Archive for September, 2010

Computer Kits

This entry is part 1 of 4 in the series Computer Kits

Computer Kits

Introduction

Not everyone wants to, has the time to, or has the inclination to build his or her own computer.  For that reason there are pre-established computer kits, to make purchasing and setting up your computer easy.  There are three major type of computer kits:

  1. Barebones Computer Kits
  2. Gaming Computer Kits
  3. Home Computer Kits.

We are going to discuss each type in this blog, and the major reason/benefits of purchasing a certain type of computer.

Barebones Computer Kits

The first discussion on our agenda is the barebones computer kits for no other reason than it alphabetically makes sense.

A barebones computer kit typically refers to the minimal essentials that a computer needs to run and operate effectively.  They tend to run very inexpensive, but are very limited in what they are capable of running and operating.

These types of computer kits are capable of the following and are generally a great choice if this is all you are looking for in your computer:

  • emailing
  • web surfing
  • printing documents.

Barebones computer kits are intended to do the minimalist of functionsFor some families or individuals, a computer is a convenience at best, and not even remotely close to a necessity. If you fall under this type of category you may want to look into for the purchase of your next computer.

Gaming Computer Kits

The first and perhaps most important concept to understand with a gaming computer is that when we refer to games we are talking about a system intensive game that may or may not be online such as the ever popular games

  • World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King
  • Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
  • Crisis Core
  • Warhammer: Age of Reckoning

The list of these games could be a blog in and of itself.  Those were just a few examples, so that we understand when we are discussing games we are not talking about

  • hearts
  • solitaire
  • free cell
  • minesweeper
  • anything found on addictinggames.com or bored.com

All of these games can be easily played on our barebones computer kits or home computer kits.

Gaming computer are computer kits that are meant to be able to multi-task exceptionally well with very system intensive programs because who doesn’t like to listen to the favorite music while fighting other people online?  Gaming computer kits are meant to be able to do all of that without lagging.  No one wants to blame their character’s death on a slow computer.  Blame it on the internet connection!

Back to the computer subject matter at hand.  When you are looking at a gaming computer, it will run you a little more expensive than the other two computer kits, but it is intended to do more.  Something to always keep in mind: When purchasing a computer you almost always get what you pay for.

Home Computer Kits

Our last topic, but most certainly not out least important is the home computer kits.  Home computers are the most common of the three type of computer kits.  Not every family needs a gaming rig and most households use the computer as more than a convenience.

For many people a computer is almost a necessity.  If we take a minute to look at how technologically based times our today, and how often we are in front of our computer we will appreciate as to why a computer is almost a necessity anymore.

Home computer kits are used for so many things that we may take for granted

  • Surfing the internet
  • finding a route to a place we need to get to
  • watching movies whether they are on DVD or on a place like YouTube
  • paying bills online
  • keeping up with friends on social media sites
  • or purchasing what we need so we never have to leave our homes to look for it
  • and to many other functions to name them all

A home computer should be great at multitasking, but does not need to have the extensive system requirements that gaming computer kits tend to carry.  Home computer kits fall under the category of jack-of-all; master of none.

Conclusion

The greatest thing about computer kits is that there are as many options for them as there are people in the world.  It is entirely up to you on which one is right for you.  Always remember to a certain point: Your computer is always upgradeable!

Laptop vs All In One

This entry is part 5 of 5 in the series 10 Step Computer Selection

Sony VAIO VGNP530H/W 8 inch Atom 1.33GHz/ 2GB/ 60GB/ GPS/ WVHB Netbook Computer(Chrystal White)Laptops

Advantages

  • Portability
  • Size
  • Battery to be able to operate w/o power source for a short period
  • Highly Customizable

Disadvantages

  • Portability added into price
  • Run very warm; easy to overheat
  • very difficult to repair

Laptops are a great option as a computer for those users who need a mobile workstation because he or she is on the road or unable to sit at a desk for extended periods of time. A laptop allows the ability to move anywhere with relative ease, and still be able to use a computer.

A laptop, however, may not be the best option for a user who is simply looking for a space saver compared to the original barebone desktop computer kits (the traditional style desktop). If you are simply looking for a way to save space from the old home computer, then an All In One computer may be the better choice for you.

MSI Wind Top AE1900 18.5 inch All-in-one TouchScreen Atom Dual Core 1.6GHz Desktop PC (Black)

All In One

Advantages

  • more price goes into the system as opposed to price going into size
  • touchscreen options available
  • capable of almost pure wireless system

Disadvantages

  • not highly portable
  • no internal battery
  • one thing goes wrong possibility of entire system not working

A better option to use as a home computer, for the space conscious user is the All In One PC. The great thing about All In Ones (AIO) is that they can offer the user a very similar wireless experience when compared to the laptop.

An AIO PC consists of the monitor, and CPU within a single casing. The screens on the AIO tend to be larger than most laptops which makes reading easier to do with a larger screen, simply because font size determines the size printed out on a sheet of paper, it does not necessarily determine the size of the font on the screen of your computer.

AIO may be a better choice for a home computer than a laptop for some because you can typically get more out of your system for the same price. When paying for a laptop there is a price factor for the portability and size for the computer. When paying for an AIO there is only a size factor added into the price because an AIO is not as easily portable as the laptop and has no internal battery.