2018 Christmas Computer Buying Guide

While it used to be an easy suggestion for us to make, we’ve now decided that this is really now up to you.  In the consumer world, more laptops are sold than desktops, and the portable route is more than just a trend.  Now, in your decision between laptops (or desktops) and tablets, that usage on the traditional computers have accounted for a majority of all web surfing activity (not including smartphones).  Tablets account for about 5% of web-surfing activities, and have for over a year, which indicates that the tablet is not a serious machine for for web surfing activities, and if this core item isn’t ideal, then it won’t be ideal for learning or working, no matter what the tablet manufacturers would like to say.

There are considerations along the way for desktops, laptops, and tablets: First, the downsides of laptops… I’ve owned a dozen laptops over the years, and like them very much. At the same time, I use my desktop PC’s 75% of the time or more.  My work system is a laptop right now, but I plug it up like a desktop 90% of the time.

Note that a laptop is vulnerable to all sorts of abuse that your desktop will never see. Additionally, while the price will run is about the same as a comparable PC, and the expected life expectancy of the thing is 3/4th’s of the time of a desktop. The screen options for some users may not be suitable, so plan ahead and review screen size for comfort before you purchase. The upsides, however, include portability, and being able to take your computer at a moment’s notice to someone who can help you.

The ultraportable is a slimline laptop that is also beefed up in specs.  I don’t talk about it much, but figure another $200 or so for the slimmest, lightest, and higher end looks.  Factor a little bit more for increased durability if they are using exotic materials to keep them strong.

A desktop is more cumbersome, and you can’t take it everywhere you go.  College students will like the flexibility to take to class or the coffee shop, and business users will usually need something to travel with.  I strongly suggest that business people look into docking stations or port replicators, and expand into multiple monitors, external keyboards and mice, and use it as more of a desktop when you have the chance.

All-In-Ones are a neat category that bring the concept closer to each other, and we have the Mac to thank for that innovation. This is now a viable area, and as such, we’ll have to discuss that in the pricing.  These are usually designed for appearance, rather than anything else, but I’m also leary of the concept of paying for an entire monitor each time we upgrade.  Still, we do that with the laptops.  This may be part of the industry holding on to people who like the simpler architecture, but we’ll see how it all turns out.

So I mentioned tablets, and let’s circle back to that exciting, neat range, and are a distinct option for some.  The nice option is where people are choosing tablets as an interim replacement for their full systems, getting an extra year out of their existing hardware, and adding in the ultra-portable tool. Apple has pushed really hard in this sector, and they have a leg up on the competition.  Ups and downs exist everywhere with the tablets, so I suggest the name brands; Apple iPad (and mini), Samsung tablets, with a nod towards Kindle only if you are already in the Kindle infrastructure. If you are looking to save a few dollars, don’t be tempted by the no-name brands, because there’s no such thing as “almost as good as” in this world. One thing to note, if you are using a tablet for any kind of serious computing, you’ll need to plan on a keyboard option for another $100.

An ideal alternative to the tablets is a laptop that’s a 2-in-1, where the entire screen folds around and serves as a laptop or a tablet.  They do run Windows, but some of the tablet like features they sport, such as digital pens, as well as the touch screens, make for a nice alternative.  Be prepared to spend at the price of a gaming laptop, however.

• Folks who are looking to expand their computer experience, and have tried the Mac’s out at the store or with a friend. If you are adventurous and like working on your own to discover things… this is a distinct option for those who wish Windows and Mac would work together on the same machine. This option is available with Parallels or VMware Fusion… which we believe is a very good workable solution for most users not in an ultra-intensive role.  It’s not perfect or ideal, but it does come with strengths.
• People into the graphic arts, Photoshopping, video, the Design industry, etc.
• Situations where the buyer knows that the software they are looking for is available on a Mac, and not a PC.
• New users to the computer world that have support for the Mac.
• Users in environments that are otherwise dominated by Mac’s…
• Previous Mac owners (of course!).

These are not hard set items, just guidelines… let us know your thoughts on any of this.

A dual-layer DVD writer used to be standard on every system, but this going away.  What used to be common in all desktops has become either an after-thought, or included in.  Premium systems will include this option for watching DVD’s or using your old media, however it’s become an optional item now.  If important to you, you may wish to invest in an external drive connecting via USB for about $40.

If this is important to you, I suggest for most people to consider Blu-Ray, especially if you are sticking with the optical drive for watching and viewing movies, and you’ve gone Blu-Ray in a majority of rooms in your home.  Where this used to be a must have in any computer, this is now an optional component, and even in desktops, we’re going to see this disappear.  I expect this may be the last year that I suggest these.

• Desktop and All-In-One – What you can afford. Consider dual monitors for more “screen real estate” at a cheaper price. Two 24″ class widescreen monitors will cost you $200-250, and give you a combined display area of 40″ wide, and be wonderfully viewable.  Dual 24″ monitors really is the sweet spot for productivity, and personally, I love.  For almost everyone else, anything more is overkill.
• Laptop – The smaller the laptop, the smaller the screen. If you want a light laptop, without the drives, that’s small, you’ll have to have a small screen. The standard size is the 15″ (with minor differences). If you want all of the extras, like a DVD drive, floppy drive, and so forth, you’ll get a larger screen. Don’t bother with the larger 17″+ screens unless you’re looking for the power and aren’t traveling much.
• Tablet – This is all about the trade-offs of comfort in size versus comfort in reading.  I personally like the full-size iPad screen, but the smaller iPad mini screens rock as well.  Older folks, or people with vision problems may wish for the larger screens.  Youth from the age of about 5 to 25 are going to be just fine with the smaller screens.

• Note: The resolution is an additional factor to take into consideration. If you have a smaller screen, you will wish to compare the available optimal resolution against other screens of the same size. A higher resolution means items may appear smaller, however you will be able to fit more items onto the same screen..

Your system comes with a $7 keyboard, and a $4 mouse, if you’re lucky.  The quality on these keyboards and mice are going to hold most people back.  I strongly suggest that you consider an upgrade if you have the budget, because the creature comforts are what make your system personalized for you.

The keyboard is an important item for improving your typing speed.  Having typed on those cheaper keyboards, and then using an expensive one in my home office, the Cherry MX 6.0, I’ll tell you that there’s a world of difference.  Even at the office, where I have a Logitech wireless keyboard, I can tell the difference on this.  When you type really fast, you can sense a distinct difference and that impacts your business work flow.  Try out the other keyboards in your local computer shop, and see if the difference is worth it for you.

I use a specific Logitech mouse at home and the office, the M705.  It’s a durable and yet slightly pricey mouse, but it has additional functions that I use in both places.  It’s also highly reliable, and I’ve never had to replace one.

You can spend a fortune on a computer, but just like a car, there are certain items that everyone should be reviewing in the purchase process.  I’ve got a number of favorite suggestions for anyone that’s looking to purchase anything that I’ve mentioned in this week’s show.

All Standard Computers (tablets are separate)

• External Hard Drives – 4 Terabyte drives are cheap now, and it’s really not worth saving $15 to get a 1TB drive…  make sure that it’s USB 3.0, the latest standard.
• Printers – If you already have purchased a printer in the last 10 years and it’s working, don’t buy a new one.
  • For business, the laser printers are more expensive up front, but the inkjet only exists today for the photo printer options.  If you’re talking about someone who’s a shutterbug, go for the inkjet, otherwise, a laser printer is the only direction.
  • For students, either option is good, with the ability to do color without breaking the bank.
• Scanners – There are an assortment of good scanners out there, but many people are going for the All-In-One printers.

Desktops

• Battery Backups – Cyberpower is a sponsor.
• Cable management – Keeping the place looking nice is important.
• Extra cords for accessories – The desktop computer still serves as a good hub for your technology, so make sure that you can hook up everything to it.

Laptops

• Carrying case – The basic black case is still around, but there are a number of nice options with character these days.  Protection is a must, so don’t get the cheap flimsy stuff, buy something that’s solid.
• Extra Battery – If you are traveling more than twice a year, you will want this crucial accessory.  Try to get the salesperson to wheel and deal and throw something like this in to close the deal.  I’m finding this is a frequent closing tool for them.
• Docking station / port replicator – If you have a desktop location, an office at home, someplace where you’ll be using this more as a desktop, then get the docking station and monitors, as well as a keyboard and mouse, and make it feel far more like a business destination than your kitchen table.

Tablets

• Carrying case – These range from simple to luxury, durable to waterproof, and so forth.
• Portable battery – 10000mAH will give you a full charge anywhere, and they are cheap.
• Extra charger – Just like a laptop, you never know if you’ll need a charger away from home.
• Apps – Figure another $50 in apps, especially if this is a gift…  an Apple Store or Google Play gift cards are a must for starting the recipient off right.
• External Keyboards – These are a must for anyone looking to use a tablet in the professional realm.