Desktop or Laptop? Choose the Right Computer For You!

When considering the purchase of a new computer, many people find themselves asking - should I buy a desktop or laptop computer? I buy over one hundred computers a year for my clients, and am often asked this same question. In this article I will share with you the same advice I give my clients.

Cost Considerations

Laptops are generally speaking, more expensive than desktops. A similarly equipped laptop going to cost at least 25% more initially, but the lifetime of the average laptop is generally shorter than than the lifetime of the average desktop. Face it - laptops are fragile, and the inevitible bumps and bruises eventually take their toll. The bottom line is, the portability of a laptop comes at a premium price.

Some people create a "home space" for their laptops, with include such accessories and peripherals as an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, scanner, and/or printer. If you can afford it, this scenario gives you the best of both worlds.

speed

Laptops, generally speaking, are slower than desktops. There are many factors that go into the speed of a computer, and obviously some laptops are faster than some desktops. However, generally speaking:

-- Laptops are designed to run on battery power. Their components begin to power down after brief periods of non-use, and it takes time for them to come back to life.

-- All but the high end laptop hard drives are 5400rpm, whereas entry level desktop hard drives are 7200rpm. More RPMS means more speed, but also requires more power.

-- Laptop processors use much less energy...and therefore can't perform as many operations in the same amount of time as a desktop processor.

Do you NEED Portability?

If you don't need the portability, get a desktop. I have clients who paid big money for a high dollar laptop, docking station, separate keyboard, mouse, and monitor...only to have it sit on their desk. Maybe portability to you means you like to sit on the couch at night and surf the web - fine. (I do that myself!) But if your computer is not going to move, save the money and get a faster computer - buy a desktop.

Ergonomics

Due to the very nature of laptops, they do not typically provide as good of ergonomics as desktop machines. If you spend a lot of time on your computer, and plan to buy a laptop, you may need to create a space with good ergonomics to work. There are many resources on the web to help you do this - just Google ergonomics.

Theft

Another consideration is the possibility of theft. Laptops are at the top of the list for petty thieves, and you must guard them carefully when you are out and about. There are theft recovery systems such as Lojack available to help you recover your computer if stolen, for a price.

Summary

The decision of whether to buy a laptop or a desktop is an important one. Carefully consider your budget and the other points discussed above, and then make the right decision for you. Once you have your new computer, visit my website for plenty of other great information on keeping it running fast and smoothly.

Rich Pryor has been an I.T. Consultant for nearly 20 years, and is the author of numerous articles and books, including Computer Secrets Unleashed! For tips, tricks, and a free download of "The Top 15 Computer Mistakes", visit SelfGeek.com

Yoga Cl Ny

The FM Modulator - Used for Its Convenience, not Quality

The FM modulator or FM transmitter is a device used to play your plug-and-play Satellite radio receiver through your vehicles FM stereo. FM transmitters can also be used to play other digital audio devices like iPods, CD and MD players.

Normally second choice to an audio cassette adaptor because of sound quality, the FM modulator is still a very quick and simple way to get your plug-and-play Satellite radio receiver working in your vehicle.

Although sometimes only used if all else fails, the FM modulator at least provides an option for listeners who not audiophiles, want an easy way to hook up their receiver, or simply do not have a built-in cassette player in their vehicle.

Enough degrading these devices; there are probably thousands of Satellite radio listeners out there who will tell you that they experience good reception using an FM modulator. However, there is no doubt about it, an FM modulator, if used, can and will on occasions degrade the quality of audio output from your plug-and-play Satellite radio receiver.

An FM modulator converts the audio signal from the plug-and-play receiver into an FM signal, which is then transmitted over an unused FM frequency or station selected by the listener. The limitations of the FM frequency band mean this in no way represents what the signal actually sounds like.

There are two types of modulator available; wireless and hardwired.

The wireless modulator is built-in to a power adaptor that plugs into the cigarette lighter socket, the docking station or cradle that houses the plug-and-play receiver, or, more recently, the plug-and-play receiver itself. The receivers audio output is transmitted over the air to an unused FM frequency.

The wireless modulator is convenient, easy to install and configure, but broadcasts only a very short-range signal prone to fading and with interference; comparatively weaker compared to a hardwired modulator.

The hardwired modulator is placed in between the vehicles stereo unit and antenna. The modulator connects directly into the stereos FM antenna socket to provide a better frequency response and a signal with less interference that is less lightly to fade.

It is recommended that a hardwired modulator be installed professionally, as it requires a connection to the antenna socket on the rear of the vehicles stereo and to the electrical system, all located behind the dashboard.

The amount of interference, static and fading you experience, using either of these devices, depends on where you are geographically located in the US, quality of the in-built tuner or broadcast and the type of modulator installed in your vehicle.

For example, somebody living in a major metropolitan area, using a wireless modulator, will no doubt experience poor reception along with the frequent and often debilitating interference from other radio stations.

With regard to sound quality, the wireless modulator rests at the bottom of the pile with the hardwired version above it. However, depending on circumstances, hardwired modulators can be as good as cassette adaptors if not better.

For more information please visit: http://www.the-satellite-radio-advisor.com

This article may be freely reproduced so long as the above resource box is included in its entirety.

Jonathan Dalton: admin@the-satellite-radio-advisor.com

Jivamukti New Yoga York