When making a technology purchase, either as a gift or out of necessity, it is important to know that there are plenty of great deals available. the first step in ensuring that you get the best savings and value out of your purchase is to begin researching and figuring out what the best product is for you.
And therein lies the tough part about shopping for technology. There are so many options to choose from that it’s often difficult to figure out what the best product is for you and your family.
Military families have unique technology needs. So much of keeping in touch with our friends, families, and immediate family members happens through a screen. (You might be guilty of being addicted to your devices. It’s hard not to be when family and friends are far from us.) Because of that, choosing the correct computer is absolutely vital. Here’s a quick primer for choosing the best tech product for you and your family, based on what you need and want.
Choosing a Laptop
With larger screens, keyboards and CD drives, laptops offer a level of portability paired with functionality that tablets don’t have. Laptops are perfect for people who need to work on the go or who don’t like being tethered to a desk. Laptops are a little more expensive than tablets but can be found in a large range of price points with a variety of features and capabilities. You can purchase them specifically built for you or straight out of the box, depending on your budget and needs. If you love the idea of having a tablet, 2-in-1s are a great hybrid choice.
Pros:
- Keyboard
- Extensive storage
- Durable
- Larger screen
- Built-in features like CD/DVD drives, speakers, and ports
Optimal Tasks:
- Word processing
- Creative tasks like design, video editing, etc.
- Tasks that need a significant amount of memory or special software
- Watching movies and videos
- Video chatting
- Gaming
Perfect For:
- Students
- People who work-from-home or are highly mobile
- Small business owners
- Members of the military who are highly mobile
- Creatives
Choosing a Desktop
If a tablet is a rifle and a laptop is a bazooka, then a desktop is a tank. We’re talking about heavy-duty computing power and longer life (after all, it’s less likely to be dropped or thrown around like a tablet or laptop). Desktops have larger screens and more technical capabilities. Desktop upkeep is easier for tech-geeks—for example, you can add or upgrade components as needed throughout the life of the machine.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Increased graphic processing abilities
- Typically a financially savvy option
- Many options to customize including touchscreens
Optimal Tasks:
- Gaming
- Movie-watching
- Multitasking
- Programs and tasks that need a lot of processing power
Perfect For:
- Families who want to monitor use or have a communal machine
- People who want to live a more intentional lifestyle when it comes to technology
- Computer engineering enthusiasts
- Creatives
If you're buying a computer, take all these things into consideration before your purchase. You'll also want to think about your budget and the longevity of the computer.
