 |
| tablet |
If you’re in the market for a new computer (specifically, a portable
one), you’ve got a lot more options than just Mac vs. PC these days. The
portable computing market has at least four segments these days:
Traditional notebooks, tiny netbooks, super-streamlined ultrabooks, and,
of course, tablets like the iPad. Which do you choose? The answer will
really depend on what you do with your computer:
- First things first: I’ve never been a fan of netbooks’ sluggish
performance and cramped screen and keyboard real estate. It looks like
the computer buying public agrees, with netbook sales dropping precipitously in the last year,
particularly in the United States. Sure, you might be able to get a
great deal on a netbook right now, but in the long run you’d probably be
hoping to replace it in a year or two anyway. Consider a netbook only
if (1) you’re broke, (2) your computer’s broke(n) too, and (3) your
computer use is limited to web browsing, email, and social
networking–but not a lot of content creation. Then reconsider–in reality
you may be better-served with a refurbished notebook computer.
- If your computing needs are light (again, email and the web–and
maybe some games) you’ll probably get more enjoyment out of a tablet
like the iPad or one of its Android-based competitors. You’ll definitely
get more portability out of it. I still do not recommend tablets for
folks who are Office power users–the current desktop productivity apps
available for tablets are stripped down compared to their Windows or
Mac-based counterparts, and Microsoft Office proper is not yet available
for tablets. And then there’s the issue with having to lug around a keyboard. Tablets aren’t a good solution for heavy content creators–at least, not yet. Ask me again in a year.
- Do you want something lightweight (in terms of actual weight),
with good computing power, and a normal-sized screen and keyboard?
Check out the growing ultrabook segment. If you’ve seen someone toting
the sleek, lightweight MacBook Air, you’ll know what I mean. Ultrabooks
are fast, lightweight, and typically start at under $1000. Of course,
weight reduction comes at a cost: Ultrabooks may lack some of the ports
you use regularly on your current computer, and they don’t include
built-in DVD drives. If the latter is an issue, you can pick up an
external USB drive inexpensively–but you may find yourself using it less
and less these days, anyway.
- Finally, a case for the now-traditional notebook computer–its not as
glamorous as its younger brothers the ultrabook or the tablet, but it
still gets the job done. And, at least on the PC side, you can purchase a
notebook for well under $1000 that will be serviceable for several
years. If you haven’t figured out how to rid your life of physical media
yet, and you create a lot of content, or you just want a real portable
computer without breaking the bank, shop around for a well-specced
notebook.
 |
| the notebook |
 |
| the Netbook | | |
|
|
 |
| the Ultrabook |
|
2:55 PM
Ahmed Abd ElkadeR
