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REVIEW: Portable laptop monitor

In an era where mobility is paramount, the evolution of technology continues to shape the way we work, play and even travel. Among the many innovations out there aimed at enhancing our digital nomadic lifestyle, the Mobile Pixels DUEX range of portable laptop monitors stands out as a true game-changer. Gone are the days of being tethered to a single screen. With Mobile Pixels' DUEX Series, you can extend your workspace effortlessly, transforming your laptop into a dual-screen powerhouse anywhere, any time. It's such an easy way to seamlessly blend convenience with functionality, redefining the possibilities of productivity while you travel. Travelling for work is one thing, but as often as not it's all about embracing new experiences and enjoying moments of leisure. With a DUEX, your entertainment options are no longer confined to a small laptop screen; you can immerse yourself in your favourite movies, play games, or catch up on the latest episodes of your favourite TV shows in stunning clarity and detail. The vivid display and immersive audio of the DUEX screens also ensure that every moment of downtime is a delight. Designed with the modern traveller in mind, a DUEX laptop screen strikes the perfect balance between portability and functionality. Its sleek, lightweight design makes it the ideal companion for any journey, fitting seamlessly into your backpack or carry-on luggage. It unfolds effortlessly, instantly expanding your workspace wherever you go. Whether you're working from a bustling cafe, a tranquil park or a cramped airplane seat, a DUEX portable laptop screen adapts to your environment with ease. So whether you're a digital nomad, a frequent traveller, or simply seeking to optimise your productivity, the Mobile Pixels DUEX range of portable laptop monitors are a must-have companion for the modern adventurer. Embrace the freedom to work, play and explore on your own terms, wherever your journey may take you. The range comes in the DUEX Lite, Plus or Max varieties. The DUEX Lite is the most affordable option, weighing in at under 600g and boasting a 12.5” screen for $499. The DUEX Plus has a 13.3” screen and retails for $549. The DUEX Max is the premium option with a 14” screen, retailing for $599. All versions are available in Grey and Navy, and can be found at JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks, Harvey Norman, Amazon, Mwave and Rosman Computers. For more information, check out the full <a href="https://www.mobilepixels.com.au/duex" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mobile Pixels DUEX range here</a>. Image: Mobile Pixels

Travel Tips

Why do I have to take my laptop out of the bag at airport security?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/doug-drury-1277871">Doug Drury</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a> Anyone who has travelled by air in the past ten years will know how stressful airports can be. You didn’t leave home as early as you should have. In the mad rush to get to your gate, the security screening seems to slow everything down. And to add insult to injury, you’re met with the finicky request: “laptops out of bags, please”. But what does your laptop have to do with security? <h2>The day that changed air travel forever</h2> Airport security changed dramatically after the terrorist attacks in the US on September 11 2001. Before 9/11, you could pass through security with a carry-on bag full of everything you might need for your holiday, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/09/10/1035131619/911-travel-timeline-tsa">including a knife</a> with a four-inch blade. Indeed, that’s how the 9/11 attackers brought their <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/09/10/1035131619/911-travel-timeline-tsa">weapons on board</a>. After 9/11, screening processes around the world changed overnight. In the US, private security contractors being paid a minimum wage were swapped out for a federalised program with highly trained security personnel. Anything that could be <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2013.00654/full">considered a weapon</a> was confiscated. Around the world, travellers were suddenly required to <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?hl=en&lr=&id=6hBnJ-1hRp0C&oi=fnd&pg=PA86&dq=why+do+I+have+to+take+my+shoes+off+at+airport+security&ots=o6JIFHJzF1&sig=B6azb6xqN2uxM9CP-VZdfyt3Ag0#v=onepage&q=why%20do%20I%20have%20to%20take%20my%20shoes%20off%20at%20airport%20security&f=false">remove their shoes</a>, belts and outerwear, and take out their phones, laptops, liquids and anything else that could be used as part of an improvised explosive device. This lasted for several years. Eventually, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212478013000944">more advanced</a> screening methods were developed to effectively identify certain threats. Today, some countries don’t require you to remove your shoes when passing through security. So why must you still take your laptop out? <h2>Airport scanners have come a long way</h2> The machine your bags and devices pass through is an X-ray machine. The main reason you have to remove your laptop from your bag is because its <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/reviews-and-advice/why-do-i-have-to-remove-my-laptop-from-my-bag-at-the-airport-xray-machine-20170320-gv1vqs.html">battery</a> and other mechanical components are too dense for X-rays to penetrate effectively – especially if the scanning system is old. The same goes for power cords and other devices such as tablets and cameras. With these items in your bag, security officials can’t use the screened image to determine whether a risk is present. They’ll have to flag the bag for a physical search, which slows everything down. It’s easier if all devices are removed in the first place. A laptop inside a bag can also shield other items from view that may be dangerous. Scanning it separately reveals its internal components on the screen. In some cases you might be asked to turn it on to prove it’s an actual working computer. With newer multi-view scanning technology, security officials can view the bag from multiple angles to discern whether something is being covered up, or made to look like something else. For instance, people have tried to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212478013000944">mix gun parts</a> with other components in an effort to pass checked baggage screening. Some airports have upgraded <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/inspiration/no-more-removing-liquids-and-gels-laptops-at-melbourne-airport-as-new-scanners-installed-20191002-h1ijdf.html">3D scanning</a> that allows travellers to pass their bags through security without having to remove their laptops. If you’re not asked to take out your laptop, it’s probably because one of these more expensive systems is being used. Nonetheless, amping up the technology won’t remove the lag caused by airport screenings. Ultimately, the reason these are a major choke point is because of the speed at which staff scan the imagery (which dictates the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212478013000944">speed of the conveyor belt</a>). Unless we find a way to automate the entire process and run it with minimal human supervision, you can expect delays. <h2>What about body scanners?</h2> But your bags aren’t the only thing getting scanned at airport security. You are too! The tall frame you walk through is a <a href="https://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/flight/modern/airport-security3.htm">metal detector</a>. Its purpose is to uncover any weapons or other illegal objects that may be concealed under your clothes. Airport metal detectors use non-ionising radiation, which means they don’t emit X-rays. The larger body scanners, on the other hand, are a type of X-ray machine. These can be <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212478013000944">active or passive</a>, or a combination of both. Passive scanners simply detect the natural radiation emitted by your body and any objects that might be concealed. Active scanners emit low-energy radiation to create a scan of your body, which can then be analysed. The kind of machine you walk through will depend on where in the world you are. For instance, one type of active body scanner that emits X-rays in what’s called “backscatter technology” was once <a title="https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/high-tech-gadgets/backscatter-x-ray.htm" href="https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/high-tech-gadgets/backscatter-x-ray.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">used widely</a> in the US, but is no longer used. It’s also banned in <a title="https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/what-we-do/travelsecure/passenger-screening" href="https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/what-we-do/travelsecure/passenger-screening" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australia</a> and <a title="https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddisalvo/2011/11/15/europe-bans-airport-body-scanners-over-health-and-safety-concerns/" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddisalvo/2011/11/15/europe-bans-airport-body-scanners-over-health-and-safety-concerns/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the European Union</a>, where only non-ionising technology can be used. Another type of scanner emits lower-energy <a href="https://science.howstuffworks.com/backscatter-machines-vs-millimeter-wave-scanners.htm">millimetre waves</a>, instead of X-rays, to image the passenger. Millimetre wave frequencies are considered to be non-ionising radiation. <h2>AI in our airports</h2> AI seems to be all around us lately, and our airports are no exception. Advancements in AI systems stand to transform the future of airport security. For now, human reviewers are required to identify potential threats in scanned images. However, what if an advanced <a href="https://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/artiificialintelligenceinsecuritycheck/article/">AI was trained</a> to do this using a database of images? It would do so in a fraction of the time. Some airports are already using advanced <a href="https://www.in-security.eu/index.php/editorial/the-future-of-airport-security-faster-smarter-safer">computed tomography</a> (CT) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jun/21/3d-body-scanners-at-australian-airports-what-are-they-and-how-do-they-work">scanners</a> to produce high-definition 3D imagery. In the future, this technology could be further enhanced by AI to detect threats at a much faster rate. Hypothetically, CT scans could also be used for both humans and their baggage. Could this allow travellers to walk through a body scanner while carrying their bags? Possibly. Until then, you should probably try your best to leave the house on time.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/209041/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/doug-drury-1277871">Doug Drury</a>, Professor/Head of Aviation, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-do-i-have-to-take-my-laptop-out-of-the-bag-at-airport-security-209041">original article</a>.

Travel Tips

World’s first laptop unveiled with foldable display

The first laptop with a foldable computer screen could be yours as early as next year thanks to Lenovo. After intense development for more than three years, they’re proud to announce ThinkPad X1, which will be launched in 2020. Lenovo are aiming to make the device to a laptop standard instead of being a regular secondary computer like an iPad. One of the appeals of the new foldable laptop is portability. After the trials and errors with the folding phone from Samsung, ThinkPad has been designed for users to make a full-sized object smaller instead of the other way around. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> We came, we saw, we unveiled a wild & bright vision for the workplace of the future. That's a wrap on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LenovoAccelerate?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LenovoAccelerate</a>. Learn More: <a href="https://t.co/wYIimDzM6t">https://t.co/wYIimDzM6t</a> <a href="https://t.co/dvcj6N5S0f">pic.twitter.com/dvcj6N5S0f</a> — Lenovo (@Lenovo) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lenovo/status/1129365266666860544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">17 May 2019</a></blockquote> The 13.3-inch 2K OLED display folds into the size of a regular hardback book and is said to weigh less than a kilogram. Initial reviews of the product have been good, although a lot of work needs to be done in regard to the software and making the folding mechanism sturdier. These were the same issues that were faced with Samsung and their foldable phone. The Verge were thrilled with the foldable feature, saying that’s where the real size savings are. “I got to try out a functional prototype, but there’s not a lot to see at this stage,” said Chaim Gartenberg from <a href="https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2019/5/13/18537302/lenovo-foldable-pc-thinkpad-x1-prototype-hands-on-folding-screen">The Verge.</a> “The screen does fold, as advertised, and Windows worked well enough as a touch interface. But the real magic here — if it happens at all — will come with software and optimizing things to run on the unique form factors that a folding screen can provide.” <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7827346/lenovo-book.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/586cb3f21ce5490381319448970ceb93" /> The foldable ThinkPad compared to a regular 13-inch laptop Photo credit: <a href="https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2019/5/13/18537302/lenovo-foldable-pc-thinkpad-x1-prototype-hands-on-folding-screen">The Verge</a> Reviewers were asked not to take close up photos of the hinge mechanism for the device just yet. Lenovo is also well aware of the issues that happened with Samsung’s foldable phone and have been doubling the amount of testing for their laptop hinge. As of yet, there is no official release date for the ThinkPad X1.

Technology

How to outsmart your salesperson when laptop shopping

Lisa Du is director of <a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology. Muddled by the tech terms used by the salesperson? Not sure what Ram, SD, Intel means? From time to time, we hear of clients being sold laptops that are not appropriate, because the sales person used tech terms to glorify a particular laptop, or sell something that is not required. We're here to help you understand these terms, so that you can choose the most suitable laptop to suit your needs. What will you be using the laptop for? We always ask this question, because if you use your laptop to do basic functions such as: <ul> <li>Browse the internet</li> <li>Viewing photos</li> <li>Emails</li> </ul> This is very different to someone who is using their laptop for Video Editing or Work. Based on what you use your laptop for, these are the important features you need to consider: <ul> <li>Choose a PROCESSOR</li> <li>Choose RAM Amount</li> <li>Check HARD DRIVE storage space</li> <li>Find one that you like the look and feel of If</li> <li>Have a budget and pick a computer which matches your budget</li> </ul> Processor Processor is the brains behind your computer. Choose a processor from: Intel Core i3, i5 or i7. The processors have different capabilities which you should match to your own usage needs. The numbers refer to their processing power. Core i7s are better than Core i5s, which in turn are better than Core i3s. AMD Processors are generally cheaper processors, and Intel processors are more powerful. If you see Intel Dual Core - this is like having two brains! RAM RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and is like your brains short term memory. Your short term memory can only hold so much information, and your computer is the same! The more RAM in your computer, the more functions your computer can perform. If you find yourself frustrated at how slow your computer is working once you having multiple applications open (such as email, internet and photos), it generally means you don't have much RAM If you love to multitask (like me! I have over 30 internet tabs opened at once), you definitely need at least 8GB RAM. Hard Drive Hard Drive is your computers long term memory. This is where all your computer information is stored. Think of the hard drive like your stomach. How much food can you fit in? The larger the hard drive, the more information it stores! (The bigger your stomach, the more food you can fit in!) If you are someone who loves photos and storing photos... you definitely need a bigger hard drive. You can buy computers with SSD (solid state) or HDD (hard disk drive). Both types do the same job. Generally speaking, SSD drives are faster than HDD and more expensive in terms of dollar per gigabyte. Example: A computer with SSD drive will boot up in less than one minute (often in seconds), whereas a computer with HDD drive will require time to speed up to operate and be slower than SSD during normal use. The look and feel Lastly, you need to enjoy using your computer or laptop so aesthetics can be important. Choose a device that you like the look/size of! Hope you found this tip helpful when choosing your next computer!

Technology

US heightens security to avoid laptop ban

Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly has revealed enhanced security measures for foreign flights arriving in the United States. Officials say these security measures will prevent an expansion of in-cabin ban of laptops and other large electronic devices. “Inaction is not an option,” Kelly said, explaining that he believes airlines will comply with the new screening. Kelly explained that the measures will not be the last step to tighten security. Officials are requiring enhanced screening of personal electronical devices, passengers and explosive detection for the roughly 2000 commercial flights that enter the United States from 105 countries. There will also be more thorough screening at checkpoints and increased use of security technology, canines and preclearance locations. The decision not to impose new restrictions on laptops is a boost to US airlines which feared the ban would cause logistical problems and deter travel arrangements. Kelly noted that airlines that fail to comply with new security requirements could still face future in-cabin electronics restrictions. European and US officials told Reuters that airlines have 21 days to implement increased explosive screening and have 120 days to comply with other security measures. In March, the United States imposed restrictions on laptops on flights originating at 10 airports in eight countries including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Turkey. This came amid concerns that a concealed bomb could be installed in electronic devices and taken onboard a flight. Britain followed suit by implementing similar restrictions. Homeland security officials said those 10 airports can be removed from the list if they meet the new security requirements.

Travel Insurance

Your handbag or laptop could be included in your carry-on limit

A shocked Jetstar passenger has recently complained that they have been hit with a fee for going over the airline’s carry-on weight restrictions after their handbag was weighed. The passenger received a $50 fee for going over the limit and took to Jetstar’s Facebook page to complain about the situation. <img width="490" height="257" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/37050/jetstar-in-text.jpg" alt="Jetstar In Text"/> However, handbags aren’t excluded from the carry-on weight limit and airlines are beginning to crack down. Jetstar’s policy regarding cabin baggage allows one main item per person and one small personal item, with a combined weight of 7kg or under. A small personal item includes a handbag, a small camera, a laptop in a thin case, duty-free goods and other things. A Jetstar spokesman said that the policy “always included a combination of a main bag and small bag, such as a handbag or laptop case”. In 2014, the airline cut its weight allowance from 10kg to 7kg, which might have added to the confusion of carry-on baggage. When the change was announced, a spokesman said that the airline was eager to keep customers happy and speed up the boarding process. “We know many customers get frustrated when there is not enough room for their bags in overhead lockers. To address this we are reducing the amount of baggage that customers can bring on board, which will align us with other carriers in Australia and across the Asia Pacific region,” the spokesman said. “This change will help speed up the boarding process, enable more flights to depart on time and ensure all customers get their fair share of overhead locker space.” Tigerair Australia has the same policy as Jetstar which allows customers 7kg carry-on free of charge. A Tigerair spokesman said, “The 7kg carry-on allowance may be spread across up to two separate pieces of cabin baggage, including handbags and purses.” “Tigerair’s model is all about providing the lowest fare for the seat, then allowing the customer to pick and choose what optional extras, if any, they wish to pay for,” the spokesman added. “As we are a low cost carrier, we allow you the choice to choose the travel options you want rather than lump you with a one fare fits all — many of our passengers like the fact they are able to tailor their travel to meet their needs and save money on their flight to have more in their pocket to spend when they get there.” Virgin Australian and Qantas allow passengers to have one personal item in addition to the 7kg allowance.

Travel Tips

Demanding dog shuts owner’s laptop in bid for attention

A dog’s life is very tough. After hours and hours of being alone, your owner comes home, only to jump straight on Facebook. For one dog, that simply wasn’t good enough. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshyannrachael%2Fvideos%2F10206846736365265%2F&show_text=0&width=400" width="400" height="700" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> Cheeky pooch Koda has won himself some fans after his owner, Shyann Rachel, posted a video of her sassy dog slamming her laptop shut, captioned, “do you think he maybe needs attention?” It’s almost as if he’s saying, “what are you doing on Facebook? Are you looking at other dogs? There’s a dog right here!” The cute video has been seen almost 5,000 times and dozens of people are saying how much Koda reminds them of their own four-legged friends. Tell us in the comments below, has your dog ever been as demanding as this?

Family & Pets

Illustrations picture our addiction with technology

French artist Jean Jullien has created a series of illustrations that poke fun at society’s sometimes absurd addiction to technology. Jullien is the first to admit that he’s always on his phone and laptop, so he’s not advocating for a technological-free world, but his gently mocking artworks do ask the question of what we’re missing out on in our obsession with devices. To find more of Jean Jullien’s work, <a href="http://www.jeanjullien.com/">visit his website here.</a> Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/technology/2015/10/new-emojis/">New emojis released with iPhone update</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/technology/2015/10/gmail-little-known-tricks/">7 Gmail tricks you don’t know but should</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/technology/2015/08/dont-miss-facebook-updates/">How to stop missing updates from friends on Facebook</a>

Technology

How to avoid eyestrain from your laptop and tablet

Instead of waiting for the symptoms of eyestrain to appear (blurred vision, headaches and sore dry eyes) take the proactive steps to look after your eyes now.Take a blink breakWhen we are looking at a screen our eyes naturally blink less, leading to dry eyes. Be mindful of this and take a break every half an hour to just sit with your eyes closed for 20 seconds – this will help to rehydrate your eyes.Use moisturising eye dropsIf you regularly sit at a computer or use a tablet for long periods, it is a good idea to be proactive and use some lubricating eye drops. Available from the chemist, these artificial tears can help avoid dry itchy eyes later.Lower the lightsIf you are working under harsh bright lighting it can make eyestrain worse. If you can, try using some lower wattage bulbs to make the light softer. Not sure if your lights are too bright? Try putting your hand over your eyebrows (as though you are wearing a visor). If your eyes feel more comfortable, it’s time to dim those overhead lights.Move your workspace aroundIf you need to move your eyes from a document on the desk up to your screen and back, this can cause eyestrain. Try placing a document holder next to your screen so that your eyes only need to move minimally. You can also ensure that your screen is up at eye level where possible, as this will help avoid neck strain.Keep it cleanDust on your laptop or tablet means your eyes have to work harder to see. Keep the screen clean with a baby wipe or a very soft cloth.Related link:<a href="/health/hearing/2015/02/communicating-with-people-with-hearing-problems/" target="_blank">How you can help someone with hearing loss </a><a href="/health/hearing/2015/02/communicating-with-people-with-hearing-problems/" target="_blank">The different types of hearing loss explained</a><a href="/health/hearing/2015/01/different-types-of-hearing-loss/" target="_blank">5 reasons to cherish your sense of hearing</a>

Eye Care

4 easy ways to speed up your computer

We can all admit computers are great – they let us type (and edit) with ease, store loads of information and surf the net. What’s not so great is a slow computer which doesn’t run as fast as it used too. Just like us, our technological devices need regular check-ups to not only extend its life but ensure it continues to perform smoothly! Here are four sure-fire ways to get your computer running like new again.Clean up the desktopWe tend to have dozens of shortcuts, folders and programs on our desktops. Be honest, how many do you actually use? If the answer is just a few key ones, delete the ones you never use and file the others away. This will help your computer process information faster.Empty the trashJust because you delete things doesn’t mean it’s gone! All those deleted files are hanging out in your recycle bin and a full bin can slow down your computer. Have a browse through and see if there’s anything you have accidentally deleted, if not, click “empty trash”. This will permanently delete all the files form your computer.Scan for virusesThe most common cause of a slow computer is pesky viruses or adwares. That is why it is important to have an up to date anti-virus program and scan your computer at least every month.Uninstall unused programsAs time passes, we accumulate many programs on our computer.  Your grandkids may have told you to install some games or movies but you never use them! They just sit there and take up virtual but valuable space on the computer.

Technology

4 easy ways to speed up your computer

Technology

Are you a tablet or laptop person?

If you’re in the market for an easy-to-use device, you can’t go past either a compact laptop or a lightweight tablet. But which one?First it was the clunky desktop computer, next it was the compact and portable laptop and now as the new kid on the block (sort of) iPads, iPad Minis and Android tablets have grown so popular that in 2012, a UK study found Aussies snapped up tablets faster than people in most other countries around the world!Has this meant the humble laptop is losing popularity? Perhaps not. It seems Australians like a bit of diversity with their electronic devices, with 2012 research by Optus indicating that over-60s boast an average of 3.4 devices each! The most common devices being a desktop computer or laptop, tablet and smartphone. But, for many of us, we just won’t use that many electronic devices, so, out of the portable electronics arena, would you purchase a tablet or iPad, or a laptop? Here’s the case for each device.Android tablets and iPadsLightweight, sleek and easy to use, over-60s love their tablet or iPad! It’s no surprise why. Much more affordable than laptops or computers, simple to navigate, big, interactive screens and not too many confusing buttons, who wouldn’t love one of these sleek devices? Plus, they’re easy to take with you anywhere and are light enough that you can pop them in your handbag or library bag.Related link: <a href="/technology/technology/2014/06/a-guide-to-ipads-and-android-tablets.aspx" target="_blank">Learn more about Android tablets and iPads.</a> Developers have also been very thoughtful in the capabilities of these tablets, with users able to expand the type on the page to make words on the screen easier to read. In the case of an iPad or iPad Mini, there’s also Siri. She’ll help you find whatever you need or provide illuminating answers to random questions you ask her.Unlike laptops, you can also take beautiful photographs of wherever you happen to be. Spending the day in a national park with your grandchildren? Get a great photo of everyone and then save it as your desktop image! Easy-peasy.The only downside of tablets or iPads is that if you want to create professional-looking word documents, it’s going to be difficult. It’s better to use laptops if you’re planning on doing anything work-related, since the larger keyboard, screen and functionality to add software, such as Microsoft Office or Mac Office, will make it much easier to get work done.LaptopsLaptops have come a long way since their ancestors – the desktop computer – first arrived on the scene. Smaller, lighter, easier to use and with whizz-bang features (at least with some of the new laptops) of touch screens and a nice big keyboard to type lengthy emails, they are practically unrecognisable compared to older versions of the device.If you’re looking for more functionality with your device in terms of watching movies, typing chapters of your years-in-the-making debut novel, and professionally editing family photographs or home movies, a laptop could be the best way forward. The other advantage of laptops over tablets is their built-in power.Generally, laptops have more powerful processing hardware, which allows for a wider variety of uses, perfect for those multitasking over-60s who like to browse several websites at the same time! Unlike tablets or iPads, which generally all sit within the same price range, laptops can range from $298 for a compact Windows-operated notebook to around $1349 for an Apple MacBook.Basically, if you want to get some serious work done or want to do multiple tasks at the one time, you can’t pass up the trusty laptop.What if there was a combination of both? There is!If you’ve ever dreamed of having the best of both worlds, say hello the hybrid. The most recognisable of this new line of combining a laptop and a tablet is the Microsoft Surface series, which does feature some nifty design elements. Not only is it meant to be lighter than a laptop, but it comes with a thin screen cover which doubles as a full keyboard. Microsoft’s Surface Pro 3 is the newest model available and will be released later this month. It will retail at about $979. It’s on the higher end of the scale and will be too expensive for many people, but may come down in price in the future as another new gadget or device arrives.Whether you’re a tablet or laptop person (or even a hybrid), it’ll come down to how you use or want to use your device. If you’re simply looking to browse the world wide web or keep in touch with your family via Facebook and email, go with a tablet. If you’d like more functionality and the option of saving much more to your device, choose a laptop.

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REVIEW: Portable laptop monitor

Why do I have to take my laptop out of the bag at airport security?

World’s first laptop unveiled with foldable display

How to outsmart your salesperson when laptop shopping

US heightens security to avoid laptop ban

Your handbag or laptop could be included in your carry-on limit

Demanding dog shuts owner’s laptop in bid for attention

Illustrations picture our addiction with technology

How to avoid eyestrain from your laptop and tablet

4 easy ways to speed up your computer

4 easy ways to speed up your computer

Are you a tablet or laptop person?

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