Question: OK, year-end closeouts are here and I'm going to treat myself to a new computer. However, I am trying to decide between a laptop and a desktop computer. Do you have any guidelines to help me choose?
Answer: I've used both and overall I'd have to recommend going with a desktop model unless you know for sure that you absolutely, positively just have to have a portable computer. If you need to take a computer (stress need - not want) then you'll be stuck with a laptop.
Why am I so hard on laptops? Easy - for the same money, you can find a desktop computer that will run circles around the laptop.
Laptops tend to be slower, have smaller HDs, and you're stuck with the factory screen (OK, you can usually attach another external monitor if you like). From a performance viewpoint, there's no competition - you get WAY more power and performance with a desktop for the same money.
In addition, desktops tend to be more upgradeable too. Try sticking a new $20.00 network card in your laptop. You can't - you gotta buy a PCMICA card. Need more memory? It's a lot cheaper for a desktop. Want to add a second hard drive? You can only use an expensive external drive on a laptop. Need to upgrade your video card? Forget it. Want a better sound card - have fun trying that upgrade on a laptop.
Yeah, yeah, I know. It can be argued that there are a lot of USB accessories that do the jobs described above for your laptop, but you still have more choices with a desktop (and you're not stuck with a dozen little gadgets lying around).
Oh, and if you have visions of sitting on a beach or even working outside, forget it. Sunlight makes it next to impossible to read most laptop screens and the stupid things are too hot to have sitting on your lap for any amount of time. Besides, you have any idea what a spilled tropical drink will do to the innards of your laptop? YIKES!
All that said, if there is a need for portability, a laptop is the must-have computer. If you are always wishing you had a computer with you on out-of-town trips, then you gotta go laptop - it's the best choice. If you need to be able to use your computer wirelessly throughout your house due to space constraints, then a laptop makes more sense.
However, if you simply think it would be "nice" or "cool" to have a laptop, then do yourself a huge favor and jump on a screamin' desktop computer for the same money.
Just my ever-so-humble opinion of course :-) I'll watch my step as I come down from my soapbox...
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