“Portability” is a technology buzzword that many new devices like netbooks, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant), and the new iPad are springing up to provide.
If you don’t need a lot of computer processing speed, try a netbook - a smaller notebook/laptop computer. It will do all the basics for you, except playing CDs or DVDs. If you want to play DVD movies or CD music, or need to install new programs using DVDs, you’ll need to plug an external CD/DVD player into one of the USB ports. Aside from this, a netbook takes up less space on your desk, less weight in your bag, and less cash from your wallet. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netbook
The iPad is a hybrid of a laptop computer and an iPod Touch. If you like the portability and touch functionality of the iTouch, but you don’t want to squint at the tiny screen, the iPad is for you. Like a netbook, the iPad doesn’t have a CD/DVD drive, but you can purchase adapters from Apple to connect SD memory cards, and your camera. You can also synchronize your data with your desktop computer.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ipad
A few differences between an iPad and a netbook: The iPad can’t yet video-chat, as it has no built-in camera. Netbooks usually have more memory than iPads, for storing more music, movies and other files. The iPad is more restrictive with software, which needs to be from the iTunes store or at least Apple-approved. Finally, netbook memory and speed can be upgraded somewhat, but with the iPad you’re stuck with what you’ve got. In this light, the iPad is more of a replacement for the iTouch than for the humble netbook.
A PDA, such as the iTouch, is much smaller than a netbook, usually fitting easily into one hand. All PDA’s have calendar and contact lists, and many can do internet and email and scaled-down versions of some computer programs. Data entry is the big problem with a PDA or smartphone, whether using a very small keyboard or writing recognition. There is usually a slot for adding a memory card, and you can back up your data to your computer.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_digital_assistant
A smartphone is a mobile phone with PDA capabilities. Both iPhone and Blackberry fall into this category. If the iPhone is for the trendy young urban professional and teenagers, the Blackberry is for the serious businessman. Most Blackberries have a built-in keyboard for your thumbs, and is designed for easy emailing, texting, faxing, calling, researching online and other wireless information services. While the Blackberry and the iPhone are the market favorites for smartphones, there are a number of others out there as well: Palm, HTC, Samsung, Nokia and even Google are striving for brand-name recognition with their models. So if you don’t mind people saying “huh?” when you tell them about your new smartphone, you may find a cheaper and more stylish option.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smartphone
Computer portability is becoming very popular in today’s modern, connected world. These devices are the new faces of computing.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|