Linggo, Marso 09, 2014

Convertible Laptops: Bridge to Further Development




What is a convertible laptop? Defining by its words, convertible laptop is a laptop that can be converted. But be converted to what? Convertible laptop is also called ‘tablet laptops’ or ‘two-in-one laptop’. It is a laptop and a tablet as one. Laptop- mobile, portable, and more compact version of a desktop; and tablet- “the pinnacle of mobile technology” (Lenovo, 2013), more compact version of a laptop but with less processing power; both came from the same evolution line: computers.

The evolution of computer has reach furthermore progress; tracing back when the word “computer” was used to describe human that can compute and calculate things. Then in the end of the 19th century, the word “computer” was given a different meaning; it was the time when human realize the power of machines that never get tired in its calculations, and is always accurate. “’Who invented the computer?’ is not a question with a simple answer. The real answer is that many inventors contributed to the history of computers and that a computer is a complex piece of machinery made up of many parts, each of which can be considered a separate invention.(Bellis, 2014)

Computers then evolved through sizes and shapes, through its hardware and software, through design and quality, and have evolved to different forms. From the first computer, it led to the invention of desktops, supercomputers, laptops, tablets, and now we have convertible laptops. For as we all know, every invention is caused by necessity, therefore every invention has its purpose. In the evolution line of computer, it all started with the necessity to calculate accurately and efficiently, then the need for personal use created the desktops, the need for bigger work created the supercomputers, the need for mobility and portability created the laptops, and the need for entertainment created the tablets. But why, and for what reason, are convertible laptops invented? Is it really necessary for man to invent a device that merges two existing devices: laptops and tablets?

The maker has not really specified the main purpose of convertible laptops. I had encountered some reviews and found out the impressions of people about the release of these kinds of laptops. They classified convertible laptops to be unworthy of its price. As one of them said, “For the convenience or cool factor of having a convertible, you are trading off by getting neither a great laptop nor a great table” (Shimel, 2013). Now let us take a look at those aspects that make others think that convertible laptops are unworthy of its price. The processor, RAM, and hard drive of a convertible laptop are low for its price. Also, the size is small compared to laptops with the same price value. But, there is more to these aspects. I, myself, am a user of convertible laptop (Dell XPS). I agree that the specs are low compared to laptops, and the prices are low compared to tablets. But, I found special uses of my convertible laptop that a laptop cannot do efficiently. Editing videos, pictures, and songs are made easy in these kind of laptops; an ease in typing and yet ease in tapping by the right moves of the hand would make it all good and easy. Also, not to forget the delight it would give to animators; free-hand works merged with texts and easy dragging and editing would make animation flawless in these laptops.

Overall, I found these convertible laptops to be expensive. But it also would serve special purposes, and by special, I mean things that cannot be done by laptop alone or tablet alone or even having both tablet and laptop. So then, I guess the real purpose of these hybrid devices is to bridge the gap between laptops and tablets. In which for the relevant detail, would make things easy.

References

Bellis, Mary, 2014. The History of Computers. About.com. http://inventors.about.com/library/blcoindex.htm. March 4, 2014.

 

Cherry, Steven, 2010. The iPad Is Not a Computer. IEEE Spectrum. http://spectrum.ieee.org/consumer-electronics/portable-devices/the-ipad-is-not-a-computer. March 4, 2014.

‘Dell Tech Zone staff’, 2013. Cool way to use a convertible laptop. PC Advisor. http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/laptop/3438358/cool-ways-use-convertible-laptop/. March 5, 2014.

Keipp, Kate, 2014. 2014 Best Tablet PC Comparisons and Reviews. Top Ten Reviews. http://tablet-pc-review.toptenreviews.com/. March 5, 2014.


Lenovo, 2014. Laptops Vs. Tablets: Pros and Cons. Lenovo. http://www.lenovo.com/us/en/faqs/laptop-vs-tablet/. March 6, 2014.

 

Shimel, Allan, 2013. Convertible or Touchscreen, which laptop is better? Network World. http://www.networkworld.com/community/blog/convertible-or-touchscreen-which-laptop-better. March 5, 2014.

 

Wilson, Tracy, & Valdes, Robert, 2011. How Laptop Work. How stuff works. http://computer.howstuffworks.com/laptop6.htm. March 5, 2014.



                                                                                                                                  Xavier Noel Briones
                                                                                                                                        2013-41022

Walang komento:

Mag-post ng isang Komento