I AM A PC

Written by Gavin // April 23, 2012 // Technology

Let me clarify something before I begin.  This is not a piece about the life and times of an officer of the law, but actually the Personal Computer.  There was a time when one would not have to make this distinction, such was Windows’ dominance.  Furthermore, this was a time where an Apple was a healthy snack, how times have changed?

As someone in their late 20s, I have grown up with Microsoft; and helped me learn touch typing, mail merging, spreadsheets, and much more.  I can hear some of you yawning already, but without these skills then I wouldn’t be where I am today, and I’m sure this is the same for most people, whether they like to admit it or not.  From the lofty heights of Windows 95, 98 & XP, I have been there to share the experiences, so it’s fair to say I am a Windows enthusiast.  I feel that I have to apologise, such is the media storm around anything Apple.

Don’t get me wrong, this is not an article to bash Apple, as I am sitting here tweeting on my iPhone; watching Sky Sports on my iPad; and editing pictures on a Macbook- but this is simply a reminder that PCs are still cool!

So what happened?  To put it plainly, Vista.  It is the only black mark on an otherwise faultless C.V. and its release in 2007, coupled with the publication of the iPhone & modern Macbooks, meant that Windows based PCs fell out of favour and have struggled to regain popularity.

Apologies in advance for the cliché, but like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, Microsoft have come back with a bang with Windows 7.  Although Windows 7 was launched in 2010, it is now we are seeing some quite awesome PCs coming on to the market, being coined as Ultrabooks.  It is a bold statement to call anything ‘Ultra’ but having attended an event recently showcasing the latest collection available, unlike “King” Joffrey in Game of Thrones, they are worthy of the title.  I don’t want to get too bogged down in too much detail, but common features include; battery lives in excess of 4 hours in constant use; loading up in seconds; and bright, bold designs that would not look out of place at the front row of fashion week.

Having had an exclusive peek at the collection, it is official that the PC is fashionable again; here are my top 3 picks.

Asus Zenbook UX21

You may think describing a piece of technology as sexy is a bit extreme, but after setting eyes on this Ultrabook, it was love at first sight.  Available in 3 striking colours (including hot pink), this PC also has 5 hours battery life, loads up from standby in 2 seconds, and is an unfathomably thin 3mm at the front and 9mm at the rear.  RRP £799.95

Samsung Series 7 Slate PC

Looks like a tablet, feels like a tablet, but is actually a full spec Windows 7 PC that comes with a docking station and wireless keyboard.  Cool features include a stylus pen that picks up handwriting and converts into text, it’s much more powerful than other tablets, and comes with Windows 7 apps.  However, unlike other tablets, this comes with a premium price with an eye watering RRP of £999.99

HP Envy Spectre

Another spectacular looking 14 inch PC with the unique feature of being made of scratch resistant gorilla glass (Think iPad glass).  HP have stated that the battery can over 9 hours, audio by Beats, and HD webcam inbuilt.  RRP £1199.99.

For more information on the full range of Windows 7 Spring Ultrabook collection, visit www.windows.co.uk/thecollection