If you’re considering purchasing your next computer, then you should take some time to think about what type of device is most suitable for your everyday requirements. Several years ago, computers were usually only differential based on their internal specs, however today diverse form factors and software functionality options have created a complete range of computer solutions. The 3 main devices that you will likely consider will be a desktop PC, a laptop or a tablet device? This guide should help you to pick and buy the best new computer for your needs and enjoyment.

Desktop PCs

Desktop PCs have been a favorite amongst computer users around the world for decades. While they still represent a large percentage of daily computer usage, the original hardware design has become less flexible in our busy mobile lives. However if you don’t need portability and enjoy sitting your computer permanently on a desk, then a new desktop computer is a great choice. Current retail Desktop PCs will normally ship with the highly acclaimed Windows 7, however Microsoft have an all new operating system coming out in the Fall 2012 called Windows 8. While this touch friendly OS has been showcased with Tablets in mind, the new Windows can also work equally well on your desktop PC. Out top tip if you are about to buy a new Desktop PC is to ensure you buy one that includes a touch screen PC monitor. The costs of touch monitors has reduced dramatically in recent years and by having a touch-ready you’ll ensure your new computer is future proof being able to enjoy future touch based software.

Laptops

Laptops have fast become a popular alternative to the desktop PC thanks to their lightweight portability, full powerful functionality and competitive costs. If you decide your next new computer will be a laptop, you still have to decide what type of laptop you need? Below is a great selection of different laptop designs and form factors that you can pick from:

• Ultra books – Ultra light laptops called Ultra books are the latest type of portable full featured machines for 2012. These super thin PCs are sleek and powerful, but also expensive. If you have an unlimited budget, then Ultra books are some of the best computing money can buy.

 

• Standard Laptops – These are full sized laptops and normally offer a similar experience to a traditional desktop pc with large widescreen displays, full size keyboards and feature rich hardware. Pricing on standard laptops is normally competitive and there is a huge range of models available.

 

• Gaming Laptops – If you’re an online gaming fan then you will want to consider a more powerful gaming laptop such as Dell’s Alien ware laptops. Gaming Laptops will normally contains lots of RAM and the latest graphical hardware.

 

• Net books – A net book is a small version of a laptop that has basic hardware and runs light software such as Windows 7 Starter edition. Net books are suitable for portability and light usage such as web browsing and simple word processing.

Tablets

Tablets are considered by many manufacturers to be the future of computing. Evolving on from laptops and smartphones, Tablets have now become a real powerful alternative for your computing needs. Tablets benefit from the portability of laptops, but are perhaps more fun and flexible thanks to their touchscreen interface. Tablets introduce you to the world of Apps, offering Gaming, Productivity and Content at the tap of your finger. But what type of tablet should you decide? Below is a selection of the most popular current and upcoming tablets and we also explore the benefits of each device:

 

• Apple iPad – Apple’s iPad is a beautifully built machine and the most popular tablet currently on the market. But it has its restrictions and is not yet a true computer replacement for everyone. The biggest issue with the iPad is that it cannot yet run any full feature rich software applications such as Adobe Photoshop. You may also miss using a real keyboard, so it is important to try one out before deciding on this tablet as your next PC.

 

• Microsoft Surface – the new range or Microsoft Surface tablets will be launched towards the end of 2012 year alongside Windows 8. This tablet aims to be a true computer replacement, offering full compatibility using X-86 architecture. This means you can run your favorite Microsoft Word or Excel programs just like on your current PC. Surface also has a built-in kickstand and a full real keyboard cover attachment for the best of both worlds

 

• Android Nexus 7 – Google have recently teamed up with computer giant Asus to reveal the Nexus 7, which is powered by the latest version of the popular Android OS called Jellybean. The Nexus 7 is only a 7” device, but it is powerful and cheap. At just $199, the Nexus 7 offers full web browsing via Google Chrome, 600,000 Apps and the best of Google’s services such as G mail and Google Docs. If you no longer need powerful computing features, then this tablet could be your ideal next PC replacement.

We hope that this guide has helped you to decide on selecting the perfect new computer. When buying a new computer, it is important to sum up your minimum needs, budget and software requirements before you make your purchase. You want your new computer to last you many years and be suitable for your all your requirements. Good luck with your PC search and enjoy your shiny new computer.