What To Choose.....

[lilypoppyfre]

my desktop computer is 7 years old and I have decided to change it....
But what an overwhelming (for me ) choice....I went to a well-known computer store and asked the difference between a laptop, notebook, tablet, iPad.....The assistant told me that it was only a question of size and price.....I am no more enlightened now than I was before I visited the store...

Would an IT wizard please help me ?
I use the computer mainly for reference, e-mail, send photos and Skype.
Many thanks in advance.

[Hopkirk]

Do you like a proper keyboard?

Personally I cannot see the point in a tablet, with no keyboard or DVD drive and the screen so exposed to damage.

[daffy654]

The biggest question that needs answering is do you need portability?
If not then a desktop would be a good choice. I wouldn't have a netbook or tablet as my main computer under any circumstances. A good laptop is a very good option too.

[Davethedog]

Hi Lily my take on it.

Laptop - basicaly a portable desktop good for on the go but given size need to be somewhere stable to use i.e desk, table etc - Can be hard/impossible to repair or replace parts.

Netbooks - smaller version of laptop - no longer made by a lot of companys that used to - Don't buy.

Tablet/ipad a basicaly use anywhere keyboardless laptop however some packages do not come as standard and you would have to look as to what packages are available. I have to state that I am not am Apple fan but i know many who are - there are two other operating systems Windows and Android. I haven't used a Windows tablet bit I presume that you get your base Microsoft stuff. Best use for all of these really is gaming, reading watching films, picking up E-Mail.

With all tablets be sure to check any connectivity issues, most come with Wi-Fi which is fine if you are in a Wi-Fi "hotspot" if not you would have to pay for a sim to 3g connect.

[SlackAlice]

Out of the choices you have I'd go for laptop or netbook, the keyboard would be the deciding factor for me. I type using both hands, admittedly not all the fingers though.

Tried out a Tablet over the weekend for a few hours and whilst it was good, holding it with one hand and typing with other was bit of a faff.

Also, you would generally get more storage space on laptop/notebook. My own personal choice would be a desktop pc.

[AlwaysConfused]

I wouldn't pay out for more than you need, to be honest. If you use e-mail quite a bit, I'd say you'd definitely want a keyboard, so a Tablet would be a no-no .Which? Are very good for a bit of guidance:

http://www.which.co.uk/technology/computing/

[dollie65]

i got rid of my old computer and now have a laptop .....as i play a lot of games i have a 17inch screen...its also ideal for watching catch up tv...

[hc4361]

As you have the room for a desktop I would buy a new desktop. You will get much more for your money with the comfort of a large screen and full size keyboard.
It will have a dvd burner for backing up your photos to dvd disk if you wish, which tablets and netbooks don't have.
It will also have a full size sd card reader to easily transfer your photos to your pc.


If you are happy with your current monitor and keyboard, you can buy a new base unit on its own, making it even cheaper.

A laptop is a good compromise if you need to carry it about occasionally or simply want to reclaim the space a desktop takes up. Go for the largest size screen you can afford - the keyboard will be larger too. However, you will pay more for a laptop than a pc of similar spec.

A tablet or iPad is not suitable as a pc replacement, in my opinion. They are additional gadgets which are good if you want portability and can afford it.

Make sure your new pc or laptop has at least 4GB RAM and 500GB hard drive.

[McMouse]

I changed to an Apple Mac a couple of years ago and haven't looked back. No mored worries about viruses etc and the screen resolution is amazing.

[Davethedog]

McMouse - No worries about viruses on a Mac is a thing of the past.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/9355995/Apple-drops-virus-immunity-claim-for-Macs.html

[rojash]

"and the screen resolution is amazing."

No different from a Windows machine

[lilypoppyfre]

I am amazed and grateful at the replies I have had....
Thank you hopkirk, daffy654, always confused (that could be me also...), dollie65, rojash, mcmouse, hc4361,

Davethedog gave me the explanations I would have liked from the assistant at PC World....

I have decided on a desktop and, since I am happy with the keyboard and monitor, I shall keep those. They are in my study.As I care for my husband who has got Alzeimher's, I shall also buy a laptop to use when I am in his room.Many , many thanks to you all.

[Hopkirk]

Apparently the rise of smart phones, tablets and laptops is leading to a lot of neckache. People sit with their head tilted forward too much.

At least a desktop with a monitor mounted reasonably high means your head stays upright.

[MichaelZZ]

Have a look on here. The sales and technical staff are all very helpful. http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/

[Wak]

You could also try EBuyer.com for a desktop Tower?

[Wak]

Incidentally, EBuyer.com will also supply Desk top Tower units without a built-in system so that you can install your existing/old one which will also save you a bit of cash.

[Gromit]

Sounds like you are a light user not a power user. A Tablet should meet your needs.

What you buy depends on your budget.

[HelpSought7]

Do NOT go to High St major names. Clueless in my experience.

Here's my commendation (No connections to me. Just based on personal experience. Honest. Real. Did exactly what he promised and Result was better than I could have dreamt of) - A Retailer who KNOWS what he's on about and can use jargon or plain speak.

I needed the latter.

Basically, he asked me what exactly I wanted a new faster machine to be able to do. Then built me precisely that !

Rocket Science - I don't think so.

Outfit is Ashtead Computer Services, 196 The Street, Ashtead, Surrey. KT21 1 AL.

Tel [phone].

Guy's Name is Grant Reid