Graphics Adapter and Graphics Memory Also known as the video card, graphics processing unit GPU , or graphics card, this hardware is responsible for drawing what you see on your screen.
Graphics processing comes in two basic flavors: It can either be integrated into the same chip that's running the rest of the computer or it can run on a discrete piece of equipment. Most computers have integrated graphics. This has usually been the less expensive and lower-performing option—fine for most tasks but not for serious gaming. Light video editing and gaming and all other typical computer tasks will do fine with integrated graphics. They are also the single largest performance boost you can give a computer over an identical computer with a hard drive.
Hard Drives Also known as a hard disk, this type of drive uses a spinning hard disk and uses more power than a solid-state drive. It is also slower overall. Hard-drive sizes are measured in gigabytes and terabytes, and commonly range from GB to more than 1TB. Speed is equally important and is measured in rpm revolutions per minute. A slow hard drive will take longer to start up the OS and programs, and complete tasks such as installing programs or scanning your hard drive for viruses.
For best performance, get a desktop with at least a 7,rpm hard drive or a laptop with a 5,rpm hard drive. Optical Drives A few laptops today ship with an optical drive, which saves weight and cost.
The Battery When not plugged into a wall outlet, laptops use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for power. Laptops go into sleep mode when used intermittently, extending the time between charges. You can lengthen battery life if you dim the display, turn off WiFi connectivity when it's not needed, and use only basic applications. Although most computers come with a basic, predefined set of features, that doesn't mean you don't have choices.
Use this guide to help wade through your options. For more, check our computer ratings available to CR members. Screen sizes measured diagonally generally range from 15 to 24 inches, but you can find larger ones. The most common sizes are 19 and 20 inches. Members should see our current ratings of monitors to dive more deeply. Most are wide-screen, which fit wide-screen movies better but give you less screen area per inch. Those who plan to edit photos or videos should note differences in color, viewing angle, contrast, and brightness.
Monitors are often less expensive when bundled with a new computer. A to inch display should suit most people. Displays that are 13, 14, and 17 inches are also common, and some manufacturers are also offering inch laptops.
The screens on most laptops are glossy instead of matte. Glossy screens have more saturated colors and deeper blacks but are also more prone to glare. Like desktop monitors, most laptop displays are wide-screen to show wide-screen movies at their best. Borrowing from tablets , companies have begun including touch screens on many laptops.
The notable exception is Apple. These have custom, touch-enabled multimedia apps and include multitouch capability, which lets you use your fingers to zoom, turn, and scroll. Windows 10, which is engineered to work on mobile devices as well as conventional computers, appears to be accelerating the trend. Computers with touch screens tend to cost more. For connecting to the internet, all desktops come with an Ethernet port that lets you run a cable between your desktop and your router.
Many desktops have this built in. Laptops come with wireless built in, and some have a port for connecting an Ethernet cable, although many are ditching it to save space. Most of those that come bundled with desktops are optical, meaning light sensors on their undersides track movement. The latest port to arrive on computers is USB-C. It can also be used to supply power to your laptop. USB ports let you connect a variety of add-on devices, such as digital cameras or external hard drives, as well as flash drives for copying files to and from the hard drive.
Having these ports at the front of the desktop case makes connecting devices more convenient. An Ethernet port or wireless network card lets you link several computers in the household to share files, a printer , or a broadband internet connection. Thunderbolt, a very fast data-transfer port, is also used for connecting external devices.
However, there are fewer compatible devices available for it than there are for USB. This list comprises the major computer brands. In choosing a brand, consider the manufacturer's technical support and reliability as shown in our surveys. We respect your privacy. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. Sign In. Become a Member. Remember Me. Forgot username or password? Not a member? Need further assistance?
Please call Member Services at Sign in or Become a Member. Laptops Desktop computers Chromebooks. Computer Buying Guide Last updated: February 26, Find the Best Laptops and Desktop Computers We test, evaluate, and compare the latest computers to keep you connected.
A new laptop battery typically stores enough energy to run the laptop for three to five hours, depending on the computer usage, configuration and power management settings. When the laptop is plugged into the mains, the battery charges, even if the computer is not running.
As the battery ages, energy storage will progressively decline to last only a few minutes. If you want a device that you can work on comfortably for long periods of time and can store lots of large files, you might make the laptop your choice. A laptop accommodates all work functions from spreadsheets to emails and social media.
Laptops are great for all work, from spreadsheets to emails and have full-sized keyboards that make typing easy and comfortable. They have large storage capacities - around GB is typical compared to 64GB offered by larger tablets. Keyboards and track pads can also make photo-editing easier on a laptop than on a tablet. A laptop is bulkier and heavier than a tablet and can be slow to start up compared to tablets - 3 or 4 G connectivity needs a 'dongle' which costs extra.
A desktop computer is a good option if you have a home office and you don't need to take the computer to other locations. A desktop computer is a personal computer PC in a form intended for regular use at a single location, as opposed to a mobile laptop or portable computer. Desktop and tower computers are two styles of computer case that use desk space in different ways. Desktop computers are designed to lay flat on the desk, while towers stand upright.
Most modern desktop computers have separate screens and keyboards. Tower cases are sometimes incorrectly called desktop computers as some will put them on a desk instead of on the floor under the desk. Cases intended for home theatre PC systems are usually considered to be desktop cases in both senses, regardless of orientation and placement. Slim and lightweight, tablets are a type of internet-enabled computer that work in a similar way to smart phones, with touch screens and downloadable apps.
Although Tablets are capable of running work applications, they are mainly bought as a portable device used for quick web browsing internet , emailing and portable entertainment. As well as being simple to use and easy to carry around, tablets turn on quickly, providing almost instant access to the internet or your apps.
Apps can be downloaded to add an enormous range of functions, from drawing to games and work- based activities like Word Excel. Tablets are quick to turn on, are portable, easy to use and there are lots of apps to choose from.
But, they can be expensive and may not have have expandable memory. Some may not have 3 or 4 G connectivity and if they do they may need a data plan contract with the extra ongoing expense. They also use touch screen typing and it's often necessary to buy a screen cover to protect from scratches and cracks. A smartphone combines the features of a mobile phone with those of other popular mobile devices, such as media player and GPS navigation unit.
Most smartphones are accessed by a touchscreen, can run third-party apps and have camera phones. Those produced from have high-speed mobile broadband and mobile payment mechanisms. Not only can you talk to one another on your smartphones but you can text, play music and games, get directions, take pictures, check e-mails, find a restaurant, surf the internet or watch a movie. It's important to consider size when choosing a device, especially if you will be travelling with it.
Devices range in both size and weight. If this is you, choose devices that can offer you a seamless experience between screens, syncing from small to big in an instant. Extra-long battery life devices make it easier to work on the move.
And while previously a long battery life meant choosing something bulkier, times have changed. Some devices with the best battery life are also the most beautiful looking, with the battery hidden in a super sleek and premium exterior. Do you want form or function? Does it matter what your device says about you? After all, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, especially in business. Writing reports in Word, creating presentations in PowerPoint or using your device for social media content?
The specific tasks you plan to perform on your device will give you direction on the performance, power, connectivity and whether you need your work to sync across multiple devices. Smaller devices are gaining popularity due to portability, competitive pricing and becoming more powerful than ever before. For some though, their screens size still feels like a compromise. The rise of the hybrid device has reduced the need for multiple devices and made life easier for the business traveller.
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