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What the different platforms are and what capabilities they have
How to get information and reviews for the different computing devices
Where to buy computing devices
My personal prejudices
Desktops or workstations
All-in-ones
Laptops AKA notebooks
With and without touch screen
Convertibles AKA “hybrids”
Tablets
Various sizes
With or without external keyboard
Smartphones
Several sizes, including “phablets”
Writing the great American novel
Managing investments
Playing games
Watching movies and video
Going to school
Reading websites
Social networks
Texting and email
Staying in touch while on the go
Basic cost of a platform ranges from several hundred to thousands of dollars
Accessory costs
Carrying cases, external keyboards, mice, and so forth
Service costs
Internet provider
Cell or wireless service
Pros
Can be very powerful
Very versatile and easy to customize
Can take numerous peripherals
Big screen(s)
Cons
Immobile
Takes up space
Primarily Windows
Pros
Range of mobility
Can be quite powerful
Good general purpose PC for many people
Variety of operating systems available
Cons
Screen size somewhat limited
Fewer ports or connectors
No DVD
Convertible models available
RAM 8-16 GB
Type of RAM not important for most people
Permanent storage- Hard drive and SSD 128-256 GB SSD
500-1000 GB hard drive
Processor Intel i5 or i7 family
Integrated graphics or separate graphics card
Quality of display
Keyboard
Laptop that uses operating system developed by Google Directed at PC users who primarily are internet oriented
Pros Inexpensive
Easy to use and maintain
Better security
Cons Assumes most activity is on internet
Some peripherals will not work
Fewer software choices
Future models will be able to run Android apps
laptopmag.com
pcworld.com
cnet.com
pcmag.com
techradar.com
consumerreports.org (subscription)
www.clcewing.org/new_computer.html
Battery life
Storage space
Micro SD slot
Android or Apple
App availability
Other hardware owned
Weight and heft
Quality of cameras
Consumer Reports suggests 5 Mp back and 2 Mpfront
Portability
Screen size
Screen quality
Brightness, color fidelity, contrast, resolution
Processor
RAM
Storage
Operating system
Very inexpensive tablet- 8” model under $100
Cheapest versions are ad-supported
Amazon version of Android operating system
Apps only available through Amazon
Full range of Android apps not available
Somewhat heavier and thicker
Poor camera according to reviews
Low cost choice for basic applications
Added complication of choosing a service provider
Geographical considerations
Various packages and deals
Length of contract
Family plans
Deals on hardware
Usage limits
Bargaining
Android or iPhone
Different providers have different hardware
Buy outright or long –term contract
Locked or unlocked
Latest model often not necessary
Storage
32-256 GB
Larger amounts considerably more expensive
Camera
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/22/technology/personaltech/picking-a-new-phone-plan-here-are-your-best-bets.html
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-wireless-carrier/
Type-C Successor to USB
Lightning Apple proprietary connector
Thunderbolt 3 Intel connector
Micro USB Type used on phones and tablets
Wireless
http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/port-and-adapter-guide
Local store Staples
Best Buy
Apple store
Microsoft store
Phone stores
Online Amazon
Newegg
TigerDirect
Individual manufacturers
Laptops Asus Dell Lenovo Chromebook
Tablets iPad Samsung Kindle
Phone iPhone Samsung Google Pixel phone?
No service contract
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