NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
OF MODERN LANGUAGES
AICT THEORY
Muhammad Umair
SPRING-2025
Mam Saira
BS Artificial Intelligence
LAB MANUAL 01
Assignment 01
ASSIGNMENT #1
1. EVALUATING COMPUTERS AND MOBILE DEVICES
Evaluating a computer or mobile device means analyzing its hardware, software, and features to
determine if it meets specific needs. Several factors should be considered:
PERFORMANCE
• Processor (CPU): Determines speed and efficiency (e.g., Intel i9, Apple M1, AMD Ryzen).
• RAM (Memory): Affects multitasking (e.g., 8GB for basic use, 16GB+ for AI/ML tasks).
• Storage (SSD/HDD): SSDs are faster than HDDs (e.g., 512GB SSD > 1TB HDD).
PORTABILITY
• Laptops and tablets are easier to carry than desktops.
• Battery life matters (e.g., MacBooks have longer battery life than gaming laptops).
FUNCTIONALITY & USE CASE
• Gaming, business, AI development, content creation, etc.
• Example: A data scientist needs a high-performance laptop with a dedicated GPU.
OPERATING SYSTEM
• Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.
• Linux is better for developers, macOS for designers, Windows for general users.
PRICE VS. VALUE
• Budget-friendly laptops may lack high-end features.
• Expensive devices offer better durability and performance.
Example:
A university student may prefer a lightweight laptop with good battery life, while a game developer
needs a high-performance desktop.
2. MOBILE COMPUTERS AND DESKTOPS
MOBILE COMPUTERS
These are portable computing devices that can operate on battery.
• Laptops – Portable computers with built-in screens and keyboards.
• Tablets – Touchscreen computers without physical keyboards.
• Smartphones – Pocket-sized mobile computers.
DESKTOPS
These are stationary computers that require an external display, keyboard, and mouse.
• Gaming PCs – High-end desktops for gaming.
• Workstations – Powerful PCs for video editing and 3D rendering.
• Business Desktops – Optimized for office tasks.
Feature Mobile Computers Desktops
PORTABILITY High Low
POWER CONSUMPTION Lower (battery) Higher (direct power)
PERFORMANCE Moderate High
UPGRADABILITY Limited High
BEST FOR Traveling, general use Heavy tasks like AI, video editing
Example:
A software engineer may prefer a desktop for power and upgradability, while a freelancer might choose
a laptop for flexibility.
3. LAPTOPS
Laptops are portable personal computers that integrate all components into a single device.
TYPES OF LAPTOPS
• Ultrabooks – Slim, lightweight, long battery life (e.g., MacBook Air).
• Gaming Laptops – High GPU, powerful performance (e.g., ASUS ROG, Alienware).
• Business Laptops – Secure, durable (e.g., Dell Latitude, ThinkPad).
• 2-in-1 Laptops – Can convert into tablets (e.g., Microsoft Surface).
EXAMPLE:
A machine learning engineer needs a laptop with a dedicated GPU like an NVIDIA RTX 4080.
4. TABLETS AND OTHER MOBILE COMPUTERS
Tablets are portable touchscreen devices with larger screens than smartphones but no built-in
keyboards.
• Apple iPad Pro – Used for graphic design and note-taking.
• Samsung Galaxy Tab – Android alternative to iPads.
• Kindle – E-book reader with an e-ink display.
• Convertible Laptops (2-in-1s) – Can be used as both a tablet and a laptop.
EXAMPLE:
A student taking digital notes might use an iPad with an Apple Pencil.
5. HANDHELD COMPUTERS
Handheld computers are small devices designed for specific tasks, often operated with one hand.
• Smartphones – Most common handheld computers.
• Barcode Scanners – Used in retail and logistics.
• Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) – Used in healthcare and logistics.
EXAMPLE:
A warehouse worker uses a handheld scanner to track inventory.
6. DESKTOPS AND ALL-IN-ONES
DESKTOPS
• Require separate components like a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
• Best for heavy workloads, gaming, and AI development.
ALL-IN-ONE PCS
• Monitor and CPU combined in one unit.
• Sleek design but limited upgradability.
• Example: Apple iMac.
Feature DESKTOP ALL-IN-ONE
SPACE More Less
UPGRADABILITY High Low
PERFORMANCE High Moderate
BEST FOR Ai, gaming, video editing Office work, casual use
SPACE More Less
EXAMPLE:
A graphic designer might prefer an iMac, while a PC enthusiast will build a custom desktop.
7. SERVERS
Servers are powerful computers that provide services to multiple devices.
TYPES OF SERVERS:
• File Servers – Store and manage data.
• Web Servers – Host websites (e.g., Google Cloud).
• Database Servers – Manage large-scale databases.
EXAMPLE:
When you open Gmail, you are accessing Google’s email servers.
8. TERMINALS
Computers that depend on a central server for processing.
• Thin Clients – Low-power machines relying on a central server.
• POS Systems – Used in retail for payments.
EXAMPLE:
A bank teller’s computer is a terminal connected to a central banking server.
9. POINT-OF-SALE (POS) TERMINALS
Used in retail and hospitality to process payments.
FEATURES:
• Barcode Scanner
• Receipt Printer
• Card Payment System
EXAMPLE:
A supermarket cashier uses a POS system for billing.
10. WEARABLE DEVICES
Electronic devices worn on the body for fitness, health tracking, and notifications.
• Smartwatches – Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch.
• Fitness Bands – Fitbit, Xiaomi Mi Band.
• Smart Glasses – Google Glass.
EXAMPLE:
A runner wears a Fitbit to track calories and steps.
11. GAME DEVICES
Computers designed for gaming.
• Gaming Consoles – PlayStation, Xbox.
• Handheld Gaming Devices – Nintendo Switch.
• VR Headsets – Oculus Quest.
EXAMPLE:
A hardcore gamer might use a PlayStation 5 or RTX 4090 Gaming PC.
12. EMBEDDED COMPUTERS
Small computers built into devices for a specific function.
• Car ECUs – Manage engine performance.
• Smart Home Devices – Alexa, Nest Thermostat.
• Medical Devices – MRI machines.
EXAMPLE:
A smart fridge that suggests recipes uses an embedded computer.
