Tech and Gadgets by Peter Bite

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Thinking of upgrading your mobile computer? You face a dilemma – laptop or tablet?

The answer to this depends on what you plan to use the computer for. A laptop will give you more processing power over a tablet, but of course you’ll pay a few hundred dollars more for a laptop. Microsoft is about to release Office for iPad which will support most of what you need to produce documents, spreadsheets and presentations. An alternative tablet office software is QuickOffice which is a fraction of the cost compared to the PC / Mac MS-Office ($120 for PC/Mac versus $21 for the iPad).

If your needs require simple to medium office documentation, spreadsheet and presentation work I recommend you purchase a tablet. If however you have complex spreadsheets, programming tasks or complex gaming needs, go with a laptop.

Problem of the week

Sick of Wi-Fi dropping out in your home or apartment? You may need to upgrade your modem/router or just your router. Some of the older modem/routers do not cope well with the data loads coming over the internet these days. Modern routers support the “N” standard of data transmission, which provides a stronger wi-fi signal at higher bit rates.

Alternatively you may be able to address the problem with a wi-fi range extender. These can be wireless extenders or wired. If wired the network can be extended by traditional ethernet cabling, which can be expensive and ugly to lay under carpets, etc. Alternatively, you can now get network range extenders that use the power circuit in your home. Using wi-fi adapters, which plug into standard general power outlets, the network is available via a second adapter anywhere there is a power outlet in the house or apartment.

Your issues

Got any technology issues? Email me at peterbitecomputing@gmail.com

Peter Bite

Tech and Gadgets Column

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