Which Computer?

This page is not about which brand, what specs, etc. It's about which form factor to choose. For example, the obvious choice may seem to be a laptop if you need to save space. However, it's likely that there are computers that will fit your needs much better than a laptop would. The purpose of this page is to present alternative computer configurations for you to consider.

Contemporary personal computers are produced in three primary formats: laptops/notebooks, desktops, and small-form-factor PCs.

• Laptops have morphed into ultra-portable "netbooks", notepads, laptops, notebooks, and luggable laptops (desktop replacements) -- listed in size/weight/power order.
• Desktops have evolved beyond towers to include mini-towers and "all-in-one" PCs. One of the latter may be the best bet these days.
• For many users, power and performance are no longer the primary criteria. How and where they're going use their personal computer are more important.
• When considering a smaller computer, the kind and number of input and output ports, and optical drive options can be important factors.

The problem with laptops

You're not doing your body any favors if you use a laptop more than an hour or so a day. You could outfit your laptop with a stand and separate keyboard to solve the ergonomic flaws, but there are many other alternatives that will likely be less expensive and more satisfactory.

Many people use a laptop because they want to save space, not because they want a portable computer. It gets untidy though if you want to use an LCD monitor and/or an external keyboard to enhance your laptop.

A mini-tower, all-in-one, or small-form-factor PC may do the job much better than a laptop. Another nice thing -- you won't have any laptop battery fires. ;-) On the other hand, a laptop is nice if you like to use it in your recliner. :-)

Selecting a computer

I have started a Google Notebook that collects information related to picking a computer, and I will be updating it from time to time: At this time (2008), non-traditional personal computers -- netbooks, all-in-ones and small-form-factors -- are changing very rapidly. Intel and AMD are spinning out lower-power, higher-performance CPUs at a fast pace. Those dynamics, plus the fact that picking a computer is largely a matter of personal preference, makes it hard to provide general guidance. You'll need to do some research yourself. ;-)

Last modified 08/09/08