Information Technology and You 151Desktop Computers
Underneath their covers, most desktop computers are very similar. Many of
the various manufacturers of desktop machines use parts from the same sup-
pliers because there are only a handful of companies that manufacture hard
disk drives and many other desktop components. Before buying a machine,
compare the attributes and capabilities of many different ones. Also, check the
warranty offered by the different manufacturers. Though one-year warranties
are fairly typical, some computers come with two- or three-year warranties.
Beware of hype advertising and read the fine print. Most advertised specials
do not include the monitor, which will cost upward of $200 depending on the
size and quality.
Laptop Computers
The laptop has become a mainstay for the traveling worker. It provides all the
functionality and most of the power of most desktop units, in a package that
weighs approximately six pounds. Laptops are powered by standard electricity
or, for about two hours, by their self-contained batteries. Unlike desktop units,
under the covers all laptops are not the same. While they all utilize either an
Intel or Intel clone chip, the majority of the electronics are frequently custom
designed. Consequently, servicing laptops is more complicated and more ex-
pensive, and laptop parts are not necessarily interchangeable.
The display screen is one of the most important features of the laptop
computer. Display quality and size are rapidly approaching that of desktop
machines.
Although laptops provide the luxury of portability, that is their onlyad-
vantage over desktop machines. Desktops offer better displays, more memory,
and higher speed—higher performance for far less money. A laptop computer
will cost between twice and three times as much as a comparable desktop unit.
Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
PDAs are small digital devices that can be used to take notes, to manage tasks,
to keep track of appointments and addresses, and even to send and receive e-
mail. Similar to PCs, PDAs have CPUs, RAM, displays, and keyboards of sorts,
and some even have modems. However, a PDA can typically fit easily into a
pocket or purse. Today, the most popular PDA is made by Palm Inc. and has
its own proprietary software. However, there are a number of competing
PDAs, some of which use a stripped-down version of Windows software called
Windows CE. As miniaturization continues to develop and as cellular and com-
puter technologies continue to be woven together, we can expect a further
blurring of the line between PDAs and PCs.
Probably the two most popular capabilities of PDAs are their ability to
keep track of appointments and to store and retrieve contact information such