If they are like those of us here in the Zone, many information workers spent some of the Thanksgiving weekend shopping, and very likely many of them shopped for a new computer. Well, maybe not exactly a computer. Maybe a tablet;  maybe a smartphone; but definitely some kind of client access device. 

The question is, what did they look for in the way of features?  Certainly the need for speed figured in.  So they looked to see what kind of processor was included in the device they were looking at.  The power users were eying third-generation Gen Intel Core i7 laptops, while those with lower budgets looked at i5 and i3-based units.  Some seeking tablets looked at Intel Atom or AMD-processor-equipped units. 

Size matters, especially when it comes to screens and form factors. This, of course, is the year of the Ultrabook. With the introduction of Windows 8 users want to be able to flip their screen over on its back to write and draw on their tablet, and they need it to be light and easy to carry.  Many users worry that the screen will be too small for them to look at for long periods. It’s important to balance your portability concerns with your actual use case. If your new laptop is going to be your primary computer, consider purchasing a larger display for use at home so you can still purchase a smaller, lighter, more portable unit for road work.

Purchasing any device that does not have a touch-screen simply makes no sense anymore with the introduction of Windows 8, which was designed for a completely touch-based interactive experience.

Looking forward, many users will want to have two cameras on their unit, one facing them so they can communicate with others using video, and one facing away so they can easily take photographs.  Video communication is becoming more and more prevalent, not only among corporations but among families with far-flung members as well.

Wireless communications including wireless Ethernet, Bluetooth and even 4G are becoming standard features on all consumer-targeted devices and most corporate ones as well.  Also look for HD or HDMI connectors so you can use your new device as a home entertainment unit.

Most information workers have read about, heard about and are thinking about the opportunity to take advantage of BYOD policies and use the device of their choice for work as well as play. Many would welcome the chance to only have to learn to use one device and have one environment to work within.  Those who do should look for devices that feature well-supported security capabilities including password access controls and the ability to remotely erase the device. Corporations willing to allow users to bring their own device will need these features to satisfy their BYOD requirements.  Talk to your corporate IT department for more details.

Then there’s the question of which operating system to prefer.  Start with your own needs.  Will you use the device to create?  Be sure it runs the apps you need to do that.  Anyone who types extensively will want to put their hands on the keyboard to see if they are comfortable.  Squared-off “chiclet” keyboards will slow you down and cramp your hands.  Will you use it for banking, air travel, and shopping?  Be sure the apps you need are available on the platform you choose.  Think forward, not back.  Which operating system will have better support available?

We used to call some of these devices “personal digital assistants.”  Remember that first word “personal.”  This is your personal device that will support your daily activities for a long time to come, at least a few years.  Take the time to choose the right device for you.  Happy shopping.