays it on the monitor. • Not as important unless you are film editing, heavy gaming or using 3D technology

Video Outputs • 3 options: VGA (older), DVI (digital) and HDMI • A new desktop tower may use one output, while your old monitor may use another. But you can buy an adapter!

Hard Drive • Storage of all files and folders on device • Size matters (minimum 500 GB laptops to over 1 TB desktops) • Speed matters (for boot up speed, installing programs and scanning for viruses) 7200 rpm for desktop , 5400 rpm for desktop • Solid-state drives are found in higher quality devices and many laptops. Faster, quieter and longer lifespan. But more expansive and smaller data capacities.

Where is my DVD drive? • AKA Optical drive • Many laptops no longer come with CD or DVD drive (Most data can be downloaded • Still on most desktops though • You can purchase external one if you need one

Monitor • Screens measured diagonally • Typically 15 to 24 inches • Most wide screen • Two types: LCD (require backlight) or LED (lighting provided by LED lights on the monitor, which is thinner and lighter) • LED provides richer and better production of dark colors and black and can last longer. Not a big deal with normal users.

Sound system • Desktop: Speakers optional • Laptop: Sound system embedded • You can purchase speakers for either • You can also stream sound from your device to your high end television and stereo system (another lesson!)

Ports • USB: Can range from USB 2, 3 and now C. • Ethernet cable (desktops, not all laptops), network card • Monitor: VGA and DVI, HDMI (not shown) • PS/2 keyboard and mouse (may be USB) • Sound in and out • Media card (not shown) • Firewire or IEEE 1394 (Apple devices, not shown)

Should I buy refurbished? • Usually certified and tested • Look for warrantee and return policy • Purchase through reputable companies REFURBISHED NEW MacBook MacBook

Brands • Acer (laptops, range of prices, Chromebook) • Apple (cost more, good safety and reliability) • Asus (gaming and everyday) • Dell (mass –market, XPS gaming, Chromebook) • Google (only one, Chromebook Pixel) • HP: Number 1 seller of laptops and desktops • Lenovo: Such as Ideapad • Microsoft (only 1, Surface PC) • Samsung (variety of laptops) • Toshiba (variety of laptops, Chromebook)

Example: Midrange Desktop (i5, 8GB RAM with 20” Monitor)

Example: Midrange laptop (i5, 8 GB RAM, touch screen, solid state drive)

Example midrange Apple MacBook (m3 processor, 8GB, SSD)

Good luck with finding your PERFECT computer! Presenter: Mary Burns, Professor San Diego Continuing Education and Oasis maryburns@sdceonline.com