Technology Overview

Desktop technology has made great strides in the past 20 years - from the first IBM PC (with a 1Mhz processor, 16K of RAM and 160K floppy disk storage) to today's powerhouse (3.0+GHz processor, 2+GB RAM and 120+GB hard drive).

Preassembled Desktops

There are two methods of purchasing a preassembled desktop computer.

Off-the-Shelf Off-the-Shelf desktops refer to a computer that you can readily pickup at a retail outlet, take it home, plug it in and have it up and running within minutes. These are prepackaged systems that usually include a monitor and a printer. Brand names like Emachines, IBM and HP/Compaq are some examples.

Custom-Configured

Purchasing a custom-configured computer gives you the option of selecting certain components and peripherals to suit your needs. These systems need to be ordered in advance and may take from several days to several weeks to have it built and delivered to your home or office. Brand names such as Dell and Gateway are examples of companies that specialize in building custom-configured systems.

Building your own Desktop When you purchase a pre-built desktop, you get a predefined model with little flexibility in changing some of the options. What if you want to upgrade the motherboard or the graphics card to a better spec? Building your own desktop gives you full control of customizing your requirements. Key Features to Look For There are a number of considerations when building your own desktop. Assembling your Computer Perhaps the first question you should ask is - Who is going to assemble my computer? Can I do it myself or do I need a professional? Unless you have some expertise in electronics, it best not to try to assemble your own machine. Your best bet is to find a computer dealer or Tier 3 manufacturer that produces clone computers to assemble your computer for you.

What Components Should I Buy

Now that you are building your own computer, you will have to research at least 15 different types of component manufacturers to include: chassis/case, motherboard, microprocessor, RAM, power supply, floppy drive, hard drive, CD/DVD drive, graphics, audio, communications, keyboard, mouse, monitor and operating system.

Where to Buy Components

Another good question is where to source all the various components, as you may have to use a variety of vendors. A good place to start is a computer dealer or white label manufacturer as they buy components in volume and can offer you lower prices than most retail venues.

Manufacturer Warranty

Again, life gets a little more complicated. If you have any service issues with your component, you may have to deal with 15 or more vendors, each having different warranty policies. If you can purchase all your components from one dealer, generally that dealer will do all the grunt work for you. Better still, get the dealer to assemble your computer and they may give you a blanket warranty on the entire system including labor.

Internet Applications

Common applications can include browsers, email, teleconferencing, and Internet security.

Utility

Common applications can include backup, disk compression, file conversion and uninstallers.

Vertical Market

Common applications can include accounting, tax, and music software.

Processor

Speed has always an issue with laptops. However, today's laptops have improved and are performance machines compared to even the desktops of a year ago. Common processors found in today's units include mobile versions of Intel (Celeron and Pentium 3 or 4), AMD (Duron and Athlon) and Transmeta (Crusoe). Clock speeds will range from 700MHz to 2.66Ghz range.

Memory

Because of the laptops' limitation of size, they only have 2 memory slots available. Memory chips are available in 128MB, 256MB, and 512MB increments allowing memory expansion on most units to range from 128MB to 1GB.

Video Display

All laptops today use active matrix technology, which provides a brighter screen and can be viewed easily at different angles. Sizes of the screen will depend on whether it is a notebook or ultraportable and will range from 10.4 to 17 inches with resolutions up to 1600 x 1200.

Expansion Slots

Expansion solutions for your laptop can take place both internally and externally. Twin internal PCMCIA slots allow for two Type II cards or a single Type III 32-bit card. As well, some laptops support CompactFlash or Memory Stick slots for sharing images with your digital cameras.

External port replicators allow you to plug in an external keyboard, mouse and monitor. Docking stations provide you all the functionality of a port replicator plus allow for additional PCMCIA cards, hard drives, optical drives and a 10/100 Mbps network adapter.

Drive Bays

Drive configurations in a laptop can either come in fixed or swappable modes. Fixed mode systems will usually have a floppy, hard drive and a CD-ROM unit that is not removable. Swappable mode systems have a multi-bay concept where you can swap a floppy drive unit with a CD-ROM unit or add a second hard drive.

Drives

Typical hard drive sizes in today's laptops range from 20GB to 60GB. Optical drives found in your desktop can be one of the following flavors: CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, or a DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo.

Weight

The size and weight of a laptop can be a major consideration if you spend a lot of time traveling. Most ultraportables weigh between 2.6 and 4.0 pounds while notebooks can weigh up to 10 pounds.

Pointing Device

Laptops have a built-in pointing device that acts as a mouse pointer when you don't have an external mouse connected to it. There are two types available: pointstick and touchpad. Before you buy a laptop, be sure to try both methods, you may have a strong dislike of one style. Some brands of laptops even have both styles.

Multimedia

Multimedia choices have never been better for laptops with 4X AGP video cards, large video screens, built-in soundcards and speakers and DVD Players.

Communications

Most laptops today will have an integrated 56K V.92 modem and 10/100 Mbps network connections and some will have integrated wireless adapters (WiFi 802.11b) to allow truly mobile communication. External docking stations can be used for additional communications capability for those laptops that don't have the integrated gear.

Ports

Most laptops will have a PS2, monitor, parallel, serial and USB port. In addition, some models will have the new USB 2.0 port and FireWire (IEEE 1394) ports. Multimedia models will have ports for S-Video out and RCA Video in.

Battery

Battery life in a laptop can be one of the most crucial factors in purchasing a laptop. For longer periods between charges, you should ensure that your laptop has a Lithium-ion battery and not a Nickel-Cadmium. Most batteries will last from 90 minutes to about 5 hours. If you are mobile user constantly on the go, you should invest in a second battery pack to have along with you.

Manufacturer Warranty

The majority of laptops come standard with a 1-year warranty with options for 2, 3, 4 and 5-year warranties. It is strongly recommended to get the maximum warranty for the laptop you decide to purchase, as laptops tend to take more punishment than a desktop.

Pure Tablet PCs

Pure tablet PCs are also known as slates (just like the old chalkboards that your grandparents used to use). They are designed for the truly mobile individual who prefers to handwrite their correspondence rather than using the keyboard. However, options like an attachable keyboard, wireless communications and a docking station can quickly bring you in touch with the rest of your office environment.

There are some special considerations to keep in mind when choosing a pure tablet . One is the viewing angle of the screen when you use it on your lap or on a table. Some vendors may or may not have a folding stand that can support the tablet. As a result, you may not have the same convenience that you would expect from a laptop or convertible tablet. Another scenario is protecting the screen when not in use. Since the screen is not sandwiched by the case like on a laptop, special care needs to be taken to cover the screen so that scratches and breakage do not occur.

Convertible Tablet PCs

Convertible tablets are really an ultraportable laptop with the benefit of handwriting recognition technology. It has a built-in keyboard and folds like a normal laptop and does not require a docking station to be functional. The screen can swivel and fold back just like a writing pad. Some considerations to keep in mind with convertibles are the durability of the hinges. With constant use, it is possible for the hinges to wear out over a long period of time, so special care should be taken.

Key Features to Look For

Here are some of the attributes you should research when comparing PC tablet computers.

Operating Software

The only operating system supported by Tablet PCs is Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition.

Application Software

Again, with the operating system being a subset of Windows XP, Tablet PCs will run any software that Windows XP supports. Although rating application programs is beyond the scope of this Buying Guide, here are some current applications that can really take advantage of the Tablet PC's special functionality:

Main Monitor Displays

Main monitor displays are 15-inch models that can double as your PC's primary monitor as well as being used as a mobile monitor display.

Mobile Monitor Displays

Mobile display monitors are designed as secondary mobile monitors for your PC. Monitor sizes will include 8.4 and 10.4-inch models.

Key Features to Look For

Here are some of the attributes you should research when comparing Smart Display monitors.

Operating Software

All Smart Displays use Windows CE .Net as their internal operating system. The host PC must be using Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition with Service Pack 1.

Application Software

Again, with the operating system being a subset of Windows XP, Smart Displays will run any software that Windows XP supports.

Palm Compatible Devices

Manufacturers have generally chosen ranks as to which operating system they support. Two of the common Palm operating system versions used today are Palm OS 4.1.1 and Palm OS 5. Some of the manufactures that support the Palm OS include:

Pocket PC Compatible Devices

Windows Pocket PC 2002 is the current version of operating system for Pocket PC. Some of the manufactures that support the Pocket PC OS include:

Other Devices

There are other devices that are considered PDAs that do not operate on the Palm or Microsoft operating system platforms. Here are two popular examples.

Key Features to Look For

Although operating systems may differ in flavor, hardware features are common to both. Here are some of the attributes you should research when comparing PDA units.

Types of Networks

There are several types of networks being used in the marketplace today.

Network Architecture

There are two types of architecture being used.

Wired Networks

Traditionally, both client/server and peer-to-peer networks have relied on "wired" connections to physically connect computers to the network.

Although there are many types of network topologies, Ethernet has been the main choice in the industry for the past few decades. Here are some of the versions available:

WiFi Networks

WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) is a wireless network protocol based on the 802.11 specification. The current standard is 802.11b that operates in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz spectrum. It is very popular as it supports an 11-Mbps bandwidth and is relatively inexpensive to adopt.

Other specifications that available are 802.11a that supports 54 Mbps in the 5GHz band and 802.11g which also supports 54 Mbps, but in the 2.4 GHz band.

Bluetooth Networks

Bluetooth is a new wireless specification that also operates in the 2.4 GHz spectrum worldwide. Bluetooth uses FHSS (frequency hopping spread spectrum) to divide the 2.4GHz band into 79 different channels at 1 MHz intervals. Data is transmitted between devices in the Bluetooth network and hops between the 79 different frequencies at 1,600 hops per second.

Modems

NICs

For wireless scenarios, wireless PC cards can be installed in laptops while desktops use wireless PCI cards. Another option is a wireless USB unit, which allows desktops and laptops to be connected via their USB ports.

Hubs

Hubs are like a junction box with multiple ports that allow multiple computers to be plugged in. Hubs commonly used in SOHO environments have four 10/100 Mbps ports.

Access Points

Access points are hubs for wireless devices that allow a connection to a wired LAN.

Routers

A router is a device that acts as a gateway between two or more networks. It is commonly used between your SOHO LAN and an ISP connection.

Firewalls

A firewall is a way of preventing unauthorized access into your LAN or HAN from the outside world. Firewalls can take the form of either a hardware device or software program. Many routers have built-in firewalls. Software solutions for personal firewalls can be used as stand-alone solutions or to supplement existing hardware firewalls for maximum protection.

Combo Units

There are several devices available that can combine an access point, hub, router and firewall in a single unit.

Retail Stores

Electronic chain stores such as Office Depot or CompUSA usually offer a good in-store selection of desktops, laptops and computer peripherals at a competitive price. Department stores like JC Penney, Sears or Target may sell selected items as they don't specialize in electronics but are a multi-product store. Chain and department stores are convenient and a relatively good source if you know what you want and don't need a lot of advice or assistance. Generally, the sales personnel will have limited knowledge on the products and how to use them.

Specialty Shops

Specialty stores are usually independent computer shops that specialize in their particular field. The sales personnel at these stores are typically experts in their chosen profession and will give you better advice on how to use your product. You will generally pay a little more for your purchase but the after sale service that you should receive will more than make up for it.

Manufacturer Direct

Most manufactures will have an on-line store where you can purchase a product directly from them without going through the regular retail distribution channel. You can usually order via the web or the telephone.

Mail Order Houses

These are discount stores that operate via the web that handle a wide range of products. For example, some electronics web stores include PC Connection and CompUSA.

Specialty Websites

There are several specialty websites that provide unique services. For example, eBay.com is a website where you can sell or purchase new or used items. This may be a good source if you are looking for a unique item. Some websites such as CNET.com will provide reviews on electronics products that will give unbiased opinions on products.

Manufacturer Sites

http://www.adobe.com/

http://www.alphasmart.com/

http://www.amd.com/

http://www.apple.com/

http://www.asus.com/

http://www.ati.com/

http://www.blackberry.com/

http://www.bluetooth.com/

http://www.dell.com/

http://www.emachines.com/

http://www.franklincovey.com/

http://www.handspring.com/

http://www.hp.com/

http://www.ibm.com/

http://www.intel.com/

http://www.intuit.com/

http://www.kingston.com/

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/

http://www.microsoft.com/mobile/pocketpc/

http://www.microsoft.com/office/

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/smartdisplay/

http://www.motioncomputing.com/

http://www.motorola.com/

http://www.palm.com/

http://www.philips.com/

http://www.sony.com/

http://www.symantec.com/

http://www.symbian.com

http://www.toshiba.com/

http://www.transmeta.com/

http://www.viewsonic.com/

http://www.yamahamultimedia.com/

Other Sites

http://electronics.cnet.com

http://www.zdnet.com