Session 3 - Peripheral devices

Peripheral Devices

www.webopedia.com defines peripheral devices as:

Peripheral devices can be external -- such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, monitor, external Zip drive or scanner -- or internal, such as a CD-ROM drive, CD-R drive or internal modem. Internal peripheral devices are often referred to as integrated peripherals.

External Peripheral Devices

When talking about peripheral devices, the main ones that come to mind in today's market are:

• Mouse
• Keyboard
• Printer
• Monitor
• Scanner
• External storage

Some of these may be part of your initial purchase, such as mouse and keyboard or even monitor, but sometimes they need to be replaced or, as a user, you want something a bit better.

Mouse

It might seem like a fairly small thing, and if you are not fussy you can buy a mouse for around $10. BUT, many people are fussy about their mouse. It needs to fit comfortably in your hand and move around with a level of precision (depending on what you use your computer for). Some people need to have extra buttons on their mouse - especially for gaming or multimedia applications. Some mice can also be used to control media devices in your computer, such as optical drives and volume.

http://au.pcmag.com/computer-mice-products/4330/feature/how-to-buy-a-computer-mouse

The following is an example of the range of mice available.

http://www.harveynorman.com.au/computers-tablets/computer-accessories/keyboards-mouse-mats/corded+mice_wireless+mice/1065?mode=grid

There is a huge price difference from the bottom end basic mouse to the top end gaming mouse. At the top end you have programmable buttons and very good tracking and movement.

Keyboard

Like the mouse, keyboard choice is also very personal and will depend on things like features, backlighting, progammable buttons, wireless or wired, brand preference. The keyboard is probably the item on your computer that you use most - again it needs to be comfortable but also fit in the space you have available. I hate the keyboard that came with my PC and one day I will replace it with something that is more responsive and that is backlit!!

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2415287,00.asp


 
The following is an example of the variety of keyboards that are available. Again, there is a large price variation from bottom end to top end.

http://www.harveynorman.com.au/computers-tablets/computer-accessories/keyboards-mouse-mats/keyboards/1065?mode=grid

Printer

What do you look for when buying a printer? Speed, resolution, connectivity, cost of consumables (running costs), colour or monochrome. Lots of decisions to be made and each will have a bearing on cost.

https://www.cnet.com/au/topics/printers/buying-guide/

http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/printer-buying-guide/

http://www.cnet.com/au/topics/printers/best-printers/

The following is a sample of the range of printers that are available

http://www.harveynorman.com.au/cameras-printers-photocentre/printing-ink-paper/printers-scanners/printers/1065

Monitor

How much do you want to spend on a monitor? DO you want HD? What screen size? LED/LCD? Refresh speed?

http://www.cnet.com/au/topics/monitors/best-monitors/

http://reckoner.com.au/2014/12/4k-monitor-buying-guide/


Here are some of your monitor choices!!

https://www.jbhifi.com.au/computers-tablets/monitors/

Scanner

Resolution/quality, speed or size are just a few of the decisions that you may need to make. Other things include what software is supplied, file types that can be saved, page feeder, adapter for slides. Do you want a separate scanner or is it better to go with a 3 in one or printer/scanner combination?

http://flatbed-scanner-review.toptenreviews.com/

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2355771,00.asp

http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/technology/scanners

http://au.pcmag.com/scanner-reviews/23042/guide/the-best-scanners-of-2017

External storage - hard drives

The main decision here is about size - size matters and the bigger the better!! Connection type may also be a consideration. You might also decide that a solid state drive will be your best option.


http://au.pcmag.com/storage-devices-reviews/4180/feature/how-to-buy-an-external-hard-drive

http://www.harveynorman.com.au/external-hard-drives-buying-guide

Below shows some of the choices available.

https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/c/technology/hard-drives-data-storage

Class Activity

What peripherals devices does your own computer have?

What peripheral devices would you like to have?

What device/make/model would you get if money was not an issue? Why?