Not only will different people enjoy working with different computers, but an individual may find different types of computers better for what they are doing. If you are trying to find one device that does the majority (if not all) of the tasks you need it to, then keep reading to discover just what essentials you need to be looking out for.
Desktop VS. All in one VS. laptop VS. tablet
The more portable a device, the less power it will have and the smaller the screen will be. This is the compromise – you need to decide how important it is to be able to move your device around for the tasks you need it to do. If you are regularly moving between work locations, then a laptop or tablet is probably the best option for you – you can get around the screen and size restrictions by having a docking station at your main set-up stations, e.g., a desk at home.
If you need something incredibly powerful but you can manage on your phone when out and about, then obviously, a desktop is the way to go. You should also consider all-in-one computers which can provide some benefits that both a computer and more potable devices offer. You can get the power of a normal desktop, but because you only need to move the screen, keyboard, and mouse, there is more portability. So, if you need to move between rooms in your house, for instance, if you have to set up a workstation on the kitchen table each day, then this could be a good option for you – big screen and powerful, but no need to have a ‘permanent’ desk.
What your device needs
CPU or Processor
This is the thinking part of your computer and is generally thought of in terms of speed. A more powerful processor will be able to complete its tasks in a quicker amount of time and uses less energy. More ‘thinking’ intense tasks require a more powerful processor, for instance, data mining, encoding, analytical modeling, and so on. A more powerful or quicker processor may be more expensive, so you will need to consider whether it is too much for your requirements.
Graphics
To put it simply, graphics is what the monitor displays to you. Our world is increasingly visual, with more and more content being given in higher color details or better video quality – so even if you are not a gamer, you still need good graphics on your computer. You also need to ensure that the graphics processor (or GPU) on your computer is up to the job, or it will take processing power away from other areas of your computer and slow it down. If you are not a gamer, you are unlikely to need a separate graphics card for your device, but you can read more here to see the latest graphics technology available to determine if this is the case for your specific needs.
RAM
RAM stands for random access memory, and it has a big impact on your device’s performance. It is where programs and apps can store data for short periods of time – making it quicker for the program to run. If you do not have enough, your device will be slow, but having too much does not bring benefits and can be expensive. You will need to research the amount of RAM needed for the tasks you do to decide what is an appropriate amount to aim for.
