Time for your next computer? What to buy…

This is a conversation I am having regularly. Here’s my input as a career IT person and technology enthusiast. I am not an expert, I don’t work for PC Magazine, nor did I sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night.  This is my research based on what I’d choose.

The way we use computers is changing dramatically.  Just a few years ago, a laptop or desktop running the latest version of Window was the default choice.  In 2007 prices plummeted from $1,500 for a solid laptop to the current price range of $300-$500.  Remember when Dell’s stock price was over 20? Well, I don’t either. Fewer people daily are replacing their old desktop with a new one.

Along came the iPad in January 2010…  Currently, according to an article I read in the WSJ last week, Apple has a 48% market share in tablets, Android has 43% and Microsoft has 7%.  This may not sound good for Microsoft but considering they had 0% market share a year ago (prior to the release of their first tablet called Surface) – this is decent progress for them.  What I find as common sentiment is that we all like tablets but they are not a desktop replacement.  They are great for entertainment purposes, Facebook, Twitter and viewing pictures, but they come up short for something you’d be willing to type a paper on.  I would have included online banking as not a tablet activity but I do all my banking with my Wells Fargo iPhone app including depositing checks so that’s a good example on how the mobile computing paradigm is evolving.  And now you can use your phone as your boarding pass… I think this trend is going to keep getting better and better.

And, my last comment about the history and current trends is that are several decent choices available to the consumer.  The key is the touch screen.  To that end, there are many “convertibles” that are between a tablets and laptop – just heavier and bigger.  The rub is that they are too expensive – in the $1500 range and that trend is not coming back.  So, wait for the price to drop.  Currently there are a few options with the Macbook Air leading the charge as a great example of what a laptop with a touch screen should be assuming you are willing to pay over $1,000.   Samsung and Sony are also making some interesting convertibles based on Windows 8.

Here are 3 options I suggest as viable options.  They offer the convenience/portability of a tablet and the full functionality of a desktop assuming you buy a few peripherals.  My recommendations are based on the three operating systems: Apple’s iOS, Google’s Android operating system (currently Ice Cream Sandwich) and Microsoft’s new operating system Windows 8.  Within each operating system there are many options and I’m highlighting just one hardware solution to differentiate the features, benefits and costs.  If you can decide on the operating system and your budget – you are getting close to deciding on your next computer.

: Apple’s iPad with Retina display – Total cost $698. This is $599 (iPad 32GB), + $99 (case/keyboard).

The iPad is a safe choice.  It’s 1.44 lbs and .37” thick. The latest version is the iPad with Retina display (a.k.a. iPad 4) which came out in November 2012.  It has a processor twice as fast as the iPad 3 and sells for $599 without a cellular modem.  For me, Wifi (wireless) is becoming ubiquitous so I’m willing to sacrifice the cell service and save $130 on the iPad and the $25/monthly charge for cell service. If I need something immediately I can use my iPhone (which is the exact same thing and an iPad with a 4” screen).  I also think the iPad with 16GB of storage ($499) does not have enough storage space.  As an example, a single movie is a little over 4GB.  Add in your iTunes music and picture albums and you can easily have limited room to add more music, pictures and apps.  Check here for more information http://www.apple.com/ipad/.

Pros: The iPad has a stunning 10” display and over 300,000 apps available in Apple’s App Store.  It has the must intuitive interface of all the options.

Cons: There is no Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, etc.) for the iPad.  There are alternatives to Office like Google Docs and Spreadsheets that are free.  There are no USB ports in the iPad so there is no easy way to add local storage although Microsoft, ’s SkyDrive and Google Drive are great online options.

For using the iPad as desktop equivalent, I would add Apple’s magic mouse for $69 and an external monitor like an Acer 23” LED monitor for $129 and the lightning to VGA adapter for $49 so you can connect it to the iPad.  Adding these items to the $698 iPad as described above, brings your total cost for the iPad as a desktop equivalent to $945.

: ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity TF700T 10.1″ 32GB Tablet PC running the Android operating system Ice Cream Sandwich $439.

This is the lightest tablet at 1.33 lbs and .33” thick.  As I mentioned, Android based tablets like these devices are coming on strong and already have a 43% market share of the tablets sold to date.  They are solid alternatives to Apple or Microsoft and have deep penetration in corporate accounts due to their aggressive pricing. Here’s a link for more information http://www.android.com/about/ice-cream-sandwich/

Pros: Stunning display – better than the iPad.  It has a Micro SD card slot for more storage.

Cons: This won’t run iTunes but there is a similar product for Android.  It’s a new operating system for many and not as perfected as Apple’s iOS.  There is no Microsoft Office option so again you can use the free Google docs and spreadsheets.  The Android market place has less apps than Apple but they do have all the major apps and everything you’d expect to see.

For a desktop equivalent, I’d purchase the ASUS TF700T-DOCK-GR Tablet Docking Station (keyboard, case and stand) for $125.  The Logitech V470 Bluetooth Cordless Laser Mouse is $42.  Add in an ASUS MicroHDMI-to-VGA for $26 and an Acer 23” LED monitor for $129 and you are good to go.  Adding these items to the TF700T brings your total cost for the TF700T as a desktop equivalent to $761.

: Microsoft Surface Pro 10.6” with 64GB running Windows 8 $899. 

The Surface is Microsoft’s entry into the table market. It’s 2lbs. and .5” thick.  Microsoft is new to the game but they have entered with a good product.  Windows 8 is the same operating system for Windows Mobile phones, laptops/desktops and tablets.  In terms of overall Desktop Operating System Market Share … Windows 7 has 44.73 % Windows XP: 38.73 % Windows Vista: 4.99 % Windows 8: 3.17% Mac OS X 10.8: 2.65 %.  My recommendation is to skip the less expensive Surface RT which won’t run applications like iTunes. Check here for more details http://www.microsoft.com/Surface/en-US/surface-with-windows-8-pro/specifications

Pros: People are very comfortable with Windows and their new touch screen interface works well.  You can run Microsoft Office. You get 64GB storage – double the iPad and ASUS options listed. This offers the best full blow desktop equivalent as well as a sharp tablet.

Cons: It’s the heaviest and thickest of the 3 options.  The operating system is based on apps like Apple and Android’s operating systems and to date there are very few apps available so far.  The usability is OK and will like the number of  apps available, they will surely improve.

For a desktop equivalent add the Microsoft – Type Cover for Surface (keyboard) for $129.  The Microsoft Sculpt Touch Mouse (Blue Tooth) is $35.  Finally you need the Microsoft Mini-DisplayPort-to-VGA Adapter for Surface for $39 and an Acer 23” LED monitor for $129 and you’re done.  Adding these items to the Surface Pro brings your total cost for the Surface as a true desktop equivalent to $1,227.

So this is perfectly clear to you now?  Let me know if you have questions.  Feel free to comment if you’ve acquired something you’d recommend.  Now get shopping!