Techies Of Ab: Hardware Recommendations

[AB Editor]

What's your current "go to" hardware recommendation for the average AB member? If you had to offer an all-rounder of a machine, for a good price, what would you recommend for:

1. a laptop
2. a desktop
3. a tablet

Links, brands, general warning all welcome.

All the best,

Ed

[Zacs-Master]

Good to see it even happens to the Ed.

[society]

"Good to see it even happens to the Ed. "

Zac, I don't understand what you mean.

[Zacs-Master]

Posted at 11:32 no posts. Just thought it bump start it.

[society]

Righto

[Kevink]

The average AB member?
Well judging by most of the questions and remarks in technology, they use facebook, webmail, Word, and Excel, and a few other things - possibly an e-mail client and Skype. So, really it comes down to the best deal you can get in Tesco or similar.

[hc4361]

If it were a one and only machine it would have to be a laptop with the biggest screen available as I need to take it out and about occasionally.

Big screen means big keyboard means comfortable viewing and typing. However, it also means weight and bulk so no good for regularly carrying around - good to throw in the boot of the car.

If I didn't need a machine away from home, it would have to be a desktop. Cheaper to buy; higher spec for your money; screen as big as you like; easily upgradable; choose the perfect keyboard for you (I prefer chicklet). My desktop has a tv tuner and is connected to my aerial and with a big screen is a perfect 2nd tv with built in pvr.

I have a 7" tablet and I love it - but I would hate it if it were my only pc. I use it as a satnav (better than my TomTom) and for 'playing' - browsing the internet, the odd game, catching up with email.

I don't think there is an ideal machine. Different people have different needs. You need to decide where you are going to use it; what you are going to use it for and how much you can afford.

I believe you can buy a high spec desktop and a cheap tablet such as the Nexus 7 for the same price as a good laptop. If you have a smart phone then you don't really need a tablet, assuming you have a desktop or laptop.

I would buy online from a reputable company and pay by credit card (pay in full when the bill arrives). That way you can test the machine for a few days and return it if it isn't right for you. Some companies such as Amazon and Tesco have free returns giving you much greater rights than if you buy instore. (If the machine is faulty the company should always pay for the return).

[netibiza]

I would NOT recommend a stupid Sony Vaio with windows 8 !!!

[Quoi]

good all rounder............ netibiza's sony vaio.... it used to have corners but not now it doesnt

[Canary42]

I don't think in this respect there can be an average AB member - same as there can't be an average human being (i.e. one testicle, one ovary)

[Alston]

Yes.. Considering what has been said by Canary42, I think we need some more info.

What could be an average AB....if there is such a person.?

Al.

[netibiza]

My sony vaio will very soon not have a screen or workings, it is driving me crazy yet again, hate it, hate it, hate it!!!

[LoftyLottie]

I don't possess any of them?

[hc4361]

What are you using, Lottie? Smartphone, games console, internet cafe, smart tv?

[Alston]

@netibiza.... I don't think that a lot of ABers will be aware of the problems you are encountering. I hope you do not mind my posting a link to your thread. :-

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Technology/Question1249173.html

[LoftyLottie]

Whoops, hc. Of course, a desktop!! silly me.

[hc4361]

:)