← ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8

Writing a hardware recommendation for a user

A written pick of a device for a named user and workload. It lists key specs with numbers and gives a reason using the word 'because'.

Part of: ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8 — Hardware and Performance — Module 40

Understanding Writing a hardware recommendation for a user in ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8

What it does: It names Jay as a gamer, gives numbers for RAM and VRAM, picks a PC and uses 'because' to give the reason. A good recommendation starts by naming who the user is and what they will do with the device (their workload). Numbers like 8 GB and 60 FPS can be checked against a spec sheet. Words like 'fast' and 'lots' are vague. A reason links a spec to what the user needs. 'Because' shows that link. Personal opinion is not a reason. Specs should match the workload. Office tasks do not need a high-end GPU, so it would waste money.

Common mistakes: The reason is missing the word 'because'. A recommendation must link the pick to the need, for example: Why: it fits because 8 GB VRAM. The key specs must have numbers. 'Lots' and 'fast' are vague. It should say something like: Needs: 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 13–40) and word search (Modules 13–68).

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Learning
Duo
Which recommendation opening names the user and the workload?
I recommend the Laptop B because it is a good laptop.For Mia, a video editor who exports 4K clips, I recommend the Laptop B.
Matches
For Ella, an office worker, I recommend a good fast laptop because it is nice.
↓
The specs are vague with no numbers (such as 16 GB RAM or 512 GB SSD), and the reason 'it is nice' does not link to the workload.
Applying
Meanings
Term
hardware recommendation
Meaning
A written pick of a device for a named user and workload. It lists key specs with numbers and gives a reason using the word 'because'.
Practice
User: Mia, a video editor
Testing
Gaps
Pick the Laptop X it has 16 GB RAM.
Check Answer
Spots
3Pick: Laptop A, 16 GB, 8 GB
4Why: it has 8 GB VRAM

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Quick Questions

1. Which recommendation opening names the user and the workload?
A. For Mia, a video editor who exports 4K clips, I recommend the Laptop B. ✓
B. I recommend the Laptop B because it is a good laptop.
A good recommendation starts by naming who the user is and what they will do with the device (their workload).
2. Which sentence gives the key specs with numbers for a gamer?
A. It needs a fast GPU and lots of memory to run games well.
B. It needs a GPU with 8 GB of VRAM and 16 GB of RAM to run games at 60 FPS. ✓
Numbers like 8 GB and 60 FPS can be checked against a spec sheet. Words like 'fast' and 'lots' are vague.
3. Which sentence gives a proper reason using 'because'?
A. I recommend the Laptop A because its 16 GB of RAM lets Sam edit video without lag. ✓
B. I recommend the Laptop A. It is the one I like best.
A reason links a spec to what the user needs. 'Because' shows that link. Personal opinion is not a reason.
4. An office worker mostly uses email, documents and video calls. Which recommendation fits best?
A. A gaming laptop with 32 GB RAM and a top GPU, because more power is always better.
B. An 8 GB RAM laptop with a 256 GB SSD, because office tasks need little power and the user wants fast start-up. ✓
Specs should match the workload. Office tasks do not need a high-end GPU, so it would waste money.
5. A student on a budget needs a device for homework and costs $600 at most. Which is the better recommendation?
A. A $550 laptop with 8 GB RAM and a 256 GB SSD, because it covers schoolwork and stays under budget. ✓
B. A $1,800 laptop with 32 GB RAM, because it is the most powerful one.
A recommendation must respect the user's limits. The budget is part of what the user needs.

Match the Pairs

For Mia, a video editor, I recommend a laptop with 32 GB RAM because 4K clips need lots of memory. → A full recommendation: it names the user and workload, gives a spec with a number, picks a device and explains why with 'because'.
I recommend the Gamer X laptop. → An incomplete recommendation: it picks a device but gives no user, no spec numbers and no reason.
A recommendation for a gamer should name the user and give key specs with numbers. → For Jay, a gamer, I recommend a PC with 16 GB RAM and 8 GB VRAM because games need smooth graphics.
A recommendation for a student on a budget should pick a device and justify it with 'because'. → For Sam, a student on a budget, I recommend a $600 laptop with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD because it handles schoolwork and costs less.
For Ella, an office worker, I recommend a good fast laptop because it is nice. → The specs are vague with no numbers (such as 16 GB RAM or 512 GB SSD), and the reason 'it is nice' does not link to the workload.
I recommend a laptop with 16 GB RAM and a 1 TB SSD because it has lots of storage. → It does not name the user or their workload, so we cannot tell why these specs suit anyone.

Key Term

hardware recommendation
A written pick of a device for a named user and workload. It lists key specs with numbers and gives a reason using the word 'because'.

Fill in the Blanks

1. Pick the Laptop X because it has 16 GB RAM.
Hint: Type the word that links the device choice to its reason.
2. User: office worker Workload: emails and documents Key spec: 8 GB RAM
Hint: Type the label that names the person the recommendation is for.
3. A gamer needs a strong GPU for high FPS.
Hint: Type the part that draws graphics and sets the frame rate.
4. User: student on a budget Need: 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, under $800
Hint: Type the word that shows the maximum price limit.
5. Video editor: pick a CPU with 8 cores
Hint: Type the CPU feature that lets it handle many tasks at once.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A User: Kai, plays fast games
B Needs: 16 GB RAM, 8 GB VRAM
C Pick: Laptop A, 16 GB, 8 GB
D Why: it has 8 GB VRAM
Line D — The reason is missing the word 'because'. A recommendation must link the pick to the need, for example: Why: it fits because 8 GB VRAM.
Question 2
A User: Zoe, edits 4K video
B Needs: lots of RAM, fast SSD
C Pick: Laptop C, 32 GB, 1 TB
D Why: it fits because 32 GB RAM
Line B — The key specs must have numbers. 'Lots' and 'fast' are vague. It should say something like: Needs: 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD.
Question 3
A User: Sam
B Needs: 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD
C Pick: Laptop D, 8 GB, 256 GB
D Why: it fits because 8 GB RAM
Line A — A recommendation must name the user and their workload. This line only gives a name. It should be: User: Sam, office worker.
Question 4
A User: Ben, student, $700 max
B Needs: 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD
C Pick: Laptop E, $650
D Why: fits because $650 > $700
Line D — The reason contradicts itself. $650 is not more than $700, and a budget student needs a price under the limit. It should be $650 < $700.
Question 5
A User: Ida, plays 3D games
B Needs: 4 GB RAM, 0 GB VRAM
C Pick: PC F, 16 GB, 8 GB VRAM
D Why: it fits because 8 GB VRAM
Line B — The numbers are too small for 3D games. A gamer needs a graphics card with video memory. It should be: Needs: 16 GB RAM, 8 GB VRAM.

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