WEEKLY WHEATIES #2527
Device Dilemma, AI Battles, Tech Headlines, Global Locations
In this newsletter:
📝 Post: Tips for Picking Between a Tablet, Laptop, or Desktop
🗞️ In Case You Missed It: The AI Battles are Heating Up
🗞️ In Case You Missed It: Tech Headlines
😎 Pick of the Week: Global Locations
📦 Featured Product: Docking Stations
📝 Tips for Picking Between a Tablet, Laptop, or Desktop
Every so often, you may have a situation arise where you find yourself needing a new internet communications device. While you may already have a mobile phone, this scenario often revolves around whether you should purchase a laptop or a desktop computer. Except many people forget that the proper tablet could also suffice.
So how do we choose which one would work best for our scenario?
I like to consider Pareto’s Principle with the 80/20 rule. You must first ask yourself, what common tasks do you need to consider for this device type? Below are some common things one can do on either a tablet, laptop, or desktop:
Browse social media
Check email
Consume multimedia
Managing finances
Manipulate files
Play games
Search the web
Just by looking at this list, you can probably tell what tasks you are okay using your phone for, and which ones you’d rather have a larger screen for. Perhaps not only do you want a larger screen, but maybe even a second screen. Or, do you want a mouse and/or keyboard? Most who would like a larger second screen, and a mouse and a keyboard, would automatically steer toward a desktop. But laptops can offer the same benefits through a docking station (see this week’s pick below for more info).
If you already do everything on your phone, but a larger (or second device) is what you’re after, a tablet is probably best. They are more universal, typically less expensive, and will not have near the software or hardware issues a laptop or desktop will. Cracked screens can typically be repaired inexpensively, in comparison, and they also travel well. There’s also ‘an app for that.’ Tablets are best for casual use, media consumption, and can serve as a notebook when paired with a stylus.
If you are a heavy gamer or photo/video editor, a desktop is probably the best bet. You will get the best performance for your money, and can customize your mouse, keyboard, and monitor. Even then, you can replace them very easily, and if something on the computer does need repair, they are typically some of the easiest to repair and upgrade. Desktops are best for work-from-home setups or intense graphical use.
Laptops function as the sweet spot between the two. If you need more power or control than a tablet offers, but can’t be fixed in a location like a desktop, a laptop is a great choice. They are portable, but can get pricey if you need performance on par with a desktop. They aren’t as easy to upgrade, and if you use the battery a lot - it will degrade quickly and need replacing. Laptops are best for a balance of needs and portability (perhaps students or common travelers).
Lastly, it also depends on whether this would be a personal or work device. I always suggest to anyone working from home often, or anyone who runs a business, to have a computer (not a tablet) solely for their business, separate from personal use. This will help keep things running smoothly, allow the device to last much longer, but also protect you and your business from online threats.
By separating work from personal, this may also help determine what device may be best for your situation, too. For example, you may decide to purchase a desktop for work and a tablet for personal use.
What type of device do you prefer to use for personal and/or work?
🗞️ ICYMI: The AI Battles are Heating Up
There was a lot of movement of people and money in the AI space last week. First up, Mark Zuckerberg announced the creation of a Meta Superintelligence Labs. With his Secret File of AI Geniuses, known as ‘The List’, he allegedly poached enough of OpenAI’s programmers that they Reportedly Shut Down for a Week.
His other competitor, Elon Musk, raised $10 billion in debt and equity for xAI. As they continue to grow, they are also piloting a program that lets AI chatbots generate Community Notes on the X.com platform.
A popular YouTuber, Mrwhosetheboss, shared The Ultimate AI Battle, showcasing the pros and cons of each chatbot available on mobile. While Denmark attempts to tackle deepfakes by giving people copyright to their own features, fakes are getting more realistic. Check out this article by the New York Times - A.I. Videos Have Never Been Better. Can You Tell What’s Real? Lastly, even Microsoft says AI systems are better than doctors at diagnosing complex health conditions.
🗞️ ICYMI: Tech Headlines
Amazon Prime Day is happening this week
Supreme Court upholds Texas law requiring age verification on adult websites
Tesla’s $800 Billion Robotaxi Dream Is Finally Facing Reality
Watch the first-ever Tesla Self Delivery
😎 POTW: Global Locations
Looking to travel the world? There are plenty of places to visit for a multitude of reasons. It’s impossible to cover them all, so how about just a few articles for some specific locations that may be on your shortlist?
📦 Featured Product
As mentioned in this week’s post above, perhaps you prefer a laptop but still want the perks of a desktop. A docking station allows a laptop (and sometimes a tablet) to mimic the use of a desktop comptuer by ‘docking the laptop’ on a desk to offer the benefits of a desktop with monitors, hard-wired internet, a mouse and keyboard, a printer, and much more with only one cable to the laptop (along with a power cable). The Pluggable USB Docking Station allows a Windows or Mac laptop to connect to 2 external HDMI displays, ethernet, and 6 USB ports. For $80, you can grab one with 3 HDMI ports. But if home use isn’t as important as travel, consider the Anker USB Hub. It comes with 1 HDMI port, but also has ethernet and USB ports.
