Computer Types
TYPES OF PORTABLE COMPUTER
Laptop
Carries out the same functions as a computer but is designed to be light and portable so can be carried around.
NETBOOK
Similar to a notebook but designed to be used for wireless communication. Usually cheaper and a lower specification.
PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT (PDA)
Small enough to be held in the palm of your hand, usually contains an address book, note making features, telephone and internet features.
Laptop and Desktop computers: Which is best?
Teacher
· A Teacher would find a laptop most useful as it means they can take their work home with them, which you couldn’t do with a desktop computer.
NEWS REPORTER
· A News Reporter would find a laptop most useful as their job requires travelling around. A laptop could be taken with them.
WEBSITE DESIGNER
· A Website Designer would find a desktop computer most useful as they would need a computer with multiple screens that is powerful enough to keep up with their work.
DOCTOR
· A Doctor (in a GP surgery) would find a desktop computer most useful as they do not move from their offices and do so not require a portable computer. On top of that, they don’t need computers for much more than accessing patients’ data.
TRAFFIC WARDEN
· A Traffic Warden would need a portable computer as they work outside in variable locations that do not have access to desktop computers.
SPECIAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES
Vision Impairments
Someone with sight difficulties might require a computer that has a high contrast mode or voice recognition feature to help them. Other useful features include a magnifying feature or narration option. It might also be useful to have a computer that has text size settings or speech-to-text options.
HEARING IMPAIRMENTS
PHYSICAL DISABILITIES/MOBILITY PROBLEMS
Someone with mobility problems would require a portable computer that can be carried by wheelchair users, as a desktop computer would require a specially made, lower desk and would not be accessible. For people with more neurological mobility problems, such as motor problems, a voice recognition system or touch screen might be useful in order to minimize the need for fine motor movements that some might find difficult. This should ideally be a laptop, which can be carried around.