8th Grade Computer Technology
Mr. Minger
January 2014
What are you looking for?
 Laptop or Desktop?
 PC or Mac?
 Tablet?- What kind?
 What are you going to use it for?
 What programs do you need to run?
Laptops
Advantages
Disadvantages
 All-in-one
 More expensive
 Portable
 Ergonomics
 Usually smaller
 Mouse and keyboard might
be different
 More prone to accidents
 Wireless Internet
 Can connect almost
anywhere
 Most come with network
cards
 Theft
Desktops
Advantages
Disadvantages
 Provides more of a “home-
 More components
base”
 Cheaper cost
 Easier to upgrade
 Cannot carry with you
 Not as accessible to wireless
Internet
PC vs. Mac
 Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByCyqSROGf0
 PC’s
 Personal computer
 Refers to computers that run Microsoft operating
system(Compaq, Dell, Gateway, etc.)
 Mac’s
 Short for Macintosh
 Line of computers made by Apple
 Run Mac OS X as an operating system
What’s better- Mac or PC?
Activity:
 Go to Internet
 Type the web address below
 Find Advantages/disadvantages for Mac’s and PC’s by
filling out a Venn diagram
http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/mac-vs-pc-mythbusting-consumer-guide/
Venn Diagram- Example
What Does This Mean???
Key Features and Benefits of the HP 2000 Laptop:
 Intel Premium 2020M Processor
2MB L3 Cache

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
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4GB DDR3 SDRAM system memory (expandable to 8GB)
500GB 5400RPM hard drive
SuperMulti DVD Burner
10/100BASE-T Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector)
Connect to a broadband modem with wired Ethernet or wirelessly
connect to a WiFi signal or hotspot with the 802.11b/g/n connection
built into your laptop
 15.6" diagonal HD BrightView LED-backlit display
Specifications (Specs)
 RAM
 The more RAM- more smoothly your computer will run
 Most new operating systems (Windows 8) will require 2
GB of RAM
 CPU
 The higher the GHz – the faster your computer will run
 Dual better than single, Quad better than Dual
 Look for 2.0 GHz
 cpubenchmark.net
Specs (Continued)
 Hard Drive
 Measured in GB or TB (remember units)
 Look for at least 500 GB
 Can always buy external Hard Drive
 USB Ports
 How many???
 Look for 3.0 ports
Other Factors
 Monitor
 Peripherals- (keyboard, mouse, speakers, etc.)
 Battery Life
 Sound Card
 Graphics Card
 Other Memory slots (SD Card)
 Anti-Virus Software
Where to Buy?
 Major Retailers
 Best Buy
 Walmart
 Online
 Retailers
 Direct from company
 Refurbished?
 Make sure you have protection plan (warranty)