Do you need a new laptop or Desktop computer?




I have no special talent. I am passionately curious.- Albert Einstein.



 Introduction.

Are you considering getting a new laptop or desktop computer for your workstation, home, or office to enhance productivity? Are you also trying to get one for your wards since the new school season is in session? Do you know what you are looking for based on what the laptop or desktop can accomplish?

There are certain distinct features that every laptop or desktop buyer needs to consider when purchasing one. These features which we term "Specifications" in the IT world can be grouped under these main headings. I will be sharing some ideas on a broader scope as to how you can choose a laptop or Desktop computer based on its specifications, its intended usage, and most importantly your budget.

1. Display/Monitor size: A monitor (Screen, used in Laptops) is an output device that displays text, images, video, and other information that is being entered and processed by the computer. One may argue that this is actually not too important if its only function is to display so no need to go for sophisticated displays. We can also argue that a good display allows you to work effectively and shows high-resolution images for the best results. A typical display screen size for a laptop is 14 inches but enormous ones can range from 14 to 17 inches. Some may go as low as between 11 to 13 inches. Laptops are meant to be portable so you must go for what you can carry along to your lectures, meetings, or coffee shops. Desktop displays can be as large as 17 inches or larger.

Specifications of a good display monitor or Screen

Refresh rate: 60 Hz or higher (Hz- Hertz). This depends on its use.

Resolution: 1080p. Gaming laptops have higher resolutions.

Desktop computers need a display adapter or card. Gaming desktops will use cards with high memory.


2. Hardware components to consider: In this session, we will be dealing with the processor type and speed, Memory (RAM and ROM and types), and ports/Connectors. These components work well to produce the optimum efficiency of your device.

A. Processor type and Speed.

A couple of years ago, people had to decide which IBM,  Intel Pentium processors, or AMD processors they were willing to use in their computers (Microprocessor Technology will be discussed later). The processor also known as the Central Processing Unit (CPU) runs the machine's Operating systems and applications. We had Pentium I-IV, Celeron, AMD, and other processors with speeds ranging from 1.0 GHz to 3 GHz or even more, and even the Celeron Processors. With the new generational set of boards and processors (I3-I9), speeds can range from 2.0 Ghz and above. Macbooks recently migrated from the Intel Processors to the Apple Silicon in 2020.

Specifications for processor type and speed.

Processor type: Intel (Celeron, Xenon, Core i3 to i9), Apple Silicon, AMD

Speed: 2.0 GHz and above

B. Hard disk capacity 

Hard Disk Drives (HDD) are storage capacity devices that temporarily store the operating system and other applications that run on the operating system. These are mostly used in Desktop computers. Presently, more laptops use SSDs (Solid State Drives) to store the operating system and other applications. Solid State Drives offer more volume, speed, and efficiency. Hard Disk Drives can have storage capacities ranging from 120 GB (Gigabytes) to 1 TB (Terabytes). SSDs can also have storage capacities ranging from 128 GB to 1TB. Depending on your budget and the computer's intended use, you can decide the type of storage device and the capacity you will need for your system.

C. Memory

The purpose of the memory is for immediate data storage and retrieval. Meaning, any task that requires quick access to computer resources. It was previously discussed that the memory aids in booting the computer. Memory sizes can range from 2 GB to 128 GB based on your computer's use. Gaming PCs will need a lot of memory usage so a higher memory size is needed.




Summary

We generally discussed the various specifications to consider when looking for a laptop or Desktop to purchase. Laptops and Desktop specifications are usage-specific. This means that you will have to use a specific laptop to accomplish a specific task. Laptops for School projects and thesis writing will have different specifications to a laptop that will run sophisticated programs for coding. Gaming laptops will need higher specifications based on the display adapter type and memory, hard disk drive, or solid-state drive capacity.

Humble Mentions: Ports on a laptop can be a Type C connector, USB, HDMI, or RJ45 port. Based on your budget, you can get a computer that suits exactly your needs.


Comment, ask questions, and let us learn together.










Daniel Kwasi Kpeglo

Physicist| SQL| Python| HTML| CSS| JavaScript| Looker| LookML| BigQuery| Power BI| Tableau| GCCP

Business page:https://dannyconsult.netlify.app/


Location: Cape Town, South Africa

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