Dear LPG,

I have had my much-loved computer since I first retired and I have just realised that that was about eight years ago.  It was getting slower and I had decided on a new one, but I am not sure if I should buy a tablet instead.  In Fact I have noticed that there are still quite a lot of desktop computers on the market too.  Which is the best one to buy?

I had lots of advice and was told that the best place to go shopping would be the internet  because prices are often better there, but for all that I was still not sure what sort of computer I should buy next.  I ended up asking my grandson who said that he would come shopping with me and that even if I decided to do my shopping online, a little window shopping might be an idea. 

He told me that what I bought needed to depend on what I wanted to do with it.  He said that my first consideration should be where I planned to use it most.  If I planned to travel around and use it on the move he thought I should go with a tablet, but if I always used it at home a laptop or desk top computer may be better.  He then asked what I was going to do with it.  I have always been a touch typist and I still like writing letters, reports and articles like this one as well as browsing the internet so he suggested that I stick to the lap top. 

Because I visited a shop that sells them, I was able to experience the compatible keyboards that tablets can be coupled with but, the keys on them are often smaller than standard size which makes typing really complicated for an ex touch typist, someone who’s hands are affected by unsteadiness or whose finger tips are  a little bigger than usual. 

I have been told that tablets work best for people who are more interested in internet browsing or shopping and I have to say that I thought the keypad would be better than the one on my mobile smart phone, but even though the touchpad keys are a bit bigger on tablets I still kept missing them.  I have to say that I honestly cannot really see the advantage of a tablet, unless the extra size helps you to see the screen better.  The only other difference to me is that they are also bigger if you are going to carry them around.  Really they do exactly what a smart or iPhone can do except that you look a bit silly with one if you are trying to use it like a phone. 

There are lots of other considerations, but when it comes to the size of the processor, CPU and battery life, I was really glad that I took my grandson with me and I suggest that, unless you know all about those things, you really need someone who knows to go along with you. 

So for all the hype about tablets, I came home with another laptop and have to say that I think that I made the best decision for me. 

I have written this because I hope it will help a little if anyone out there is considering a new computer and feels like I did.

SC, Catford.

LPG hopes that the tolling links may offer a little more help…

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