Computers, Laptops & Tablets

Setting up an office in a compact space used to be a lot more challenging than it is now. For one thing, there were a lot more wires and cables to deal with in those pre Wi-Fi days, but space was also a major issue. PCs were bigger, but so were the peripherals essential to a home office. Keyboards were massive, external hard drives were in enclosures that dwarf those of today and a laser printer practically needed a desk to itself. Thanks to advances in miniaturizing components, some of these devices are even available as portable units now. In this latest installation on the evolution of the PC from room-sized appliance to today’s mini computers, I explore shrinking PC peripherals.

Computers keep getting smaller, to the point where they can now fit in a hand. A mini PC is great for those of us who appreciate the extra desk space. But the one component every PC needs—the monitor—is showing no signs of getting smaller. In fact, PC displays keep getting larger. The average size of a PC monitor (worldwide) is expected to hit 21-inches this year, while the demand for super-sized displays of 27-inches and up is growing. When everything else about your PC is shrinking, why is display real estate booming?

Computers have been shrinking since the day they were first invented. Early computers filled entire rooms, so the release of the personal computer—the PC—was a major breakthrough. A computer that would fit on a desktop! We’re at the point now where a mini PC small enough to hold in one hand can run all your Windows software and even drive a 4K monitor. Here’s a look at the developments that have made the mini computer possible, along with new technology that will help your PC continue to downsize even as it gets more powerful.

It’s sometimes hard to qualify what can be described as a “family tablet”, and yet, that is precisely how Samsung sees the new Galaxy Tab A. Large enough to enjoy video or to be productive, this is a tablet that attempts to mix a little business with pleasure, albeit in a way that caters to the average consumer. It’s really supposed to be a tablet for the everyday user, but how does it perform on a day-to-day basis?

The release of several ultra-portable PCs over the past few months has taken the laptop form factor to new extremes. The new Apple MacBook, Dell’s XPS 13 and Lenovo Yoga 3 are so svelte, they actually weigh less than the battery alone from a late 1980s vintage Macintosh Portable. I’ve put together a timeline showing some of the key advances in technology that have helped us move from a 10 kg PC in a suitcase to a device weighing 1 kg or less.

We post data online, or send it via our phone, yet this information is often just lost in space. In fact, some people say this generation will be one of lost memories.  Nero is a solution to save memories and at the same time make more out of them. Read to learn more about how Nero can help you make the most of your digital memories.  

Keyboard cases have been important accessories that can convert touch-focused tablets into decent subportable notebook replacements. Not only do they protect tablets, they also add QWERTY keyboard capability while freeing up displays for typing. Here are some outstanding keyboard case solutions.

Think small, then think even smaller: mini computers are ready to find a place in your daily computing life. Here’s a quick overview of what they are, what they are not, and what your options are.

Thanks how technology is evolving, things change online so fast it can be hard to keep up. New apps, new websites, and new services—they make life easier but they all require a learning curve and adjustment to the way we do things. While we’re adjusting, our kids are picking up on this stuff and running with it. They were born into an online world, and news apps and new websites are easy to pick up, easy to use, and require almost no learning curve. They just dive in and go

Build 2015 was the developer conference where Microsoft showed off the progress it’s made on Windows 10. With Continuum, Windows 10 could well be the first truly universal operating system while Visual Studio is going to provide the power to compile iOS and Android apps for the Windows environment. HoloLens provided the “wow” factor and Microsoft Edge was unveiled as the official name of the Explorer web browser replacement. Microsoft says the company is focused on changing user expectations, moving from an era where people needed to use Windows, to an era where they want to use Windows.