With support ending for Windows 10 on October 14 of this year, it might be time for you to upgrade your device. Some older devices will not be able to update past Windows 10, and although the operating system will continue to work after October 14, your systems will be unprotected and vulnerable to attacks. Or maybe you’ve got a student headed back to school that is in need of a new computer. Or maybe you know it will be on someone’s holiday wish list this year. With so many options out there, here are some things to consider when looking for a new device:
What Are Your Needs And Budget?
Before you begin your search for the right device, you need to determine your exact needs and budget. What will you be using the device for? The best computer for you will be able to support your specific use of it. Do you need your device to simply search the web and check emails, or do you need something that can support something more complex like graphic design or streaming? Do you need lots of memory or storage space, or can you make do with less? Would it be helpful to have multiple monitors to work from? Is a number pad important for accounting or calculating tasks? It is important to decide what you will need your new device to be capable of before you waste time and money on something that is unusable.
Laptops, Desktops, and Tablets
Each type of device will be able to support different things that may be useful to you. A desktop computer will typically be the most powerful. A tablet will be the least expensive but has lesser processing capabilities and may not be able to run specific software that you may need and is harder to really be productive on without a keyboard. A laptop may be a good in-between choice if you need the best of both worlds. Tablets are best when it comes to portability, followed closely behind by laptops, but neither will be able to store as much data as a desktop computer. Additionally, tablets and laptops are typically capable of running off of a battery for a certain amount of time, while desktop computers and their monitors must always be plugged in to an outlet. But, if you need something with high performance capabilities that will reliably be able to support most software applications, a desktop computer will be the best choice for you. And there are inherent security risks with a smaller device that can be misplaced or stolen to be considered.
Features, Graphics, and Processing Power
Each different device will also come with its own set of special features, graphics capabilities, and processing capabilities. As mentioned above, desktop computers will always have higher capabilities in each category, but as the number of features increases, so does the price. Some laptops that are built with stronger battery life and better graphics cards might give you more bang for your buck than a desktop computer of the same price. Though, if you need something fast and powerful, the desktop computer will almost always be the better option, especially one that is built with better memory/RAM capacity. If you are a gamer, you might want to consider a desktop computer because it will have reduced lag and increased processing power.
Accessories
Finally, each device will have its own set of optional accessories that you can purchase to optimize your experience. For example, if you choose to purchase a tablet, you might want to consider also purchasing a case or carrier, a screen protector, a stylus, a desktop stand, an external keyboard, etc. If you choose a laptop, you might also want to consider buying a case or carrier, an external keyboard and mouse, as well as a dock, an extra monitor, and more. Desktop computers have some available accessories as well, such as ergonomic wrist rests on the keyboard, a monitor mount or stand, cable organizers, a webcam and microphone, a power strip surge protector, etc. Each accessory can provide a customized experience to make your device work best for you. It is important to keep in mind what accessories you might need while choosing your next device, especially since they can be a bit pricey themselves. And you’ll want to pay attention to how many ports are available on the device for connecting your chosen accessories. Overall cost can be a consideration as well; if you are someone that likes the idea of a tablet but prefers a physical keyboard to type on so you’d be purchasing add-on equipment, you could look into convertible laptops instead that offer the functionality of both.
Overall, there are many options out there, and the search for a new device can be stressful and overwhelming. You can always contact a trusted IT provider like Blue Oak to guide you through your decision-making process.
Read our previous post here: Keyboard Shortcuts You Should Know
