As reliable internet service becomes more essential than ever for your daily life, your home needs devices that will serve you well and last long. We’re internet users at Kosciusko Connect, and we understand how important it is to keep technology costs within a budget. On the other hand, your kids need to do their homework online, your remote work depends on your laptop, and you’d never give up those high-quality streaming movie nights and video calls with long-distance family members.
You need a computer that can handle the daily demands and deliver what it promises without being overpriced. Does such a device exist?
We have good news for you! You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a high-functioning computer on which you can perform all your daily tasks and more.
Computer makers know this, and the market is flooded with relatively inexpensive devices that can make it hard to choose. For the average home user, you can begin by deciding between three basic choices: tablets, laptops, and desktops.
Desktop computers require a separate monitor and aren’t convenient to move around. Because you can get the same features and functionality for the same investment, and often less, in portable devices, tablets and laptops are often the ideal choice for a home.
Here are a few options we suggest looking into…
A Shiny New Chromebook
Okay, here’s the real question: laptop or tablet? Well, tablets―like Apple’s iPad and Microsoft’s Surface―begin as touch screens that can accommodate external keyboards. Laptops, on the other hand, begin with the keyboard and can come with touch screens.
The simplest machines are Chromebooks, typically small laptops, which run on Google’s Chrome OS (operating system). Most of the applications and documents are stored in the cloud, not on the device itself, so you’ll need to be connected to the internet to use most features. That lack of hard drive and limited software capabilities results in lower prices.
Chromebooks are great for the casual home user since they’re light and portable, but they’re not really that suitable for people who work and play on their computers. These are not choices for serious gamers or visual designers, of course, and if that’s you, you’re already well aware of your need for speed and size.
Looking at Laptops
As for laptops―which typically run on Microsoft Windows or Apple iOS operating systems—expect to pay $250 or more for a decent model that has the processing power, memory, and storage to handle both home and work duties. They also tend to have larger built-in monitors than tablets and Chromebooks.
Docking stations, which connect a laptop to an external monitor and/or keyboard, generally run from $100 to $300 and are ideal for the user who wants both the big screen and portability, the best of both worlds.
Home Computing Homework
There are multiple sites that will help you review your options online. Educate yourself first by beginning with a neutral site like the Computer Buying Guide from Consumers Reports.
Then, once you decide what kind of computer you want, start shopping. Visit stores in person when you can. You might be surprised at how different a keyboard might feel or a screen display might look to you in person.
With that knowledge, keep in mind that prices change constantly and vary from site to site. Two good places to start your comparison shopping are at Amazon and Best Buy.
You don’t have to spend big money to get adequate functionality in a home computer. Smart technology decisions start with doing your homework to find what you need and making sure you maximize that connectivity with fast and reliable internet from Kosciusko Connect.