Activity:
Choosing Digital Devices
The following factors should be considered when choosing the most appropriate digital device.
Function
Digital devices need to be chosen to meet the required needs. Many devices are now multi-functional, making these choices more complex. Devices can be used for learning, entertainment or for creating things. Not all devices can play games or take photos but this may not be needed. Sensible choices and compromises can match devices to requirements.
Portability
If a device needs to be used on the go, a sensible size will help. Laptops offer the full computing experience on the go. Tablets may be preferred if a physical keyboard is not essential. Smartphones and media players may provide all you need in a pocket-sized form.
Power
Trade-offs can be made, such as a desktop PC lacking portability but having the required performance for high-quality video editing. The length of time a portable media player will last on battery will vary greatly but if it only needs to play music then the device with no screen will outperform the one with a high quality display.
Storage
Space may be required for photos, ebooks, music, video, documents or programs to install. The internal storage of any device needs to be considered and whether there is the option to add more, for example through a memory card, an optical drive or external hard drive. Some devices expand storage by using the Internet and what is known as cloud storage.
