Holiday computer buying guide

Christmas season is fast approaching and if you're like me, it's a good excuse to buy yourself some new tech gadgets as a reward for the hard work you've done in the past year.

Yes, being your own Santa Claus is a good thing.

In the past it used to be easy when considering a computer upgrade. You either buy a desktop or a laptop. Today's consumers are spoilt for choice with netbooks and tablets being thrown into the mix.

This article is meant to be a simple guide on the key things to consider when buying a new computing device.

I won't be mentioning desktops much because most consumers buy laptops these days and besides, much of what I say about laptops will apply to desktops too.

Laptops vs Tablets

The first obvious question is laptops or tablets? If you want to do serious work of any kind, you have to get a laptop. Tablets are by no means laptop replacements. They complement laptops.

If you currently have neither, get a laptop. If you already have a reliable laptop but want something light to carry around and browse the Internet at Wi-Fi hotspots, then a tablet would be nice.

But bear in mind that tablets are just entering the market. The most famous one of them all, the iPad is still not officially available here. Others that are coming soon include Samsung's Galaxy Tab which has gotten a lot of press.

It runs Google's Android operating system and it sports a 7-inch screen. Dell also has a 7-inch Android-based Tablet in the works. The upcoming Blackberry Playbook will also be seven inches. Too small! Size does matter.

Tablets have got long battery life and they have super fast start up times. Some pundits out there like to argue that they're also great for doing work on the go. Please, allow me to disabuse anyone of this notion. They are media consumption devices.

Netbooks

I've said before that that I think netbooks are neither here nor there. They are like tiny laptops - too small to do serious work on but much bulkier than a tablet which can easily be carried around everywhere..

Apple has recently come out with MacBook Air which is a kind of Apple Netbook, I guess, though Apple CEO Steve Jobs would never call it that. It's sort of like a high-capacity iPad with a full sized keyboard. Now that's a device I would consider getting. In fact, I've ordered one!

I must admit I debated with myself for some time before making the order. I can't really say I need a MacBook Air but I want one. That's the thing about Apple, isn't it? It makes you want things you didn't even know you had any desire for.

But seriously, I do have some use for it. I have a big, powerful laptop at home which I use for work. I also have an iPad which I bring with me when I need take simple notes or browse the web on the go. In between, I need a lightweight computer to bring for meetings where I actually have to do some light work. The MacBook Air is the answer.

There are two sizes 11 inches and 13 inches. I chose the former because the latter resembles a proper work laptop which is not what I want it for. As for software, get iWork (Apple's answer to Microsoft Office) pre-installed. That's all you'll need.

With the advent of cool iPhones, iPads and MacBook Airs, Windows users will no doubt have a tough time deciding whether to switch to Mac.

For sure Windows devices are still cheaper and there's much more software options available for Windows.

But the advantage of Macs are fewer virus attacks, generally better battery life and, of course, they are more stylish and cooler.

Processing speed, RAM, HD space, etc

If you want to have the latest processors, go for Intel's i5, and i7 Core models, but the older Core 2 Duo is good enough for general use.

Go for 4GB of RAM. Never settle for anything less. Your device will run smoother that way. It's worth paying for the extra RAM which is not that costly.

For your work laptop, I would go for 500Gb hard drive. Note that the MacBook Air has small drive drives (the 11 incher starts at 64 Gb). That's because it uses what is called flash memory, which are faster and use less battery power.

But since they are costly, I'd rather use the money to buy an external hard drive.

Many models now use 64-bit architecture which allows new software (which are designed for 64-bit) to run faster and more efficiently. If possible, get a 64-bit system for your laptop.

As for extended battery, I would say refrain from buying those because they tend to be ridiculously costly.

Bottom Line

Don't spend more than you need to. Some people have the philosophy of maxing out the specs for their devices but this can cause the bill to balloon.

 Unless you are using the device for some specific hardcore purpose, you don't need to get the maximum specs.

OON YEOH's new social media book 'Like Me, Follow Me' is published by MPH. You can connect with him via Facebook and Twitter.