Laptop vs. Desktop

[MJ4H]

Getting a new computer within the week I hope. I know laptops cost more and are less upgradable than a desktop system, but what are other pros and cons can you guys give me about each. Honestly, the idea of a wireless router making it possible to use the internet from different rooms in my house just by carrying the notebook in there is very appealing to me. Thoughts?

[Franklinnoble]

Depends on how much money you wanna spend. If money is not a big object, I'd get a laptop, but you definately get more bang for your buck with a desktop.

If you travel much, a laptop is real nice to have. It's really a lifestyle thing after you take money out of the equation. With a laptop, you can tote it around to a coffee shop or a library and goof around with it without being a total recluse. I dunno... when I had one, I liked being able to blow time at Starbucks sucking down mochas and working on freelance newspaper articles.

Now, I'm married with kids, so I don't really get to do that much anyway. I'd still probably go for the laptop, just to be able to carry it to and from work and such.

[MizzouRah]

Just read an article about how desktops used to be far ahead of getting a laptop in terms of price and technology, but now it's just about even and they even recommed a laptop if you're split on the choice.

Pick up the latest PC World (I think).


Todd

[albionmoonlight]

We got a laptop b/c my wife wanted to take it to/from coffeshop/library, etc. I thought that I would only use it as a desktop; however, I have found that I really like the portability of it--even if it is just the difference between using it upstairs or downstairs depending on what else is going on in the house.

[Philliesfan980]

Well, you can get the best of both worlds (The speed/power of a desktop / with the portability of a laptop) if you go out and get yourself a Sager laptop (http://www.pctorque.com).

What they do is specilize in custom, high end laptops. These aren't your typical 4 hour, lightweight laptop. These are heavy, 2 hour battery life, but really powerful laptops. I'm doing research, and saving up for one myself. To me, it seems like this is the perfect computer for someone who is planning on leaving it plugged in most of the time.

[Galaril]

I would also, take a look at Alienware's line of laptops.THey are the main competitor of Sagers'.

[jeff061]

Depends how heavily you game. If the most system intensive game you play is FOF, and the rest is Office apps I'd stay clear of Alienware's and Sager's and go the more conventional route of Dell, or Toshiba, or IBM. You can get a solid laptop for a grand, and a faster one with a nicer screen for about 1700-2000.

If you have the money, and don't need to upgrade often, there is no reason not to go laptop. You can plug them right into a monitor/mouse/keyboard if you want to have an offce setup. However if you are looking at more system intensive gaming you are probably going to be spending $2500+ for a laptop equal to a $1200 desktop.

[WussGawd]

The gap between laptops & desktops is narrowing. In fact, some of the high ends are even a bit more upgradeable than they used to be.

I haven't had a real desktop (outside of an old DOS box I keep around to play old games) in years. I've been exclusively laptop, quite happily, for 8 years now. I could never give up the portability of it, particularly now that we're wireless-G with cable modem.

[jeff061]

Granted, I'm pricing out a desktop in my head on a per component basis, not as a fully prebuilt system.

Desktops are cheaper now than they have ever been, bar none.

[Young Drachma]

Yeah, I think it really depends on how much money you have to spend. But all things being equal, I am thrilled with the portablity of my laptop and no matter how fast a machine I could've bought for the price I paid for this thing, I couldn't trade in how useful its been in myriad situations since I bought it in Februrary.

So, it really depends on your situation. But my vote is laptop because of how portable they are and the things you can do. You could always get a cheap desktop later on, if you felt like you weren't getting enough power to do the things you need (e.g. gaming) at home.

[oliegirl]

Radii and I have "switched" computers since he moved in, I have a laptop which now stays near the couch and 99% of the time that is what he uses. I am usually on the desktop, but only because that is where the scanner and printer are. Most times I am doing something wedding related, scrapbook related, or messing with my online pictures and I need the equipment. Other than that, I love my laptop and wouldn't trade it for the world!!!! I took it to the beach with me last week and was able to watch DVD's on it, and got some work done also.

[henry296]

I love my laptop. Wireless network and poker on the couch watching the games.

[MizzouRah]

hehe.. Dell was rated #1, Compaq #2. I have a Compaq laptop and love it, but I'm on my Dell desktop more often.


Todd

[pennywisesb]

I had a Compaq desktop and my buddy had a Compaq laptop and both of us had nothing but problems with them. I then got an HP Laptop and have had no problems at all since I got it 2 years ago. I'd recommend HP over Compaq anyday. The mobility of a laptop is huge once you get one (especially with all the wireless internet popping up everywhere). Also, I play alot of games on my laptop and never have had a problem running any of them.

[oliegirl]

I love my laptop. Wireless network and poker on the couch watching the games.

OK - this is scary...Radii is on the couch right now, watching the game and playing online poker through the wireless network!!!! Are you sure you two aren't long lost twin brothers or something????

[henry296]

Originally Posted by oliegirl

OK - this is scary...Radii is on the couch right now, watching the game and playing online poker through the wireless network!!!! Are you sure you two aren't long lost twin brothers or something????

Hopefully he is having better luck than me.

[Hurst2112]

Online poke her?

[oliegirl]

Hopefully he is having better luck than me.

From the sound effects I am hearing, I don't think so...

[MJ4H]

Just to let you know, I decided on an HP Pavillion laptop with a 3.0 ghz processor and geforce fx video card. It also has a 17 inch widescreen and built-in wireless network card. I get to go pick it up tonight at 7 pm and I am currently jonesing big time.

[Cuckoo]

Originally Posted by MattJones4Heisman

Just to let you know, I decided on an HP Pavillion laptop with a 3.0 ghz processor and geforce fx video card. It also has a 17 inch widescreen and built-in wireless network card. I get to go pick it up tonight at 7 pm and I am currently jonesing big time.

Very similar to what I have, although mine has ATI. I love it.

[MJ4H]

Holy crap Im on it now and it totally rules. Im on my couch in the living room. I may not sleep tonight.

[Daimyo]

Originally Posted by pennywisesb

I'd recommend HP over Compaq anyday.

They've been the same company for nearly 2 years now.

[Noop]

Originally Posted by MattJones4Heisman

Just to let you know, I decided on an HP Pavillion laptop with a 3.0 ghz processor and geforce fx video card. It also has a 17 inch widescreen and built-in wireless network card. I get to go pick it up tonight at 7 pm and I am currently jonesing big time.

What did that cost you? And is it possibe to get maybe 2 gigs of ram for this setup you have there....

[MJ4H]

It cost $1500 after rebate from Best Buy. The RAM was the only real downside of this thing, only 512 MB. I do not know if there are similar machines with more RAM, but I'll bet the HP website would have more info.

[Noop]

Originally Posted by MattJones4Heisman

It cost $1500 after rebate from Best Buy. The RAM was the only real downside of this thing, only 512 MB. I do not know if there are similar machines with more RAM, but I'll bet the HP website would have more info.

Thanks. 1500 is alot of money to spend on a new computer but I am sure I can corner my mom in order for her to buy me one. Also how does a rebate work? (I have always wondered. Do you get a check in the mail or something?)

[Cuckoo]

Originally Posted by Noop

(I have always wondered. Do you get a check in the mail or something?)

Yep, provided that you fill everything out exactly as they ask you to and mail everything they request. Watch the fine print because it seems to me they'd love to trip you up and not have to give you the rebate. I've been involved with some (not HP) that act almost as if they make it hard enough on you, you'll eventually give up.

Even if all goes well, it'll be a couple of months before you see the check. They're so common now, though. It's difficult to avoid them.

[MizzouRah]

Rebates are one of the biggest scams going today. Oh how I hate them. The good thing is Best Buy has a rebate center you can call to check on your check.


Todd

[korme]

I will never, ever, get used to the 'mouse' on laptops. The ball or sensitive pad are too frustrating for me.

[Philliesfan980]

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

Rebates are one of the biggest scams going today. Oh how I hate them. The good thing is Best Buy has a rebate center you can call to check on your check.


Todd

I agree. The rebates take FOREVER to get (most of the time, way beyond the 6-8 weeks they promise). I imagine that they have one person in a room processing all these requests (why spend too much money , just to give money back).

Numerous times I've never received anything at all.

[Philliesfan980]

Originally Posted by Noop

Thanks. 1500 is alot of money to spend on a new computer but I am sure I can corner my mom in order for her to buy me one. Also how does a rebate work? (I have always wondered. Do you get a check in the mail or something?)

Ask my mom to get me one? Get a job.

[Noop]

Originally Posted by Philliesfan980

Ask my mom to get me one? Get a job.

Kinda hard when I am in summer workout sessions for football. I would ask my dad but me and the old man aren't on speaking terms so all I have is my mom. Then again I could quit playing sports to work a summer job just for a laptop...

Summer Job = Laptop
Summer Workout = Possible career

I'll take the workout thanks.

Oh and rebates sound like a pain in the you know what and where.

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

Rebates are one of the biggest scams going today. Oh how I hate them. The good thing is Best Buy has a rebate center you can call to check on your check.


Todd

How are they a big scam? They're only a scam if you're lazy enough to not send them in. I've never had a problem with a Best Buy rebate. But I'm sure the reason they do it is because some people are just too foolish to turn them in so they make money off of that.

SI

[NoMyths]

Originally Posted by Noop

Kinda hard when I am in summer workout sessions for football. I would ask my dad but me and the old man aren't on speaking terms so all I have is my mom. Then again I could quit playing sports to work a summer job just for a labtop...

Summer Job = Lab top
Summer Workout = Possible career

I'll take the workout thanks.

Oh and rebates sound like a pain in the you know what and where.

Psst...laptop.

[korme]

Originally Posted by Philliesfan980

Ask my mom to get me one? Get a job.

He's not even out of fuckin' HS yet, ass.

[Philliesfan980]

Originally Posted by Shorty3281

He's not even out of fuckin' HS yet, ass.

Hey fucker, its called a part time summer job.

High school workouts? Give me a break. I'm sick of people not working for what they have. Unless he's in 9th or 10th grade, he really has no excuse.

[korme]

Did you play High School Football? It is really difficult to keep a job when football takes up time nearly every day during the summer.

[Philliesfan980]

Originally Posted by Shorty3281

Did you play High School Football? It is really difficult to keep a job when football takes up time nearly every day during the summer.

No, I didn't play high school football. I did however play baseball in high school, and know what its like to go through morning/afternoon drills.

I waited tables nights. I just don't get whats so hard about that. Its mindless, easy, work. You can easily do both. I'm just so sick of people asking for handouts.

[Noop]

Originally Posted by Philliesfan980

No, I didn't play high school football. I did however play baseball in high school, and know what its like to go through morning/afternoon drills.

I waited tables nights. I just don't get whats so hard about that. Its mindless, easy, work. You can easily do both. I'm just so sick of people asking for handouts.

First off why do you care so much? It is my parents not yours they are actually doing a fine job. They would rather me be focused in school then have work me where my mind starts to wonder. Also if you know anything about football in south florida you would know this is not something you do only in the fall. It is a year round event buddy. I am not asking for any handouts from anyone last I check if a parent is able to provide for their child they will do so provided their kid is not a total screw up...which I am not. If my mom says no then guess what I won't beg or cry for it. Also calling Shorty fucker is not cool at all he was attempting to make a point which he did.

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by Noop

So like a endless bus ride where the hell do you get off.

For some reason, my first thought upon reading this was "Now make like a tree, and get outta here". "It's LEAVE, you idiot! 'Make like a tree, and leave.' You sound like a damn fool when you say it wrong. " No, I'm not sure why but I think it's because that just looked somewhat out of place in the paragraph. Either way, don't mind me. I don't have anything to contribute here.

SI

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by sterlingice

How are they a big scam? They're only a scam if you're lazy enough to not send them in. I've never had a problem with a Best Buy rebate. But I'm sure the reason they do it is because some people are just too foolish to turn them in so they make money off of that.

SI

Exactly, a BEST BUY rebate because they have a rebate center. What about other places? I've had numerous times when I had to call the manufacturer in order to see where the f my damn rebate was only to hear, "We're sorry sir, we'll send another one out to you."

My uncle just called me yesterday and said he's been waiting for 8 weeks on a rebate, is that really necessary to wait that f'in long?

Companies hope: A. People forget to send them in (lazy) B. People forgot they sent them in (not all cases, but some I'm sure)

Instead of making the price X amount cheaper, they sell it that much higher and make more money because they are a hassle to some people. I think it's a bunch of bs.


Todd

[Philliesfan980]

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

Exactly, a BEST BUY rebate because they have a rebate center. What about other places? I've had numerous times when I had to call the manufacturer in order to see where the f my damn rebate was only to hear, "We're sorry sir, we'll send another one out to you."

My uncle just called me yesterday and said he's been waiting for 8 weeks on a rebate, is that really necessary to wait that f'in long?

Companies hope: A. People forget to send them in (lazy) B. People forgot they sent them in (not all cases, but some I'm sure)

Instead of making the price X amount cheaper, they sell it that much higher and make more money because they are a hassle to some people. I think it's a bunch of bs.


Todd

Exactly. Why not just lower the price from the start? I can understand some manufacturer's rebates, but when the rebate is from the store itself, I see no reason for them.

[Philliesfan980]

Originally Posted by Noop

First off why do you care so much? It is my parents not yours they are actually doing a fine job. They would rather me be focused in school then have work me where my mind starts to wonder. Also if you know anything about football in south florida you would know this is not something you do only in the fall. It is a year round event buddy. I am not asking for any handouts from anyone last I check if a parent is able to provide for their child they will do so provided their kid is not a total screw up...which I am not. If my mom says no then guess what I won't beg or cry for it. Also calling Shorty fucker is not cool at all he was attempting to make a point which he did.

Its cool, I'm glad that you work hard with football and school and such. I guess I just see "I'll ask my mom for a laptop" and my brain goes nuts. I'm not normally mean or confrontational. I just believe that earning what you have makes you a better person in the long run. You seem to be a nice guy, so its cool.

[MJ4H]

Originally Posted by Shorty3281

I will never, ever, get used to the 'mouse' on laptops. The ball or sensitive pad are too frustrating for me.

I agree. I bought a mini optical mouse for use. Touch pads suck.