Many people wonder if a laptop or a tablet will serve their needs. After all, tablets are easy to use, very portable, and internet-capable just like a laptop. However, not all tablets share the same functionality. Depending on your needs, a laptop may provide a better computing experience. If you’re trying to decide if you want a tablet vs. a laptop, this guide will help.

What Kind of Tablet?

Many tablets look the same but may perform differently depending on their operating system. Before you decide on a tablet vs. a laptop, you should know the functions and limitations of the devices available. Tablets like the Apple iPad and those running Android use mobile operating systems derived from the interfaces on smartphones. This type of tablet is designed for touch, prioritizing simplicity. Windows 8 tablets can run many of the same programs as full computers and are compatible with the same types of files. Windows RT is another option that is optimized for tablet use. The biggest difference between the two is that Windows RT tablets can only use apps made for that specific operating system.

When Are Laptops Better?

One of the main complaints people have about their current computers is usually that they’re not fast enough. The need for speed can be a big issue if you’re into high-end gaming or use high-performance video or photo editing software. In the laptop vs. desktop debate, the question of speed boils down to price. Some high-end laptops are very competitive when it comes to speed. But if you’re willing to pay the price, there isn’t a laptop out there that can keep up with a high-end desktop. It’s all about the specs mentioned above, as well as high-performance motherboards and cooling systems available in desktop systems. If you’re looking for top-of-the-line speed and have the cash to spend, a desktop is the way you’ll want to go.

What Will You Use it For?

In general, you’ll want to choose a laptop vs. a tablet if you need to do more than check email and social networks or watch videos and play games. Laptops are best for real work, even if that work only includes creating Office documents. Most laptops are more powerful than tablets and have larger internal storage. There’s far more software available for laptops vs. tablets (with the exception of Windows 8 tablet PCs) and greater file compatibility for documents, music, images, video, and more. The web browsing experience is arguably better on laptops vs. tablets, especially now that Adobe no longer supports Flash for tablets and other mobile devices. Though tablets are often lighter than laptops, there are many ultra-thin, light computers (such as ultrabooks or Apple’s MacBook Air line) that give you the portability you need without sacrificing performance or functionality. If you want the best of both worlds, consider a hybrid PC: a Windows tablet with a keyboard dock that turns it into a laptop when connected. Still, even hybrids may not always give you the power or storage space you need.

Choose Based on What You Need

Before deciding between a tablet vs. a laptop, think about what you need to do with it.

Get a tablet if:

You already have a laptop or desktop computer and want a companion device. Your needs are very basic: checking email, posting to social networks. You want something purely for entertainment: movies, TV, music, eBooks. You’re looking for a device that’s very simple and easy to use.

Get a laptop if:

You’re shopping for a primary computer and want something portable. You need a device for work, school, designing, creating content, or anything that requires high performance. We hope these guidelines help you solve your tablet vs. laptop conundrum, and be sure to check out our full laptop and tablet buying guides for further information on each form factor. Article Content from http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1001068291

Utilising a second monitor is proven to improve your productivity. First of all what is a dual monitor setup? Computers & laptops these days can support more than one monitor – think of the second (or third) monitors as just a physical extension of your existing screen. If you are moving windows between the monitors as something disappears from one screen it appears on the adjacent screen.

The biggest advantage for anyone is increased productivity.

There have been a number of studies performed over the years that have attempted to calculate the change in productivity from using multiple monitors. According to a study done by Jon Peddie Research, productivity increases by 20 to 30% when using multiple displays.

The Pfeiffer Report from 2005 (testing the impact of large monitors and/or multiple monitors) found that improved productivity could even result in an ROI of thousands of dollars per year.

A study conducted by the University of Utah and NEC found 10% increases in productivity and 20% reduction in errors (plus reduced stress) for test workers that were using multiple monitors.

However, research also shows that productivity gains max out and eventually decline when size becomes too big.

So while the exact amount productivity increases might be up for debate, the fact that productivity increases with dual screens is certain.

Sharing data is easier

It’s rare that we just work with one program open these days – yet we often lack the ability to view more than one program. If you are working from a number of data sources, having the second screen to display content means less moving windows around to access the information that you need.

Work tasks often require comparison, such as comparing different versions of a design, testing in multiple browsers, financial numbers or document revisions. In these situations it’s easier, quicker, and generally more effective to compare side-by-side using two screens rather than flipping back and forth constantly.

It’s Easy

Extending your computer to a second screen is actually easy, although to some people it sounds like it would be more difficult or involved than it really is. If you’ve been wanting to try a dual screen set up but have been putting it off, there’s really no reason not to give it a shot.

Disadvantages

There are some disadvantages of having multiple screens:

Potential for Distractions

Probably the biggest disadvantage to having more than one screen is the added risk of distractions. It’s easy enough to get side-tracked when you’re working with just one screen, and even more so when you add to it. For some people using the second screen to keep email open all the time is a timesaver not having to re-open a window to check on new mail, for others it may be a distraction from the task in hand.

Lack of Desk Space

Unfortunately, the amount of available space of a desk can easily be a hindrance when it comes to getting set up for maximum efficiency.

Conclusion

Remember it’s not about how a second screen (or big screen) can make us work faster, but rather how working on a small screen slows us down. Remember the desktop screen on your laptop (or PC) is a metaphor for your physical desktop. If your desktop was replaced with something the size of an A4 piece of paper how hard would that be to work efficiently? Very.

Can we afford to be slowed down in our work?

Given the lower cost of monitors these days, and the number of hours we are often in front of them the ROI is huge even when taking the lower end of the productivity gains into account.

All these studies demonstrated that using only a single display — especially if it’s a small laptop display — can really be an anchor that drags on your productivity. Using an extra monitor can help you to more quickly and easily do your daily computing tasks.

Beyond this empirical data, the anecdotal benefits of using an extra monitor are legion on the internet.

Finally, people enjoy having an extra monitor: And happy employees are productive employees.

In fact, if you are still sceptical we are so certain that you will benefit from using a second monitor, particularly if you currently only use a laptop screen, that we will come and set one up for you to use for a couple of weeks – if you don’t like it we will take it away. No cost to you. How can you loose with that?

References:

Dell completed a whitepage showing the benefits:

http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/monitors/en/dual_monitors_boost_productivity_whitepaper.pdf

Pfeiffer report

http://www.pfeifferreport.com/Cin_Disp30_Bench_Rep.pdf

So if you’re in need of some help with planning some upgrades, or even just some free friendly advice, get in touch with us, 6-370 8093.

To discuss how Tech Solutions can help call us on 0800 878 878 or email office@techs.co.nz.

With all the stormy weather lately we thought its important to ensure you are protected from power surges and even power outages with the right UPS. A UPS is a Uninterruptable Power Supply, which will power your equipment when there is a power failure. As well the need for having a suitable backup of your system and data, blackouts and power outages (and the data loss they cause) can happen anywhere, any time. In addition to regular backups, for key equipment, you should be concerned about keeping power going to your PC during its normal operation.

A UPS provides battery power to your system for as long as an hour, which is more than enough time for you to save your data and shut down your system. A UPS plugs into the wall (and can act as a surge suppressor), and your computer and monitor plug in to outlets on the rear of the UPS.

Electronic circuitry in the UPS continually monitors AC line voltage; should that voltage rise above or dip below predefined limits or fail entirely, the UPS takes over, powering the computer with its built-in battery and cutting off the computer from the AC wall outlet.

Select your UPS type

There are commonly two types of UPS;

Line Interactive
These are the most common and cheapest units, they work by detecting a variation on the input power and when a change happens that is outside the threshold the UPS will switch on and the equipment will operate on the batteries.

Online
An online UPS differs from the Line Interactive units by always operating on the battery power, which effectively provides some electrical isolation. Online UPS’es are generally more expensive but their batteries will tend to last longer. In most cases the Line Interactive model will be acceptable.

Choosing the right Capacity

You next need to choose the right capacity; the higher the capacity the longer the equipment will run on the batteries. UPS capacity is measured in kVA which is simply 1,000 volt amps. A volt is electrical pressure while an amp is electrical current. The higher the kVA value the more power the unit has. For a standard home or office PC a UPS capacity in the range of 650VA to 1000VA is quite acceptable. If you are running more equipment or servers (like a business) you might need to use a 2000VA (which is 2kVA) or higher.

Ensure the UPS is monitored

Having a UPS monitored means the unit is connected to the PC or Server, and in the event of a power failure the PC will automatically shut down once the battery life of the UPS is running flat. Usually this can be configured so that when there is only 2-3 minutes of power left the PC is shutdown to prevent losing power (and possibly data).

So if you’re in need of some help with planning some upgrades, or even just some free friendly advice, get in touch with us, 6-370 8093.

To discuss how Tech Solutions can help call us on 0800 878 878 or email office@techs.co.nz.

Solid State drives and why they are the biggest upgrade for your pc or laptop.

Are you the sort of user who finding simple things like starting your pc or laptop seemly tend to take too long? How about having outlook, internet explorer, excel or word and many other applications opening at that first boot in the morning?

You might as well go make a hot cup of coffee cause of the long wait. Most people tend to think when this happens it’s time to ask advice from that friend who’s in the IT Industry. Just upgrade the memory some tell you or just buy a new computer.

The fact is if your machine is from mid-2006 onwards it’s still cheaper to buy a new SSD drive and gain the performance like a new machine from this 1 simple upgrade.

We had a high usage client in the office recently. This user had high outlook usage which included large outlook files and multiple accounts loading. Before the upgrade it took from seeing the windows 7 boot logo to windows desktop and all start up applications being loaded and ready to use over 3 minutes. We replaced his normal spinning hard drive with a solid state drive.

Imaged his old drive to the new drive and started it for the first time. It took only 45 seconds to desktop. Just using the laptop became snappy the response was immediate. The laptop now seemed like a new machine. This is one example of the difference it makes in the real world.

SSD’s cost is per gigabyte is the only pit fall. An example currently you can buy a 500 GB HDD for only $80-$100. For a 256GB SSD it would cost you around $300 dollars. Now if you have a desktop adding a SSD in the pc and running 2nd HDD for storage in ideal you get the best of both worlds. However if you’re running a laptop you normally want to match GB for GB unless you have an external USB drive. If you’re a business user or home user you will notice upgrading from HDD to SSD more than any other upgrade you can do to your system. This makes for a snappy, faster experience.

Pros: Speed, Durability, Noise, No Fragmentation.

Cons: Cost per GB, Harder to recovery data in case of faulty drive.