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Touch Screen Computing: Is It for You?

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Touch Screen Computing: Is It for You?

 

For the past couple years, touch screen computers have been a rising trend. Be they desktops, laptops or 2-in-1 hybrids that double as tablets, this trend has found its way to stores and online shops far and wide, and they seem like they’re here to stay. If you’re in the market for a new computer, you may be wondering if it’s worth it to invest in this new technology. To help you decide, here are a few positives and negatives of touch screen interfaces.

 

The Positives

 

  • A convenient new way to interact with your computer. You’re probably already using a touch screen on your phone or tablet, so this interface will automatically feel familiar. Plus, touch-enabled computers are designed with a user interface that makes navigating with your fingers that much easier.

 

  • Faster than a mouse. Most veteran PC users are used to the standard mouse and cursor interface, and have gotten fairly quick with it. Touch interfaces, however, are even quicker. Imagine picking up a desktop window and dropping it into place, just like you would with papers on your desk. A more natural interface like this allows new users to jump right in, and old users to become even more efficient.

 

  • Doesn’t have to replace your current interface. Still attached to your faithful mouse or trackpad? Touch screen interfaces are designed to work together with the tools you already have. If you don’t want to stop using your mouse, you don’t have to. If you want to use the touch screen and nothing else, that’s an option too. But these new interfaces are designed for the in-between, working together with your mouse to create a great new experience.

 

The Negatives

 

  • The price. While prices may fluctuate, touch screen systems can be up to 30% more expensive than their standard counterparts. In today’s market, that’s a substantial increase–and one many would-be buyers aren’t willing to spring for.

 

  • That dirty screen. Your screen already attracts dust, dirt and other random stains from regular use. Adding an interface that requires you to touch the screen regularly only increases the chance that your screen will get dirty. This is especially true if your hands aren’t completely clean when you use it.

 

  • Reduced battery life. Since the touch screen must be kept active any time your PC is on, it’s a constant drain on your battery. If you plan to do marathon work sessions, this is a massive disadvantage.

 

  • Not much program and app support. Because this is a relatively new technology, most programs aren’t suited for your fingers. Your touch will be read as a mouse movement or click, but since the interface on these programs isn’t made for touch, controlling them can be cumbersome.

 

Whether you decide on a new touch screen computer or a standard trackpad and mouse, we’ll make sure it runs well for as long as you own it. Come see us whenever you’re in need of computer repair services in Raleigh.

Do I Really Need a Tablet Computer?

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Do I Really Need a Tablet Computer?

Several tech companies attempted to establish the tablet computer in the marketplace before Apple came out with its dominant iPad. But before the iPad, people mostly viewed tablet computers as curious extravagances. Cool and sleek-looking, for sure. But especially if you already have a laptop, do you really need a tablet? What’s all the fuss about anyway?

 

For the Road Warriors

Portability and light weight have got to be the biggest advantages of the tablet computer over the laptop. If you have to carry a computer around all day, you definitely will start to notice the difference between one pound and five pounds. The slim lines of the tablet will also allow you to slip it into your briefcase, while a laptop probably would require its own bag. There are plenty of professionals who rely on a computer to do their jobs – like external sales people calling on customers – and for these people, a tablet can definitely be a huge advantage.

 

Better Functionality Than a Smartphone

Some people who are trying to get their work done on the go try to rely exclusively on their smartphone. It is tempting to do – especially these days with the bigger screens on the smartphones. But if you’ve ever tried that, you know it doesn’t really work for more than just the most basic tasks. Even composing a relatively long email can be exhausting on a smartphone. But a tablet is another thing entirely. The big display and better processing power on the tablet make it much more useful for real work than a smartphone. Admittedly, the on-screen keyboard is a challenge for typing lengthy projects. But now you can get a highly portable external keyboard and come very close to matching the performance of a laptop.

 

Longer Battery Life

If you’ve ever been writing a project on a deadline in an airport with no power connection while you watch your battery meter go into the red zone, then you already know how important battery life can be when you are on the road. While laptop batteries do seem to be improving by leaps and bounds, the vast majority of tablet computers can still outperform a laptop in terms of battery life by a wide margin. That extra battery life is like an insurance policy that you won’t crash before you get your job done.

 

The Bluetooth Connection

Many of the limitations of a tablet can be made up by the ready availability of all sorts of useful accessories that can be connected to your tablet by Bluetooth. The external keyboard is the obvious example. Super portable and lightweight – with an external keyboard, your tablet is almost as functional as a laptop. The Bluetooth headset is another great example. While you wouldn’t want to have to hold a tablet up to your head, with a Bluetooth headset, you can very comfortably use your tablet as a phone.

 

If you have a highly mobile lifestyle, a tablet really can be a useful addition to your tech collection. If you’re curious about the possibilities please   contact us today!