Desktop or Laptop?

Advantages of a desktop computer

Cheaper to buy – A good quality desktop computer is much cheaper than its laptop equivalent. However, underpowered and inadequate laptops are about the same price as the cheapest desktop ones.

Cheaper to maintain – Laptop computers cost about three times as much to repair. That is partly because their components are miniaturised and partly because you are stuck with having to buy replacement parts that are the same brand and model as the original – not generic components. Some computer shops don’t repair laptops as it’s a specialised job.

More easily extendable – There is usually room inside desktop computers for additional components to be fitted.
That may not apply to bargain price machines that have no slots or racks for extras.

More sockets for accessories and connections – Usually 2 USB ports on the front and at least 4 on the back; may have a range of audio and graphics input/output sockets at front and back.

Bigger screen – Expect a desktop computer to include a 19 inch or 22 inch LCD screen. The most popular laptop size ranges from 14" to 15".

Do not buy a toy sized computer (called a Netbook) with a 9" to 11" screen. The keyboard is cramped and the screen too small to read easily. Netbooks are useful where space limitations are severe (e.g. in a caravan or when kayak camping).

A few laptops have 17" or 18" screens, but they are heavier and bigger; more useful as desktop replacements for people with limited space in their home – less useful for those who carry their computer around a lot.

Laptop screens smaller than 15.4" are unacceptable for use at SeniorNet during lesson times.

Full-sized keyboard – for easier, quicker use. There are separate keyboard sections for the standard keys, the navigation keys and the numeric keypad. These are almost identical across the different brands of computer, whereas there is no standard arrangement for laptops. The travel and feel of the keys is different too.

The Mouse is standard equipment – not an extra item to buy.

Advantages of a laptop computer

Compact and portable – This can be important if you have limited space in a room or if you want to use the machine in more than one place.

Can operate on a battery – gives independence from the power supply, but of course the battery needs recharging after 2 or 3 hours usage.

There is a special section dealing with laptop computers further on in this article.

Check these items before buying a computer

Decide what you want to do with your computer.
- Write letters, newsletters, stories, …
- Store, play or edit music or video
- Send and receive email messages
- Use the internet for finding information, buying and selling things, booking things like air travel and concerts
- Keep financial records
- Organise, crop, adjust photographs and drawings
- Play computer games
Find out the meaning of words and abbreviations used in computer advertisements, so that you understand what is being offered.
For example:
Hardware is all the components that make up a computer and the equipment that is plugged into it.
Software is all the programs that are stored on the hard disk of the computer such as those for writing letters and emails, using the internet and viewing and editing photos.
Important considerations will include:
1. What type of user will you will be? (See Item 1, above; and Item 4, below.)
2. How much will it all cost?
3. Reliable source of purchase with good back-up service.
4. Speed of operation. Will it operate fast enough for modern programs?
5. Capacity of hard disk. Can it store all the programs and information you are likely to have on your computer now or over the next five years?
6. Memory – Does it have enough memory to allow programs to operate smoothly?
7. Potential for additions to existing system. Can you plug in extra things such as a web camera, and other gadgets that will come on the market during the next few years?
8. Potential for expansion for upgrading computer system. Is there provision inside the case for plugging in extra memory cards and circuit boards so that you can be reasonably sure of using next year’s programs?
9. Noise level – Fans, hard drives, etc. can be very noisy. They may sound okay in a large shop, but in your home they may be unacceptably intrusive. Check several brands and models to find out whether they are quiet enough for your lounge.
Types of Users and their computing needs

You may be a Home User, but whether the cheaper computers will meet your needs depends on the programs you intend to use.

Which of these is most like you?
1. Basic Home User Cost is critical. You want to do only basic email, internet and word processing. You need a 2400 MHz processor, 1GB to 2GB of memory, and Windows 7 Home Premium.
2. Higher Level Home User You want a machine that can handle a range of computer programs including picture editing and viewing full-screen video. An Athlon or Core-i5 processor will do the job, and you need 2GB to 4GB of memory and Windows 7 Home Premium.
3. Editing digital video, serious Game Player, Graphic Designer
  As well as e-mail and internet, you want to use your computer for a games machine, digital photo and movie editing, etc. You need a better than average speed quad-core Athlon or Core i5 or Core i7 processor, 4GB to 8GB of memory, and Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Professional.

The Microprocessor (The chip)

Buy a computer with a dual-core or quad core processor e.g. Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 or AMD Athlon or Turion dual or quad core). If you normally run several demanding programs simultaneously (e.g. video editing and sound editing or CAD progams or advanced computer games) you may want something like a Core i7 quad core processor.
Don’t buy the fastest chip. It’s very costly and will be out of date and much cheaper within weeks or months.
Equally, unless you are absolutely certain you will never use your computer for anything beyond basic e-mail, web surfing and word processing, avoid computers with minimal level chips.

Hard Disk Drive
The hard drive stores all the programs and data on your computer. You need lots of room on it for today’s programs, and for all those pictures and sound-clips that you are likely to want to keep.
500GB drives are available at not much more than the basic price. 1000 GB drives (1 terabyte) are becoming more common but not everyone needs that much storage space.
Memory
RAM (Random Access Memory) – is where data is temporarily stored while the computer is working.
RAM is measured in Gigabytes (GB) and is not expensive.
Buy a minimum of 1GB of RAM and make sure it can be upgraded to 4GB. Better still, buy 2GB or more to start with.
Adding memory is the cheapest way of improving the speed of a computer. It is far more important than having the fastest chip.
Windows 7 (32 bit)computers can use a maximum of about 3.4GB of memory. Windows 7 (64 bit) computers can use much more.
A computer should include the following components:
1. DVD drive – must be one that both reads from & writes data to DVDs & CDs.
2. External ports – are sockets into which you plug printers, and other gadgets.
  On a Desktop computer have at least six USB-2 ports. Two of them must be on the front for connecting USB Memory cards (also called Flash Drive, Memory Stick or Pen Drive) and a digital camera. Sockets on the back are for printer, scanner, keyboard, mouse and other gadgets that are connected long-term.
  If you intend making digital home movies you may need a Firewire port too.
3. Inside your computer there should be spare slots for extra circuit boards (cards).
4. Drive Bays – are trays into which you slide items like DVD drives and Hard Disks. There should be spare drive bays for one or two more items to be slid into place.
5. Modem – This gadget sends e-mail and internet signals to and from your computer.
6. Monitor – a 19" LCD screen is adequate but 22" is becoming quite common.
7. Keyboard – The design should allow you to work comfortably. The keys should not make a loud clacking noise or jar your fingers in the slightest.
8. Mouse – must be comfortable in your palm. A cordless mouse avoids cable tangles but uses batteries.
9. Sound Card – If you are a music enthusiast you may want a superior sound card in your computer, one with surround sound capabilities. Otherwise you will be happy with the sound card of the basic computer. Speakers should be provided. Note: Windows 7 will require a good video card.
The Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium should be installed.
Windows 7 Starter Edition is adequate for only very basic computing and is intended for low powered netbooks.
Note: Our SeniorNet courses are based on programs that will run on Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 computers.
Other Software
1. As part of Windows 7 you will have several useful programs including a calculator, an elementary word-processor, MS Paint, some simple games, a multi-media program for playing CDs and DVDs and a photo viewer.
  Free programs from Microsoft are Windows Live Mail (email) and Internet Explorer.
2. Not usually free, but included in your purchase, there should be a combination package of other software. This will provide a word processor, spreadsheet, address book/diary, anti-virus, and perhaps a finance manager. You may have to negotiate with the store on these items.
  
  Most computers come loaded with masses of trial-ware. This is just a marketing ploy, pushing programs at you while keeping the price tag on the computer looking reasonable.
  These programs have a limited life – say 30 days or 15 usages – before they refuse to function unless you pay for them. Some require you to register (on-line) with the software company before you can even have a fair chance to try them out.
  
  When purchasing, insist that the sales person explains clearly which programs are fully functional and permanent and which ones are trial versions. You are likely to discover that the only full-version programs are ones that are free in the first place – such as Adobe Reader, Windows Live Mail and Internet Explorer.
3. We recommend the Microsoft Word word-processor. The cheapest way to buy it is as part of Microsoft Office for Home & Student. This package is licensed for installation on up to three computers in your household. (It includes Word, Excel (spreadsheet program), PowerPoint (slideshow presentation program) and One Note (a note taking program).
  
  Apart from Microsoft Office, our courses are based on free programs which you can download from the internet or which we supply to you when you commence a relevant course. (Note: There may be a small service charge – e.g. $5 for the CD.)
Support
1. Make sure you get at least one year’s warranty on parts and labour.
2. Ask where the computer would be repaired and by whom. How do you make claims on the warranty? Do you have to pay for freight charges to send the machine to the repairer and back again?
3. Ask about the cost of house-calls for repairs at your home.
Most SeniorNet members would have their needs met by a system in the $1400 to $2000 range, which included a printer, scanner, speakers, and a combination software package that included Microsoft Word and an anti-virus program.

Buying a Laptop Computer

Size:
The most popular size of laptop is one with a 15.4 inch screen (measured diagonally).
If you will be using your laptop mainly in one place, and portability is not so important, then one with a 17" screen will be easier to work with – more room on screen for text, and easier to work with photos, too. But it will be a little more expensive.

Do not buy a NetBook computer with a very small screen (9" to 11") as the text will be too small for senior eyes, the keyboards are child sized and the computers are underpowered. They were designed for use in schools in third world countries and have developed cult status in the West. Their prices are not much lower than those of the cheaper fully equipped laptops such as the 14" or 15" Notebook computers.

Laptop computers with screens smaller than 15.4" are not acceptable for use at SeniorNet during lessons.

Central Processor Chip: (CPU)
Buy a computer with a dual-core or quad core chip that is specially designed for laptops. Ordinary chips use too much power and run very hot in the confined space inside a laptop.
Aim for either an Intel Centrino Core i3 or i5 chip or an AMD Turion dual or quad core chip.

Memory: (RAM)
The Windows 7 operating system needs 1MB of RAM (Random Access Memory) to do simple email and internet browsing. But it needs 2MB to function well if you have photos, video and music editing or games usage in mind. Adding memory to a laptop after purchase can be expensive, so buy a machine with plenty of memory for possible uses over the next few years.

Hard Drive:
This is the disk drive inside the computer – the place where all the programs and information are stored. Most laptops have disks that are large enough for normal usage. If you will be storing video files or lots of audio or picture files, then 250MB may be too small for you and you should aim for 500MB or more.

Ports: (sockets)
In any country the ports (sea ports and airports) are the places where goods enter or leave the country. Computers need ports for a similar reason – departure and arrival points for documents, pictures, music, etc.

USB ports – You need several of these. The mouse, printer, external keyboard, camera and USB Flash Drives are plugged into these. Four is a good number. Basic machines may have only two which at times will be limiting.
Internet connection – There’s one port for dial-up internet and a different type for broadband or network connection.
Video port – enables you to plug in a full-sized screen or to connect to a data projector. Try for a machine with an HDMI connector, not one of the older style VGA connectors.
DVD Drive:
This drive should be able to read both CDs and DVDs. It should also be able to "burn" files onto blank CDs and DVDs. You may want a machine that can also work with BluRay or dual-layer DVDs.

Extra items for Laptop owners

Laptop users may choose to buy some extra items to make computing easier.

Mouse – This is a virtual necessity for many functions, being far more user-friendly than the touch-pad on a laptop. This is especially so when doing picture editing and other work requiring detailed pointer control.
A wireless mouse is great to use. But do keep spare batteries on hand.
Try out several shapes and sizes of computer mouse before buying.
Keyboard – If most of your computing is done at home, you can have a standard keyboard there and use the inbuilt keyboard when working with the machine away from home.
Screen – Buying a plug-in large screen for use at home enables you to see photos at a larger scale and to work more easily with document layouts, but it is an expensive add-on. It can be cheaper to buy a larger laptop (e.g. 17 inches) in the first place if smaller screens are unsuitable for your eyes.

Using a Laptop Computer

Desk height – Many tables are too high for comfortable typing, requiring you to hold your wrists high, rather like a praying mantis. Ideally, your arms (from elbow to wrist) should be horizontal. If necessary, either use a lower table or a higher seat to get the most comfortable arrangement.
Hard, flat surface – Use your laptop on a hard, flat surface. Yes, they are called laptops, but that's not where they should be used. Placing the machine on a soft surface (e.g. carpet, bed, lap) can prevent airflow under the machine or even block the ventilation slots, thus leading to overheating and damage.

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