needs to browse the net, use Office applications, carry out basic image processing & everyday tasks. Most netbooks are priced lower than the average laptop. The big question is which platform should you choose - Mac or PC. For graphics professionals or anyone making a living from design and photo editing, the Mac still dominates and people will expect you to be able to use a Mac to a high level. For all other users, both Macs and PCs have their advantages and disadvantages.
PCs tend to be less expensive, easier to repair if a part becomes faulty, have a greater variety of software available and PCs dominate 90% of the computer market which makes it easier for file compatibility.
Mac computers tend to be more stylish, easier to use (but the gap has closed considerably), be more stable and reliable, are targeted less by viruses and spyware and since Macs have dominated the professional graphics and design market for so long, many would argue that Macs are more powerful when it comes to image editing & dealing with large image files.
With regards to Netbooks, they are mainly used for basic computing at present but with the introduction of newer and more powerful mobile processors, netbooks are likely to challenge low end laptops on use, portability and cost. The netbook market has grown rapidly & this looks set to continue. |
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When choosing between a new or secondhand Mac or a PC, any processor above a Pentium 1ghz on a PC or a Mac G4 or G5 will be capable of dealing with basic to intermediate graphics work. The other essential items include large amounts of ram memory (minimum of 512 mb but preferably 1gb or more), a large internal hard disk of 160gb or more, a powerful graphics card, a high quality TFT screen (preferably 17" or larger and maybe widescreen), DVD writer, external back up storage device and a graphics tablet which uses a pen instead of a mouse for more advanced editing. To build a complete photo imaging home or work studio setup, peripherals will also be required including photo printers and scanners as well as broadband internet access for software updates, online tutorials and stock images.
Before making any new computer purchase, it is always a good idea to visit various shops and try out different systems for ease of use, styling, size considerations, operational speed and clarity of TFT screen image. For many users, beginners in particular, the support package which is provided with the PC may be of crucial importance and in this respect, manufacturers such as Dell provide excellent computer support with some support packages offering next day onsite service where a Dell engineer will visit your home or business premises to fix the problem if it cannot be solved over the phone.
Finally, in recent years the tablet PC has gained in popularity due largely to the introduction of the Apple Ipad and Ipad 2 but competition from android based tablet PCs are closing the gap. Android 3 Honeycomb and Android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich operating systems from Google have helped to produce tablet PCs with varying screen sizes which are almost as good if not equal to the Apple Ipad 2. The current list of the best selling tablet PCs shows that Apple has lost ground to tablet PCs from Samsung, Acer, Motorola, Asus and Toshiba.
Tablet PCs are fine for basic tasks such as viewing videos or photos, surfing the internet, playing low powered games, learning new skills such as a language and even watching HD movies on a large screen TV through an HDMI cable. Accessories include a stylus and USB keyboards which can turn a tablet PC into a basic laptop.
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Unfortunately a tablet PC cannot compete with modern laptops in terms of versatility, processing power, memory, storage, games, software availability and and all round functionality. For general use and home entertainment, tablet PCs are fine but it is best to avoid the cheaper tablet PCs which often have Android 2.2 or 2.3 and a resistive touchscreen. These screens are more basic and less responsive than the capacitive screens found on almost all higher end tablet PCs.
