Computing Fundamentals
Within this assignment I have evaluate and compare two different mobile devices which feature different hardware and software aspects. The first device I have chosen is the Apple iPad. The second device I have chosen is the ASUS 1015CX Eee PC netbook.
The reason I have chosen the iPad is because of the popularity and constant good reviews it has been given. And to compare with it I have chosen the ASUS 1015CX Eee PC netbook which seem to be on their last run because of the up rise in tables being sold.
The iPad is a proper tablet as it is one device with everything built into it. It has a 9.7 multi touch screen with retina display, to provide the ultimate high quality screen image. The iPad also has a headphone jack and docking/charging port to provide users the ability to listen to music, videos etc. The ASUS 1015CX Eee PC netbook however is a fully working computer, it comes with full version of Windows 7 and has the standard USB ports, memory card port and headphone jack.
Here is a table comparing the two devices in general; | Apple iPad (WI-FI + 4G) 16gb | ASUS 1015CX Eee PC | Operating system | Apple iOS 5 | Windows 7 home premium | Processor | Apple A5X Dual-Core with Quad-Core graphics | Intel Atom N2600 1.66 GHz | Cache Memory | L1-32KB instruction32KB dataL2-1MB | L1-32KB instruction24KBL2-1MB | RAM | 1GB DDR2 RAM | 1GB DDR3 RAM | Display | 9.7” Retina Display (2048x1536) 264ppi | 10.1" LED Backlight 1024x600 | Storage | 16GB (Solid state drive) | 320GB (hard disk drive) | Battery Life | 10 Hrs | 7 Hours | Weight | 662g | 1250g | Network | Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)Bluetooth 4.0 technologyUMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)4G LTE (700, 2100MHz);Data only | 802.11 BGNBluetooth 2.1Fast Ethernet 10/100MBPS | Graphics Controller | Power VR SGX543MP4 | Intel GMA 3150 | Price | £499 | £350 | Miscellaneous | 30 pin dock connector Gyroscope3.5mm Headphone jackBuilt in speakerAccelerometer | 3.5mm Headphone jackBuilt in speakerUSBMemory Card Reader |

(ASUS 1015CX netbook) http://www.asuslaptop.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=1015CX-BLK019S
(Apple iPad 3rd Gen) http://store.apple.com/uk/browse/home/shop_ipad/family/ipad Processors
Both devices have & contain different CPUs (Central Processing units). The iPad features its ARM based processor the Apple A5X chip. Whereas the ASUS 1015CX contains an Intel made Atom processor. Both of these CPUs have different architectural systems. The iPads ARM based A5X uses RISC architecture (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) whereas the ASUS’ Intel atom uses CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing). Both of these are different ideologies of processors.
RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) is a microprocessor that is designed to perform smaller number of computer instructions so that it can operate at a higher speed. One advantage of reduced instruction set computers is that they can execute their instructions very fast because the instructions are so simple. For example the two basic instructions LOAD and STORE. Another advantage is that RISC chips require fewer transistors, which makes it cheaper to design and produce.
However being cheap and fast doesn’t always mean it’s a good thing. CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computers) refers to computers designed with a full set of computer instructions that were intended to provide needed capabilities in the most efficient way. Also because it has more complex instructions it makes more efficient use of the memory, but price, complexity and power consumption are its downfall. When it comes to more complex computing RISC hasn’t got the ability to compare with CISCs more complex instruction set. Because of RISCs simplicity and costs are low, processing speed is ultimately surrendered. Whereas CISC processors offer more speed.

All together the CISC and RISC in this day have become more linked with each other. Most RISC processors can offer the same instructions as CISC processors and vice versa. Due to technology is progressing and evolving, the need for both of the them is losing ground, memory is not a problem anymore as it was first building CISC, therefore I believe RISC will overtake and become common processor, as more devices and becoming smaller and will not need the heavy duty of CISC processors anymore. For example the ASUS netbook features a faster processor whereas the iPads 1 GHz processor is more power efficient. However due to the fact that tablets are now replacing netbooks CISC will become less evolved in the market place whereas RISC will due to the up rise in tablets being released. | Apple A5X (1GHz Dual-Core) | Intel Atom N2600 (1.6 GHz Dual-Core) | Clock frequency | 1GHz x 2 | 1.6GHz x 2 | Hyper threaded | No | Yes | Graphics frequency | 200mhz | 400mhz |

As you can see from the table above, the processors in both devices are both dual core. However the Intel atom is slightly faster, this being down to the fact it is a CISC processor. But the iPads A5X processor is still a good speed, especially as it is a tablet and being RISC processor only use small instructions but overall is more efficient.
Memory
Both of the devices feature 1GB RAM. The term DDR stands for Double Data Rate RAM the iPad using an older DDR2 model and the ASUS netbook using a new DDR3 model. Because of the DDR2 model being older it is cheaper to manufacture, therefore it is ideal for the iPad as it doesn’t need a lot of memory because it only uses small instructions. However despite the ASUS using the new DDR3 model, it is only 1GB which for a PC isn’t a lot, as it has to cope with a lot more instructions than an iPad would.

Display
Both of the devices I chose have a relatively good screen size, the iPad with a 9.7” retina display, and the ASUS netbook with a 10.1” LED display. However there are more differences between the two. The iPads retina display is packed with millions of pixels that give it a huge resolution of 2048x1536, which has a better resolution the 50” HDTV at 1080p.
However compared to the ASUS’s 10.1” LED screen which has a resolution of 1024x600 isn’t bad by all means. It still has the ability to produce clear images and text on the screen and is ideal for PC users. This is because users won’t be using the device for long as it is only for users who tend to travel and work on the go, therefore leaving the majority of their work for main PCs.
Graphics
Both of the devices have graphic units integrated within their processors, compared to having separate graphics cards which are more powerful. The reason most manufactures choose integrated graphics is because it is cheaper, more power efficient and saves space and is the same with other mobile devices.
Overall the graphics units within the iPad are better than the one located in the netbook as the iPads has a quad-core graphics attached to the A5X processor. This is for the new retina display.

Storage
Both of the devices use different storage units, the iPad using the new SSD (Solid State Drive) technology and the ASUS netbook using the traditional HDD (Hard Disc Drive). Here is a list of the advantages and disadvantages between them.

SSD (Solid State Drive) HDD (Hard Disc Drive) Advantages Advantages * No moving part Cheaper per GB * Low power consumption High storage capacity * Fast access time Longer lifespan * Quiet * Light
Disadvantages Disadvantages * More expensive per GB High power consumption * Less storage density Slow access time * Short lifespan Heavier & Louder
Moving parts
Overall both storage devices are pretty good however the HDD is slightly better as it lasts longer and provides more storage capacity. But the SSD is catching up and will be the future of storage without a doubt because of its quick loading time and lower power consumption.

Networking iPad Wi-Fi +4G | ASUS 1015X Eee PC | Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n) | Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) | Bluetooth 4 | Bluetooth 2.1 | 4G LTE (700, 2100MHz); | Fast Ethernet 10/100Mbps |

Both of the devices have different network connections. Both include built in Wireless technology, but also have other means to connect to the internet. The iPad also has the new 4G built into it. This is a new mobile internet standard and is being compared to broadband speeds as it is relatively quick. This shows that the iPad has a connection all the time no matter where you are.
However the ASUS also feature the traditional fast Ethernet port which allows users to get a straight high speed connection to the internet, which is normally around 10/100mbps. Both of them also feature Bluetooth technology, but the iPad has a new updated version which allows users to connect to other devices from a greater distance e.g. 100 meters, whereas the current version in the ASUS netbook will only allow users to connect up to 15 meters.
Overall the Fast Ethernet is becoming outdated, this is due to the fact that wireless is becoming more popular therefore helping the tablet market increase as more people want to be wireless.
Battery Life
The iPads battery life is by far the best in the tablet market and is also beating the existing netbooks as well. The iPad has a battery life of 10 hrs on a full charge, whereas the netbook only has a 7hrs battery life.
The reason iPad has a better battery life is down to the different hardware that is used. These are the SSD which is lighter and faster but uses less power, therefore increasing amount of time. Another is the RISC A5X processor; this is because it uses fewer instructions and therefore requires less power.
Whereas the netbook uses the CISC Intel atom processor which requires a lot of instructions, therefore require more power. Also the netbook runs windows 7 which is a heavy operating system, which requires a lot of processing power therefore resulting in less battery.

Operating Systems
The devices both have different operating systems installed on them, the iPad with iOS 5 and the netbook with Windows 7. Below is a table giving a general overview; | iOS 5 (the new iPad) | Windows 7 (ASUS 1015X Eee PC) | History of the Operating System. | Created from UNIX – Developed from a Macintosh to the now used iOS which is implemented in their mobile devices. | Started from MS-DOS, developed into the Microsoft operating system. | What Devices use the Operating System? | iOS is available on all Apple mobile devices such as, iPhone, iPad & iPod Touch. | Windows 7 comes installed on all new machines, including all netbooks, laptops and computers. | Operating System Security | iOS and Macintosh are less likely to get a virus or other intrusions. The reason for this is that they are not as popular as windows, therefore not as many people are coding malicious programs. However the main reason is the structural design of the operating system is a lot safer. | Windows due to being the most used OS in the world, most users experience problems. This is down to the architecture of the OS and the ease of use has given Windows a lot of malicious programs. | Use of Applications | The app store within iOS is the fastest growing application program in the world. All downloads are quick and ready to use within minutes. Last month Apple reached a record 25 billion app store downloads, in the space of 5years. This is the majority reason for Apple success in the tablet and phone market. | Windows has the largest available stockpile of down loadable content out of all of the operating systems that exist. This is down to the easy use of windows, as well as the amount of people that use it around the world. Windows has been around much longer than iOS, giving it a huge advantage in the different software available. |

Apple OS
Apple iOS is a relatively new mobile operating system. It was released in 2007 and within 5 years it has reached version 5, with the current iOS at version 5.1. However this can be tracked back to when Apples first operating system Mac OS which was released in 1984.
The main goal that Mr. Steve Jobs wanted was to produce an easy to use, low cost computer for the average consumer. Unlike Windows, Apple both design and produce their own hardware and software for customers, whereas Microsoft only supplies manufacturers with its operating system to be installed on the PC's.
The first operating system was based on UNIX and had emphasis on the use of graphical user interface. Since then Apple have been going from strength to strength and continued to develop the operating system to this day, with the current version at OS X Lion, plus a new version to follow in the summer of 2012 called Mountain Lion.
Eventually Apple saw a gap in the market for a mobile device and decided to incorporate it into their iPhone mobile. Since the release of the iPhone, Apple has released new mobile devices such as the iPad and iPod Touch. By doing this they have increased in status and are now the second richest company in the world. Therefore iOS is becoming more popular and is growing. A new version is set to be released in the coming months, called iOS 6.

Microsoft Windows
In 1981Windows began to ship its MS-DOS operating system with IBM PCs. In 1983 Microsoft announced they will be releasing a new operating system called Windows. Since then, Microsoft has gone on to produce a large number of different operating systems, which either ship out with different computers or bought separately.
Windows became most popular when it released Windows XP, which is still used today. This was down to the new graphics and layout and the quick load time. However 4 years later Windows released Vista which caused them huge problems as a lot of customers had occurred problems. They eventually apologized for that released version and quickly made amends with the release of Windows 7.
Windows 7 is the current version available to everyone and is the OS used on the ASUS Eee PC. Windows 7 is available in 6 different editions from Starter to Ultimate. The version that was installed on the ASUS netbook is starter.

| iOS | Windows 7 | Graphical User Interface | Fantastic multi touch Graphic User Interface. Simple to use, Swipe through each page effortlessly. | Graphic User Interface is good, simple and easy to grasp and access files. | Pre installed Applications and Utilities | Calculator, Compass, Voice control, Reminders, iBooks,Maps, Camera,
Settings, Calendar, Mail, Safari, Contacts, iTunes and Appstore. | Advanced settings, Defragment, resource manager, Internet Explorer, Also comes with notepad, Windows Media Player and Paint. | Available Applications/Software | Applications can be downloaded through the Appstore where there are millions of available apps to choose from. Varying from different prices. | Different software is available to download through the internet. There are many to choose from. However locating the different software isn’t as easy as the Appstore. | Security | Security on iOS is brilliant, not only has security functions built in, but due to the structure of the OS it is much harder to develop malicious software for. (Unless Users Jailbreak it) | Security on Windows 7 is extremely inconsistent. Due to the operating systems model being changed every other year. Therefore the standard firewall and windows security is somewhat faulty. Therefore allowing users to develop malicious software for. | Multi-tasking | iOS use to be able to cope with one application at a time. However the ability to switch between them has been improved. Double tap the home button to show the bar and then choose a different app. But because there is no constant task bar like in windows switching between applications can be tiresome. | Down to the ability to multitask and a further developed task bar. Windows has made it easier for users to switch between software, it’s quick and easy. |
Selling Points

The iOS system is fantastic for tablets and mobile devices. This is because of the easy to use multi touch graphic user interface it has. Another reason why it’s good is down to the Appstore. This is because users can download unlimited number of apps for their device and can use it within minutes of installing it. This is why the iPad has become popular among users and is growing all the time.
The Windows 7 OS overall is a good system for users. The reason for this is because of the amount of software that is available on the internet and from stores. Also the ability to create images and documents with ease, this being down to the physical mouse and keyboard implemented into the netbook. However Windows 7 is a fully functional operating system whereas iOS is a mobile system but they can both do similar things.
Bibliography
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/R/RISC.html (RISC) http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/C/CISC.html (CISC)
Images
http://www.pcgameshardware.com/screenshots/ original/2009/06/samsung-50nmddr3chip_full.jpg (ASUS RAM) http://www.macrumors.com/2012/03/15/first-teardown-of-new-ipad-underway/ (iPAD RAM) www.apple.com/uk (iPad Image) http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iPad-3-4G-Teardown/8277/2 (iPad display) http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iPad-3-4G-Teardown/8277/3 (iPad A5X chip) http://newspaper.li/static/9c96a72b99fe4f175ad79a27ba702191.jpg (SSD Image) http://www.computescotland.com/images/Mj1moWaMMxo3Mcxnkvem0b409e.jpg (HDD Image) http://www.iphonestuffs4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/iPhone-4-Battery.jpg (Battery image) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS_X (Mac OS X Lion image and History) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Windows (Windows 7 image and History)