Computer Technology Tip

A New Style Computer         Don Trauger - Kennett

Computers have not changed their basic style in the past 10 -15 years. Desktop systems still have a tower, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Laptops have everything built in. In the past 2 years or so a new style has slowly emerged which packs the qualities of desktops and laptops in one unit. Hence the name describing these computers "All-In-Ones".

I had the opportunity over the holidays to install one of these all-in-one computers when my son bought one for his family. He decided on an HP 600T model and I think he made a wise choice. It is one sleek and elegant computer. This new all-in-one computer combines the desktop's tower electronics into rear of the monitor and adds the requisite keyboard and mouse. If you think it's bulky behind the monitor well forget it. It's only 5" deep. Both the keyboard and mouse are wireless with no cables. In fact there are no cables necessary to plug into this all-in-one computer except the power cable. The computer has built in wireless capabilities so it could be placed anywhere in the home and still connect to the Internet providing you have installed a wireless router. It works the same way as a wireless laptop. To round out the hardware if you have a wireless printer the all-in-one computer can connect to it wirelessly through your router. Just install the printer's software and then you can print to your wireless printer. That means you don't have to be tethered by a printer cable to print a document. Imagine a complete computer installation without the messy cables. Of course if your printer is an older model the HP unit can still connect to it with a USB printer cable. Speakers are built into the monitor so again no cables.

Other features on the 600T include HP's TouchSmart screen. Here you can start a program, move windows around on the screen by using your fingers instead of your mouse. Some folks have difficulty using a mouse and this computer has a huge bright 23" screen to help you maneuver around using your fingers. Other features include Bluetooth to help transfer pictures from your mobile device to the computer. You can create slideshows of your pictures, use your voice to control your pictures (zoom, rotate, and invert), and even write on the screen using your finger! I'm sure not everyone would want to do that but it's available. They even have a special recipe section for culinary artists. Another feature is a light that shines down on the keyboard from the bottom of the monitor. What's not to like?

The computer comes with 4GB of memory 320GB's of storage on the hardrive and an adequate processor speed of 2.13GHz. Of course you can opt for a faster processor and I would recommend that if you plan to do photo editing. Otherwise stick with the basics. This unit sells for $1,050 from HP and is priced on the higher end of mid-range computers. They also make a 300z model with a 20" screen with less features for $800.00.

So, the next time you are computer shopping stop and take a look at these models. They just might be what you need.

To help answer your computer questions we meet the 2nd Tuesday evening of each month at 7:00 PM upstairs in Winfield Hall in the Ardmore Room.
The March meeting topic will cover "How to care for your computer" This will be a special class for beginners or anyone who needs more help in maintaining his or her computer.