Computers

A computer is a physical platform for distributing a media product. It includes desktop machines, which stay in one place, and laptops, which fold shut and can be carried.

Computers are flexible because you can install a wide range of software and apps on them. A user could install an animation tool, open a browser, run a game or view an interactive product. That means one computer can present many different media products, and the audience is not limited to a single built-in service.

Computers usually have a web browser. This lets the audience use websites, such as watching a video on a web page or browsing a web-based gallery. For distribution, that is useful: a product placed online can be opened on a computer without a separate app being installed.

Portability

The main limitation is portability. A desktop is not portable at all, and a laptop is portable but much less easy to carry in a pocket than a phone or tablet. So a computer suits an audience sitting at a desk or on a sofa with a laptop, but it is awkward for someone who needs the product while travelling.

Controls

Computers are usually controlled with a mouse, keyboard or touchscreen. This is precise for typing, selecting small details and design work. However, it is less convenient than a television remote control when the audience is sitting back to watch. For example, a school could put a virtual art exhibition on its website; computers can open it and show detailed artwork, but a visitor on a bus would need a more portable platform.