Tech Tips & Tricks

Are Android Tablets Driving The Adaptation Of Laptops In Emerging Markets?

With everything from smartphones to iPads being sold in store and via sites like www.ebay.co.uk it poses the question – are Android tablets driving the adaptation of laptops in emerging markets?

Well, let’s start with Windows 8. With its dramatic new style, bold Live Tiles, innovative Start screen (replacing the traditional Start button and menu of Windows 7) and a host of incorporated applications, it’s clear that Microsoft has made an epic attempt to bring Windows into the new world. A world of touchscreen mobile computing that’s taking the world by storm.

Not only was it designed for tablets, but for traditional PCs as well, which led to mixed reviews. While some people loved the clever new software and touchscreen capabilities, others criticised it for being over complicated and difficult to use, particularly with a keyboard and mouse. This led to the first revamped edition being released in October 2013, aptly named Windows 8.1.

Like all reputable technology companies, Microsoft listened to the feedback from its consumers and made various attempts to make its revolutionary new technology more user friendly. Not only did they reintroduce the Start button (with the traditional Start menu thought to be planned for Windows 8.2), but they also improved many of the applications.

The photo app, for instance, now came with many editing tools and users could choose from a wealth of other customization options. In short, Microsoft worked hard to make their innovative Windows release more appealing.

As well as Windows 8, many hybrid laptops also seem to have been inspired by Android tablets. Not only do they offer the practicalities of a regular laptop, they are also available with a full-functioning touchscreen offering the best of both worlds. They can be docked (ready to use with a keyboard and mouse) or used on the go providing users with a range of options!

The downside? Some are slightly heavier than traditional tablets making it more difficult to hold them for long periods of time and others don’t have the full capabilities of a traditional laptop. Other than that, they’re a great compromise for anyone that enjoys touchscreen technology but also prefers to type longer documents using a keypad.

What’s more, with the introduction of iCloud storage – a development which lets you access photos, documents, videos and more from whatever device you’re on – it’s now more tempting than ever to purchase devices with this functionality to allow for more flexibility. So, if you have an iPad, you might also want a hybrid laptop or an android inspired device to make working that little bit easier.

So while there’s still a place on the market for trustworthy desktops and standard laptops, it seems more devices are going down the lightweight, touchscreen route with clear Android influences.

This article was written by Amanda Walters, an experienced freelance writer and regular contributor to Huffington Post. Follow her here: @Amanda_W84

The Best Laptops For Graphic Designers

Anyone looking for a new laptop has their own preferences in terms of manufacturer, operating system and other hardware; but when you’re looking for a new laptop for professional purposes it’s important that you look into what is genuinely important to you in terms of productivity as well as ease of use.

A graphic designer, for example, isn’t going to be looking for any old run-of-the-mill laptop that can be bought for budget price from a local electronics retailer.They are going to be looking for the type of device that enables them to show off their creativity and provide some amazing work for their clients using the latest and greatest devices and software. You can click here to find out more information about these kinds of laptops.

Graphic designers will be looking for very specific, specialist features, hardware and software to help them keep everyone happy – bosses and customers included – and to produce a piece of work that they’re genuinely proud of. If you’re a complete beginner moving into the industry, maybe going off to University to study a course in graphic design for example, you want to start out by looking into RAM.

RAM relates to the amount of memory on the device and will affect how many programs you can have open at one time, both in use and running in the background. In the early stages of your career, you may want to start off with a relatively low amount of RAM until you develop your skills and move into the industry full-time. At that point, you’re likely to learn about all the new programs and tools that are available,which may mean you need to upgrade your laptop or invest in more memory.

Until then, the screen size is particularly important. While many people are looking for something smaller and lighter, anyone working in graphic design is still going to need a screen that is large and clear enough for them to do their work with relative ease. In this instance, a small screen would be more of a hindrance than assistance because you would have to stop working to zoom in and out or move the part you’re working on into the centre of the screen. A rough guide for someone working in graphic design – or similar industries – would be to look for a minimum 15-inch screen (measured diagonally from corner to corner).

One of the best laptops released only this year that would be great for graphic designers, as well as those looking for a device that they can use recreationally, is the IdeaPad Y510p from Lenovo. It’s got all the spec you would expect to find on a desktop PC, and adds further weight to the argument that the desktop might be a thing of the past with laptops and tablets taking their place. The IdeaPad has a 2.4GHz Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB of RAM and the latest Windows 8 operating system. Suitable forgraphic designers as well as for those looking for entertainment from their laptop as it is great for gaming, watching films and has great sound quality for playing music too.

The Goldtouch Portable Laptop Stand

Today’s mobile professionals are expected to be productive no matter where they are. And while most of us carry lightweight, slim laptops and tablets which are convenient for travel, having small screens can put strain on the back and neck.

Portable laptop and tablet stands are solutions however, not all of them enables users the perfect way to create a mobile ergonomic work space that nurtures one’s body.

Goldtouch Portable Laptop Stand is made with comfort by design feature so users will always feel relaxed and comfortable when using their tiny devices.

This table stand folds up flat and weighs just 1 lb. It is space-saving and light where you can easily slip them into your purse, a laptop bag, backpack or even a briefcase without missing a beat.

This laptop or desktop stand can be adjusted bring your screen right to eye level, preventing unhealthy hunching and craning. With 6 to 7 different height adjustments, this number of adjustment levels should give you enough options to get the right position for you.

These tablet stands are not specific to any brand. Use them on any kind of tablet devices or small laptops. Think about your health and comfort when using your devices. Think GoldTouch!