Desktop Computers.jpgToday we look to answer the question of what kind of computer best suits your lifestyle (with an emphasis on mobile versus stationary computers). Choosing between a mobile or a stationary computer is a big decision that requires careful consideration and planning if you wish to get the most enjoyment, productivity, and value from your investment. Which type of system best suits your needs depends largely on the computer’s intended use. When choosing between a new laptop or a desktop model, the first thing you should do is ask yourself what the computer’s main purpose will be…

Many of us need a computer solely for professional purposes, such as occasionally working from home or for running our own home-based businesses. This type of usage entails a vastly different allotment of needs from a computer whose entire life is to be devoted to endless hours of hardcore gaming. Other categories of needs include schoolwork & research, long-distance communications, and simply surfing the Internet. By identifying and understanding the main usage requirements of your next computer, the choice of which type to purchase should become much more clear. Many users, for instance, need a computer that’s extremely mobile—which brings us to our first computer category. This category, in fact, is further divided into the following sub-categories: Ultra Mobile Computers (the smallest of the small) & Portable Computers (up to 17 inches in screen size).

Ultra Mobile Computers

Ultra mobile computers are characterized by their super thin profiles & extreme lightweight natures. Included in this category are both 2-in-1 computers & detachable computers. But what kinds of end-users are these super slim machines best suited to? If you’re a high school or university student, you may need to continually bring your computer back and forth to class with you, or even back and forth between your campus accommodations and your summer home. If this is the case, something positively portable is absolutely essential! For all of those that are frequently on the go, Best Buy has you covered with a wide selection of great laptop computers from Dell, HP, Lenovo, and numerous other top brands.

HP Spectre.jpgOne excellent example of just such a machine is the HP Spectre 13.3″ Touchscreen Convertible Laptop (other, related, models may be found by clicking HERE). This computer may be small, but it’s definitely BIG on POWER! With a 2.3GHz Intel Core i5 processor & 8 GB of RAM powering the Spectre’s performance, you can rest easy in the knowledge that you’re employing one super quick & incredibly reliable machine! Other key considerations include its 256 GB solid-state hard drive, its 13.3-inch Full High Definition Radiance Infinity LED-Backlit IPS Touchscreen Display, its Integrated 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and its built-in Bluetooth capabilities. With the Windows 10 operating system in the background running the show, this computer is ready to meet any challenge! If highly portable hardware is the kind of computer you need, you really can’t go wrong with specs like these. Learn all about the Spectre’s additional details and specs by visiting its Best Buy product page, and prepare to go portable.

Portable Computers

Up next is the category of Portable Computers, which for our purposes includes all regular laptops up to 17 inches in screen size. The kind of user that requires this type of computer isn’t all that different from the one that needs an ultra mobile machine. The main difference here is that you’d like a little more screen size (perhaps for watching videos & movies, or for gaming) as well as a bit (or a lot) more power. Mobility is still a must, but this time you’re willing to carry a little more weight in exchange for additional computing capabilities and possible additional features.

Alienware Gaming Laptop.jpg

If this is your category, you’re sure to be pleased with the extremely cool Alienware 15.6″ Gaming Laptop! As you can tell from its name, this machine was developed with the gamer in mind. After all, many gamers do value portability, but there are very few gamers out there willing to accept a super small screen. This model’s screen, at 15.6 inches, provides an excellent compromise between great gaming graphics & convenient portability. In fact, the Alienware Gaming Laptop features NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970M with 3 GB dedicated video memory and DirectX 12 Technology (for supreme video graphics whether you’re all-out gaming or simply using your laptop to watch all the latest movies). Other key specs include a 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-6700HQ quad-core processor, 16 GB of RAM, an insane 1 full TB of hard drive space, 256 GB SSD speeds, built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.0, along with a host of other great features to keep you gaming and going all day long! Take a look at the Alienware Gaming Laptop’s Best Buy product page for a more complete list of all its coolest features. If gaming is the name of your game, then this may be the machine for you!

Stationary Computers

Stationary computers are typically larger, performance-based desktops & all-in-one machines that are designed for those who need, love, and demand power! If you wish to create a fully functional home office, for instance, a stationary computer may be what’s best for you. You’ll always have what you need readily at hand, and the entire family can share in the fun without your computer constantly migrating throughout your home. If bringing your computer back and forth to work with you is neither a priority nor a requirement, then a desktop computer may well be the answer. By selecting an open and accessible area of your home to locate your computer in, you can easily monitor its usage and make sure your kids aren’t distracted from their homework by video games and social media websites. If, alternatively, you’re a super serious gamer with no inclination to roam, then a hardcore stationary model could be considered mandatory!

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Within this realm lies the amazing, brilliant, capable, dominant, elegant, formidable, & glorious HP Gaming PC! Among the high-praise points of this incredible machine are its 6th Generation Intel Core i7-6700 processor, its 16 GB of RAM, its 2TB hard drive, its 128 GB solid state drive, its 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, its NVIDIA GeForce GTX960 graphics (with 2 GB of dedicated memory), its 4 USB 3.0 ports, its ultra-slim tray SuperMulti DVD burner, its USB chicklet-style keyboard (complete with volume control), its pre-loaded Windows 10 Operating System, its USB optical mouse, and its built-in Bluetooth capabilities for connecting to compatible devices—to name but a lot! As you can see, the list goes on and on with this high-end stationary computer. If you want power, then you want the HP Gaming PC, where the HP doesn’t stand for High Power, but it should! If you enjoy playing all of the latest 3D games & watching blockbuster HD movies & hit TV shows right on your PC screen, then the HP Gaming PC is sure to keep you satisfied. Of course, there’s a whole lot more to this fine piece of equipment than I can possibly cover here, so, as always, be sure to check it out via its Best Buy product page where you’ll learn all you need to know about what this jaw-dropping system has to offer!

That all I’ve got for you today. My apologies for the silly wordplay in that last block… I just couldn’t resist. Remember, when it comes to buying a new computer, one size certainly does not fit all! However, if you’re studious, patient, and willing to do your homework, there’s every reason to believe that in the end you’ll wisely choose the system that’s right for you. Have an excellent week!

Leonard Bond
Leo enjoys writing about everything from secret agents to tech toys and gadgets to professional hockey. Find his reviews and other product related commentary right here on the Best Buy Blog and his latest hockey rants at www.hockeycontroversial.com.