Info 1120 - 3.2 Computing Devices

3.2.1 - 3.2.3 - After finishing this section, you should be able to: Compare and contrast the features of various computing devices, including cost, screen size, computing power, portability, storage capacity, cases and form factors, and digital cameras. Recommend computing devices based on user requirements.

Desktop

A popular type of computer system that can be equipped with peripheral devices such as a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers

Also known as workstations or PCs, desktops are computer systems that are small enough to be on, under, or near a desk. They are widely used, especially for business, industry, and home use. Desktops have been around for many years.

Desktop computers are often used to connect to a network and therefore can be considered a network client.

Desktop Advantages

Desktop systems are equipped with peripheral devices, such as a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers. Desktop systems typically have the following advantages.

* Modularity allows them to be customized to perform specific functions.
* Ease of repair and upgrade.
* Power to run CPU-intensive tasks.
* Storage capacity to handle larger amounts of data than other types of computing devices.

Desktop Disadvantages

Desktop systems also have some disadvantages:

* They are not mobile.
* They require continuous access to an A/C power outlet.

All-in-one device

A desktop computer that contains every component except the keyboard and mouse in the same case as the monitor.

All-in-one system Advantages

All-in-one systems have several advantages:

* They require less space than a desktop.
* They are easy to move to a new location.

All-in-one system disadvantages

All-in-one systems also have some disadvantages:

* They are harder and more expensive to repair. If any component (other than the keyboard or mouse) goes bad, you will probably have to take it into a shop to get repaired.
* In most cases, you are not able to expand the memory or disk space. However, external drives can still be added using USB ports.

Notebook/Laptop

A small computer that combines a display and keyboard and is designed to be easily carried.

Also known as subnotebooks, notebooks and laptops are computers with all components built into one case.

Notebooks and Laptops Advantages

These systems have several advantages, they:

* Can run the same productivity applications as desktop systems.
* Are much smaller, weigh less, and use less power than desktop systems.
* Include batteries that allow them to run without external power for a period of time.
* Use flat-panel screens, that makes them easy to transport.
* Are mobile.
* Usually include built-in wireless networking.

Notebooks and Laptops Disvantages

Notebook and laptop systems also have several disadvantages. They:

* Are more difficult to upgrade or repair.
* Are usually more expensive than comparable desktop systems.
* Typically have less computing power than comparable desktops.

Mobile Device

Small computing devices such as tablets and smart phones that are much more portable than desktops and laptops.

Mobile Devices Advantages

Advantages are that mobile devices:

* Are much more mobile than any other type of computing device.
* Include a variety of integrated devices, such as cameras, microphones, and wireless networking.
* Can be less expensive than notebooks or desktops.
* Use a touch-screen interface.

Mobile Devices Disadvantages

Disadvantages are that mobile devices:

* Are difficult to repair and nearly impossible to upgrade.
* Don't typically let you replace the battery.
* Don't typically support the same productivity applications as notebook and desktop systems.
* Provide much less computing power than a desktop or notebook system.

Hybrid Laptop Devices aka “2-in-1” devices

A computer that caters to the needs of both tablet and laptop users. Hybrid laptops provide a touchscreen and other tablet-style conveniences, but also provide an operating system and keyboard. \n \n Hybrid laptops are often referred to as "2-in-1" devices. These systems have several advantages. They:

* Can run standard laptop operating systems.
* Have laptop type processors.
* Have a touch screen that provides a dimension not available on a standard laptop.

Gaming consoles

A computer system specifically built to be operated by a gaming pad instead of a keyboard and mouse. Gaming consoles are also referred to as gaming box or video game console. \n \n A gaming console includes the major computer components, such as CPU, GPU, RAM, an operating system, disk storage, etc. These components, however, are designed to work best with games and the high graphics capabilities required by these games. \n \n Another difference is that gaming consoles often use a high-definition TV for its screen or display. Example of gaming consoles include, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Wii.

Network Client

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A device that can connect to a network. All of the above devices can be network clients.

Servers

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A computer whose purpose is to provide shared disk storage or to perform a special service for a large number of people, such as web processing, email, or database services. As such, this is not something you would typically have in your home or would use for personal use. \n \n Servers are widely used in business. Although each server is different, most servers use many of the same components that a desktop or client computer uses. However, servers typically have more memory, disk space, and processing power than a desktop computer.