Unit One Computers and Mobile Devices

Part 1 Listening and Speaking

Dialogue: Buying a New Notebook Computer

（After class，Sophie & Henry are standing by the door，waiting for Mark.）

Henry: Excuse me,Sophie.May I ask you some questions about computers？

Sophie: Sure.What can I do for you？

Henry: I want to buy a new notebook computer,but I'm not sure which kind is better,the traditional notebook or ultrabook. What do you think? [1]

Sophie: Let me see.In my view,although these two categories of notebook computers have the same general appearance，they vary greatly in power,storage capacity,weight,and battery life.It depends on [2]your uses.

Henry: Well,I am a regular user.I need a desktop replacement and portable computer.I typically run office software，use the Internet,and listen to music.

Sophie: I see.My advice is that you should purchase an affordable traditional notebook computer that includes the following specs: middle-tier processors—not the fastest but not the slowest either；4-to 8-GB of RAM; a 500-GB hard drive; and a 15-inch screen.

Henry: Is it expensive？

Sophie: Approximately $500 to $700 currently.For maximum savings,as well as compatibility with most software，many buyers choose Windows-based PCs.

（When they are talking，Mark comes toward them.）

Sophie & Henry: Hi,Mark.

Mark: Hi,Henry and Sophie.

Sophie: You are just on time.Just before we were talking about Henry's buying a notebook computer.I heard that you want to purchase a new one also.

Mark: Yes.I am a power user. I need a portable computer that can handle the latest video games or process-intensive operations such as video editing,engineering，and design.Sophie,what do you recommend？

Sophie: I see.Well,I suggest that you should purchase a traditional notebook computer that includes the following minimum specs: the fastest categories of processors with large number of cores and high GHz count; a graphical processor（GPU）outside of the main CPU; 8-GB of RAM; a 750-GB hard drive; and a 17-inch screen.

Mark: How much does it cost? [3]

Sophie: Approximately $1000,perhaps more.For games，many individuals choose Windows-based PCs.The video and design industries usually use Macs.What else do you want [4]to know？

Henry: Well,if I want a small,lightweight computer that I can carry,and hope it has a long battery life for extended use,can I purchase a computer like that？Sophie: Yes.You can purchase an ultrabook with 11-to 13-inch screen,solid-state hard drive,4-GB of RAM，and weight under 4 pounds.

Mark: I guess it is very expensive.

Sophie: Not really,$700 to $1000.Many ultrabooks will not include a DVD drive.Windows-based ultrabooks tend to [5]be more affordable.The MacBook is slightly more expensive,but it has always been considered a leader in the lightweight notebookfield.

Mark: Ok,we've got it.Sophie,thanks for your valuable suggestions.

Sophie: My pleasure.

Exercises

Work in a group,and make up a similar conversation by replacing the statements with other expressions on the right side.

Words

ultrabook　　　　　　　　　　　　　超薄笔记本电脑；超级本

portable[ˈpɔ:təbl]　　　　　　adj.　 便携式的，易携带或移动的

specs[speks]　　　　　　　　n.　　 说明，规格（spec的名词复数），规范

compatibility[kəmˌpætiˈbiliti]　 n.　　 兼容性，适合性

core[kɔ:]　　　　　　　　　n.　　 核，核心，芯

count[kaunt]　　　　　　　 n.　　 计数，计算

solid-state[ˈsɔlidˌsteit]　　　　adj.　 固态的

Phrases

notebook computer　　　　　　　　　 笔记本型电脑，笔记本式计算机，笔记型电脑

power user　　　　　　　　　　　　 高级用户，超级用户

outside of　　　　　　　　　　　　 在……的外面