Here are some examples: Samsung Galaxy S3, S4 or S5, LG G Pro 2, iPhone S5, Samsung Galaxy Note 2 or 3, or other equivalent devices.
Since I use a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 smartphone running Android KitKat version 4.4.2, I will only cover the specifics of this technology.
You should therefore read the following articles sequentially, by clicking on each of the following links, to complement the current article and become more familiar with the subject:ġ1.4 – Selecting the right computer product for your needs – Windows 8.1 Hardware Update – ġ1.6 – Find out why most people should replace their PC with a tablet – ġ1.7 – Using the Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 with Keyboard & Mouse as a laptop replacement-Īssuming that you have read the above referenced articles, I will not duplicate their content and will only focus the rest of this article on presenting the accessories that will facilitate using a smartphone as your single computer.
Since I have presented, in earlier articles, how to use a tablet as a PC replacement, the same applies to using a smartphone as your single computing device.
Other than these limitations, most individuals could satisfy all their personal computing requirements using their smartphone and adding some accessories. Also, a number of specialized applications that were developed for Windows and have not yet been converted to Android and/or iOS may limit some people from being able to use a tablet or smartphone as their only computing device. The limitations are often in the peripherals (screen size, keyboard, mouse,…). With the evolution of tablets and smartphones operating systems, like Android and iOS, and the numerous applications (Apps) that are now available, most of the stuff that was once limited to PCs can now be done one a tablet or a smartphone. The capabilities and limitations of the operating system are what determine what the device (smartphone) is capable of what it cannot do. Read article 04.1–What is a computer?-6 to learn what is an operating system is and what it does.
The operating system is the software that runs the device. PCs generally run under Windows 7 or 8, while tablets and smartphones run under Google’s Android or Apple’s iOS. Their auxiliary memories are also generally limited, since they usually use the Cloud for storing large data files, in addition to main memory and SD or Micro SD cards.Ĥ – The type of operating system that runs them. Tablets and smartphones don’t need a large main memory since their operating system does not require it. They also have a large hard drive, up to 1 or 2 Tb, to store all of the computer files plus the operating system. They also have cameras, microphones and speakers.ģ – The type and size of storage devices, such as main memory, hard drives, SD drives, … PCs generally have a large main memory, between 4 and 16 Mb, to satisfy Windows requirements. Tablets and smartphones touch screens support finger navigation and use a popup keyboard to input text. You can get touch screens on all these devices.Ģ – The variety of input/output devices such as keyboard, mouse, … Desktop PCs generally come with a large keyboard and a mouse, in addition, laptops also have a touchpad, a camera, a microphone and speakers. Desktop PCs will generally have a 15 to 28 inch monitor, laptops will have a 10 to 17 inch screen, tablet sizes vary between 7 and 12 inches, while smartphones have a 3 to 5 inch screen. The MAIN differences between smartphones, tablets and PCs are:ġ – The size of the screen (monitor). In addition to reducing costs and simplifying your life, this approach has a lot of advantages. This article shows how a majority of computer users, most probably including you, could satisfy ALL their personal computing requirements using their smartphone with the right accessories. The main differences between them are in the accessories and the operating system they run on, as we will see later.
Read article 04.1–What is a computer?-6 to convince yourself. Smartphones, tablets and PCs are ALL computers.