Almost everyone in America has a computer in their home. In fact the World, not everyone will have one, but I bet you there are well over 10 billion people who do have a computer. When you're looking for a computer you have a few choices that you can buy. Plus we're going to go over a few choices that we may not have as consumers yet, but they are really neat.
First off the most popular choice is most likely the desktop computer. This is an independent personal computer or PC. Prior to the spread of PCs computers that would fit a desk would actually considered small. Desktops are smaller versions of computers from days past. You can get a tower in different styles and shapes. Sometimes you can even get specific colors now. Desktop computers specifically apply to a horizontally cased tower. Normally the display screen will be placed on top of the tower to save space.
Another choice that you have is a laptop computer or better known as a laptop, or notebook computer at times. This is a smaller personal computer which is designed for the person who needs mobility. All the hardware needed to operate a laptop is in a smaller space. Laptops do have batteries though; you need to remember to charge them or your going to lose power. In order to save power, weight and even space, most laptops share there RAM with the video channel, it makes there performance a bit slower than a desktop.
Next is one of those cool things it's called a tablet PC, it's a notebook, or perhaps better put a slate-shaped mobile computer. It was first introduced in the 90's, but really I don't think I've ever seen one. Its touch screen technology allows the user to touch the screen for their choices with either there finger or a digital pen, or stylus even. Very neat, it's used where notebooks are normally unable to be used.
Ever hear of the ultra-mobile PC, it's a specification that is used to describe a small form factor tablet PC. First developed jointly by Microsoft, Intel and Samsung. These currently use Windows XP, a special addition for Tablet PCs, Vista, or Linux. They have a very small voltage processor around 1 GHz
How about a home theater PC or HTPC, this is a device convergence of the personal computer and a digital video recorder. You connect it to your TV or a television sized computer display. Normally this is used for digital photos, music, video player, or even a TV receiver. They are referred to as media centers; the goal of an HTPC is to combine many items into one box, thus cutting out clutter. They can be pre-configured upon purchase to match your needs.
Finally we have the pocket PC; it's small, and easily used, running on a Microsoft Windows Mobile operating system. It may have the ability to use alternative systems like Linux. Also it is able to do many things that your normal desktop can. Right now there are thousands of applications that can be added to your pocket pc. Some pocket pc are now combing with mobile phones, giving you a greater usage capability. Most pocket pc's can also have GPS added to it; many probably already have cameras and possibly video cameras.
As you can see when going to purchase a computer you have several choices available to you. Keep in mind what you'll be using it for and if you need the mobility also. Good luck.
