Issue 35.13
There is a major change in the way people work with their computers over the last few years. Where most families had a computer and had to share time to access their internet, facebook, email, etc., now most family members feel like they need connections available all the time. This has given rise to smart phones, tablets and multiple computers in the home. The improvements in home networks have made access to the internet possible and even easy for a number of devices in the same location. Make no mistake, smart phones and tablets are real computers even though they are limited in some ways when compared to a regular desktop or laptop computer.
Whether this is a good thing or not is definitely an interesting topic of discussion. As involved as I am in technology, I see some definite downside to people becoming more and more isolated personally and in their families even as they get more involved with people they don’t really know over the internet. That is a topic for parents to discuss and perhaps a future article.
One of the things to consider in all of this is cost. A good quality tablet computer that has enough power and speed to do most of what a regular computer does will usually run $400-$800. There are many tablets that are less money, but usually have drawbacks such as heavy limitations on speed or storage space and usually have small screens – almost as small as some phones.
Smart phones with good speed and reliability cost from $400 to $800 as well but you can get them at a discount or even free if you commit to a contract with your wireless provider – usually for two years. That contract will cost you from $1440 to $4800 for the two years, depending on which provider and how much data you use. Family plans can lower the cost per phone a little, but it will still cost nearly that much for each phone you use.
A less expensive approach that fits some families is to use an extra computer or two, often older models, to give access to the internet and programs to family members. Home networks can share printers, scanners and data and allow viewing of various programs or listening to music on the separate computers. There is no monthly additional cost for this approach. The only cost is buying the additional computer. You also usually don’t need a powerful new computer for these purposes. A used computer and screen or used laptop can fit the bill nicely. Most used systems will have Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 and will cost from $100-$300 depending on age, power and general operating condition. You can find them in the want ads or contact someone that refurbishes them and sells them like I do.
Hopefully that will give you some options. And as always, remember to back up anything that is important to you.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 32 years, 23 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or through his website at www.bitsnbytescomputers.com.