A decade is a long time in technology. Way back in 2002, when you talked about a computer, it was a fair chance that you were referring to a device that comprised a tower, a monitor, with a wired keyboard and mouse. Notebooks did exist but they were primarily for those with deep pockets. How things have changed. Today, a person looking for a computer has half a dozen options, with different form factors, price segments and performance ability. Many people opt for more than one computer – one to park at the desk at home and another to lug around at work. So which one(s) works best for you? If you are confused, read through to learn the art of finding which computer works for you.
ALL-IN-ONES
ALL IN ones combine the CPU (the box that contains the processor, motherboard, hard drive, etc.), speakers and display into one unit. Basically, it looks like a display on your desk. Its forte is its relatively compact form factor, freeing you from a tangle or wires, and depending on the model, it even manages to pack in some very decent specifications. Some all-in-ones can even be used as televisions and feature touchscreens. Where they come up a bit short is in the fact that while they have more processing power than notebooks, they lag behind conventional desktops in this department. Also, in most cases the hardware cannot be upgraded as well.
Rs. 20,000 onwards
PROS: 1. Compact; 2. Fewer wires to tangle with; 3. Decent performers
CONS: 1. Limited upgrade options; 2. Not on par with desktops in terms of performance
WORKS BEST FOR
Those who want a decent performing device on their desks, without too much clutter
DESKTOPS
THE FACT that desktops have existed in more or less the same form factor for more than two decades now is a tribute to their resilience. Moreover, they can be customised almost infinitely – you can change the processor, the graphics, the display, the keyboard, et al – making them the favourite device of all power users. Unlike other devices, you can actually configure a desktop as per your requirements. And all this at a relatively low cost. You can even start off with a relatively modest machine if restricted by your budget and keep adding to it in the years that pass. However, it does keep you anchored you to your desk, and more often than not, comes with a tangle of wires. Rs.20,000 onwards
PROS: 1. Relatively affordable; 2. Easy to upgrade and customise; 3. Performance as per requirements
CONS: 1. Bulky; 2. No battery backup unless you get a UPS; 3. Cables
WORKS BEST FOR
Those whose work needs high-performance computing such as gamers and designers, and who do not like to change machines often
TABLETS Rs.9,990 - 47,000
IN THE last two years there has been such a deluge of tablets that they can now be considered to be viable computing options. They are much lighter than most notebooks, are easier to use thanks to an icon-based touch interface, often come with 3G connectivity inbuilt and in most cases, have much better battery life. While they lagged initially on the productivity front, one can do a fair bit of what one could on a desktop, on a tablet as well thanks to the plethora of apps available. However, most tablets tend to run their own variants of conventional computer applications which are often not as powerful, come with limited storage and also have limited connectivity with other devices. Still, for those looking for lots of online work and some very basic computing tasks, they are a very good option, as they come in a variety of prices to suit every pocket. The “third screen” might just become the first one.
PROS: 1.Very portable; 2. Very good battery life and connectivity; 3. Easy to use, stacks of apps
CONS: 1. Not as powerful as desktops or notebooks; 2. Tablets apps bare shadows of their desktop avatars
WORKS BEST FOR
Those who want a very portable device that is easy to use and lets them access the Internet with minimum fuss
NETBOOKS
THEY ARRIVED four years ago and shook up the computing world by offering basic computing at rock-bottom prices. And that is where they remain, not withstanding significant improvements in processing speed and configurations. The netbook even today represents pretty much the bottom of the computing pyramid, delivering performance that is more than adequate if all you are looking for is browsing the Web and working on MS Office documents. Handling high-end gaming and multimedia are not its forte, thanks to its limited processing power and relatively small displays (10.1-inches usually). But it more than compensates for these with its light and compact form factor (most weigh between 1-1.4 kg), connectivity options and a price tag that is the lowest in all mobile computing devices. Rs.10,000- 25,000
PROS: 1. Very affordable; 2. Great for browsing and basic document handling; 3. Compact and portable CONS: 1. Limited processing power; 2. Not great for highend computing
WORKS BEST FOR
Those who are constantly on the move and want online connectivity, without spending too much .
NOTEBOOKS
ONCE CONSIDERED the symbols of the road warrior, notebooks or laptops now bridge the gap between hefty deskoccupying devices and ultraportable lightweight ones. To many traditionalists, they still represent the best work-on-themove option, packing in bigger displays (13 inches and upwards) and much more processing power. Unlike their earlier counterparts, today many notebooks can rival traditional desktops when it comes to specifications. The catch? Well, they generally are the most bulky of all mobile computing options and remain a pain to upgrade in terms of processor and graphics.
Rs. 20,000 onwards (approx)
PROS: 1. Powerful specifications; 2. Larger displays; 3. Mimics desktop performance
CONS: 1. More bulky than other mobile options; 2. Difficult to upgrade processors and graphics
WORKS BEST FOR
Those looking for desktop-like performance on the move, with no compromises on speed and performance
ULTRABOOKS
INTEL'S CONCEPT of a super-slim, superfast, ultra-portable notebook has moved off the drawing board and into the market. It clearly is an attempt to combine the best features of a notebook and a netbook – with the processing power of the former and portability of the latter. And to a large extent, it succeeds, packing in some serious processing power and lots of connectivity options inside very thin and lightweight frames, even while providing very good battery back up in the vicinity of six hours. However, these come at a price – the most affordable ultrabook costs significantly more than the least expensive notebook and desktop. And their slim frames also limit upgrading options. While prices are bound to come down, right now their price tag puts ultrabooks in a category that was occupied by notebooks a decade ago – desirable for all those who work on the move, but expensive.
Rs.48,500 onwards
PROS: 1. Very slim and compact form factor; 2. Decent processing power; 3. Good battery life
CONS: 1. Expensive; 2. Limited upgrade options
WORKS BEST FOR
Those who want a relatively powerful device that mimics a computer, while being goodlooking and easy to carry
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