Mobile Computer Buyer’s Guide

If you need computing capability while traveling and during lectures or meetings, you may

find a laptop or tablet to be an appropriate choice.

With the abundance of mobile computer manufacturers,

research each before making a purchase. The following are

purchasing considerations unique to mobile computers.

1. Determine which mobile computer form factor

fits your needs.

Consider a tablet or ultra-thin laptop

if you require a lightweight device and the most

mobility. If you require additional ports or want the

computer’s capabilities to be more comparable to a

desktop, consider purchasing a traditional laptop.

2. Consider a mobile computer with a sufficiently large screen.

Laptops and tablets

are available with various screen sizes. For example,

most traditional and ultra-thin laptop screens range

in size from 11 to 18 inches, while most tablet

screens range in size from 7 to 12 inches.

3. Experiment with different keyboards and

pointing devices.

Mobile computers often vary

in size, and for that reason have different keyboard

layouts. Familiarize yourself with the keyboard layout

of the computer you want to purchase, and make

sure it is right for you. If you have large fingers,

for example, you should not purchase a computer

with a small, condensed keyboard. Laptops typically

include a touch-pad to control the pointer. Tablets

have a touch screen and an on-screen keyboard.

4. Consider processor, memory, and storage

upgrades at the time of purchase.

As with a

desktop, upgrading a mobile computer’s memory and

internal storage may be less expensive at the time

of initial purchase. Some internal storage is custom

designed for mobile computer manufacturers, meaning

an upgrade might not be available in the future.

5. The availability of built-in ports and slots

is important.

Determine which ports and slots you require on the

mobile computer. If you plan to transfer photos from

a digital camera using a memory card, consider a

mobile computer with a built-in card slot compatible

with your digital camera’s memory card. If you plan

to connect devices such as a printer or USB flash

drive to your mobile computer, consider purchasing

one with a sufficient number of USB ports. In addition,

evaluate mobile computers with ports enabling

you to connect an external monitor.

6. If you plan to use your mobile computer for

a long time without access to an electrical

outlet, or if the battery life for the mobile

computer you want to purchase is not sufficient,

consider purchasing a second battery.

Some mobile computers, such as most tablets and

ultra-thin laptops, have built-in batteries that can be

replaced only by a qualified technician. In that case,

you might look into options for external battery

packs or power sources.

7. Purchase a well-padded and well-designed

carrying case that is comfortable and ergonomic.

An amply padded carrying case will

protect your mobile computer from the bumps

it may receive while traveling. A well-designed

carrying case will have room for accessories

such as USB flash drives, pens, and paperwork.

Although a mobile computer may be small enough

to fit in a handbag, make sure that the bag has

sufficient padding to protect the computer. Test the

carrying case with the laptop inside to ensure it is

comfortable and ergonomic.

8. If you plan to connect your mobile computer

to a video projector, make sure the mobile

computer is compatible with the video

projector.

You should check, for example, to be sure

that your mobile computer will allow you to display

an image on the screen and projection device at the

same time. Also, ensure that the mobile computer

has the ports required or that you have the necessary

dongle and cables to connect to the video projector.

Consider This: Based on your current computing

needs, should you purchase a traditional laptop,

ultra-thin laptop, or tablet? What are the specifications

of the mobile computer you would purchase?