Technical Writing
Summer 2016
Recommendation Report
Best Desktop Computer to Purchase
Electrical Engineering
Feasibility/ Recommendation Report: Best Computer To Purchase
Introduction
Purpose
The purpose of this report is to recommend the best computer to purchase for playing games.
Problem
The desktop computer remains the most versatile machine even today. With new designs, affordable prices and a range of uses that extends far beyond the home-office, desktop computers remain a relevant option. Apart from computing and gaming, desktop computers are also being used in the living room as home entertainment systems. Design-wise, they are witnessing a paradigm shift from being tower-based systems to all-in-one systems, where the components are packed onto the chassis or base of the computer.
Scope
In the computer world, the there are three major variants of desktop computers that represent the entire universe of desktop computing. Apple’s iMacs represent the Macintosh systems, and are characterized by their stress on design and usability. The Asus ChromeBox M004U represents the trend towards desktop computing with critical applications in the cloud. The Lenovo B50 represents the current crop of all-in-one systems. This report will compare the iMac, the Asus Chromebox and the Lenovo B50 for gaming purposes. The criteria used to evaluate the three computers would be the processor, RAM and cost.
Discussion
Processor
Explanation
The processor limits how fast anything can occur in a computer. The processor, also known as Central Processing Unit (CPU), provides instructions that multiple applications and processes need to perform their respective jobs. The faster the processor provides instructions, the faster the computer operates. Faster computers often translate into increased productivity and efficiency. Processing speed is delineated in number of clock cycles per second and currently is in the range of GHz. Intel makes most of the processors found on computers. Current processors range from Celeron processors to Core i5 and i7 processors. Most Core i7 processors are quad-core processors, while most Core i5 processors are dual core. This translates to better multi-tasking and gaming capability for computers equipped with Core i7 processors (Domingo, 2015). In contrast, Intel Celeron processors are based on older technology and have lower clock speeds, translating to lower performance levels (CPU Boss, 2012). Processor speeds are another important criteria while selecting a processor.
Data
Interpretation
The Lenovo B50 has the latest processor, the Intel Core i7. The iMac follows with the Intel Core i5. However, the clock speed of the Lenovo B50’s processor is 2.2 GHz against the 3.5 GHz clock speed of the Intel i5 processor in the iMac. The overall processing power is a combination of the number of cores and clock speed. Overall, the Lenovo B50 will be better at multi-tasking and gaming, while the iMac will be very efficient in everyday operations. The ASUS ChromeBox M004U, in contrast, will have the lowest processor power. However, the ChromeBox M004U would meet the requirements of accessing applications from the cloud, for which it is primarily designed. If offline usage is preferred, then the Lenovo B50 is the preferred computer under the criteria of processor.
RAM
Explanation
The Random Access Memory (RAM), also known as main memory, is a hardware device that allows information to be stored and retrieved on a computer. The higher the capacity of data storage in the RAM, the faster is the performance of the computer. The RAM provided with the three computers being compared is given below (Computer Hope, n.d.).
Data
Interpretation
The Lenovo B 50 has the largest amount of RAM, followed by the iMac and the ASUS ChromeBox. Therefore, the Lenovo B50 would be able to process the instructions of the processor at a faster pace as compared to the other computers, and is the preferred computer under the criteria of RAM.
Cost
Explanation
While computers can have faster processors, RAM and storage capacities, cost is often a criterion that acts as a limiting factor in buying decisions. A value computer with relatively slower components but a lower cost would often tip the balance for an average computer buyer when she compares it against a more expensive computer with faster components. The cost of the three computers under consideration is given below.
Data
The iMac is the most expensive, followed by the Lenovo B 50. The ASUS Chromebox is by far the cheapest of the three computers. Going purely on the cost basis, the ASUS Chromebox wins handsomely.
Conclusion
Summary
This report evaluated the iMac, the Lenovo B 50 and the ASUS Chromebox as potential computers for home purchase. The computers were compared on the basis of processor, RAM, storage and cost. The Lenovo B 50 was preferred in terms of processor, RAM and storage while the ASUS Chromebox was preferred in terms of cost. A summary of the criteria is given below.
Conclusions
The three computers chosen represent divergent philosophies in making computers. The iMac is the best designed. While the iMac is not the preferred option in any singly criteria, it makes an overall package that would actually run the smoothest in everyday usage. However, the iMac has restrictions on downloading games that are not found on iTunes. The ASUS Chromebox is compelling from the cost perspective. However, the Chromebox is based on the philosophy of working on the cloud. In places where Internet connectivity is unreliable and on occasions where it is preferred to run intense applications like games, it may be preferred to have a computer that can run offline and has greater processing power than the ASUS Chromebox. The Lenovo B50 wins on most of the individual counts, and costs substantially lower that the iMac. The premium commanded by the iMac may not be justified against the better processing power and RAM of the Lenovo B50, besides the cost advantage that the Lenovo B 50 enjoys. Overall, the Lenovo B 50 is the best package as a computer to buy.
Recommendation
The Lenovo B 50 is recommended as the preferred computer to purchase for gaming purposes.
Contact
For further information contact (insert your email here).
References
Almendrala, L., & Westover, B. (2015). The 10 best desktops of 2015. Retrieved February 16, 2016, from http://in.pcmag.com/desktop/36887/feature/the-10-best-desktops-of-2015
Computer Hope. (n.d.). RAM. Retrieved February 16, 2016, from http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/r/ram.htm
CPU Boss. (2012). Intel Core i5 3427U vs Celeron 847. Retrieved February 16, 2016, from http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Core-i5-3427U-vs-Intel-Celeron-847
Domingo, J.S. (2015). Which CPU should you buy? Comparing Intel Core i5 vs. i7. retrieved February 16, 2016, from http://in.pcmag.com/cpus-components/41331/feature/which-cpu-should-you-buy-comparing-intel-core-i5-v
Intel. (n.d.) Product photos. Retrieved February 20, 2016, from http://www.intel.com/pressroom/kits/xeon/5500series/photos.htm
Lee, K. (2016). What is the importance of processing speed in your PC? Retrieved February 16, 2016, from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/importance-processing-speed-pc-71283.html
