P_C or Laptop

I'm about to make the change from a desk-top to a lap-top as my primary device. I'll be keeping the old desk-top for photo processing, Quicken and other off-line tasks, but won't be going on-line with it any more. Its a Win XP box and doesn't have the capacity to go to a later version.

There are some pretty powerful lap-tops out there in the $250 range. I'd have to get MS Office along with it, but it will have a lot more OOMPH that my old box which cost almost $900 when I bought it.

I don't like touch-screens so won't be going for a tablet type. DW has an iPad and she has to clean the screen every few days to get rid of the fingermarks.

hershey wrote:
An alternative?
Get a nice laptop, a desktop screen (as large as you feel you need)
Get a bluetooth keyboard and mouse.
Connect them with the laptop safely stored out of the way and you have the best of all worlds.

This is what we did because extreme, precise photo editing is better with a stand alone monitor.

stetwood wrote:
Used towers from 1988 to about 2004 and then bought a new toshibia laptop, which lasted 3 years before the hinges busted, hooked it up to the cvt monitors until the hard drive died. We had replaced it for traveling with a refurb business Levino laptop in 07 and still using it with no problems. It is short on storage so have three external harddrives which also serve as backups. We take one of the harddrives and a mouse on the road at home we have a nice 24 inch monitor.Next one will also be a refurb Levino. Our Levino runs so much better than our daughters Mac.

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Is a "Levino" - a Lenovo?..:h

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bgant4 wrote:
I need a new desktop for my home. Was wondering about getting a laptop and using a big screen on my desk. Are laptops as durable as desktops?

Some (LOL!) will suggest you post/ask in the "Tech forum".

However,
you *will* find almost everything "Computer" in the *Technology Corner* forum..:W

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tpi wrote:

valhalla360 wrote:


If you just like to tinker, yes a desktop is easier to modify. For a typical user, there is no advantage.

Why do typical office workstations use desktop computers? Could it be that some or all of the reasons translate to permanent home installations?

I'd say definitely yes! I do not want a laptop in my cabinet with USB hub, external hard drives, audio DAC etc. all tossed in like spaghetti. It is more than just "tinkering."

Typically office workstations have been changing. 80% of our engineering office is laptop docking stations. Only a few people who do high end processing still have desktop systems and those are being phased out as their replacement comes up.

For an RV based discussion, the idea that a desktop is more reliable goes completely out the window. Desktops are not built to handle bouncing around.

Most people don't need USB hubs, external hard drives or audoi DAC, etc... A wireless router is about all most people need and if you aren't bringing a printer on the trip, that isn't really even needed to connect to campground/cell phone wifi.

You've yet to convince me other than liking to tinker, there is any reason to consider a desktop for RV use and for the vast majority, there isn't a need for home use.

valhalla360 wrote:


If you just like to tinker, yes a desktop is easier to modify. For a typical user, there is no advantage.

Why do typical office workstations use desktop computers? Could it be that some or all of the reasons translate to permanent home installations?

I'd say definitely yes! I do not want a laptop in my cabinet with USB hub, external hard drives, audio DAC etc. all tossed in like spaghetti. It is more than just "tinkering."

Used towers from 1988 to about 2004 and then bought a new toshibia laptop, which lasted 3 years before the hinges busted, hooked it up to the cvt monitors until the hard drive died. We had replaced it for traveling with a refurb business Levino laptop in 07 and still using it with no problems. It is short on storage so have three external harddrives which also serve as backups. We take one of the harddrives and a mouse on the road at home we have a nice 24 inch monitor.Next one will also be a refurb Levino. Our Levino runs so much better than our daughters Mac.

Before you buy a laptop, please google "Superfish." (Hopefully this doesn't violate forum rules??)

tpi wrote:

Why be old fashioned when it serves no purpose?

You can get all those things with a lapop. At the office, slip the laptop into a docking station and have twin 20" screens, an old clicky keyboard. Functionally, you can't tell the difference other than you don't have a big box under the desk.

Why eat broccoli instead of carrots?

I just like the big ol box. Parts are still cheap, I have an equally big ol desk with a compartment for the box. I can put the data drives in the box instead of USB external drives hanging outside. Same with a high end audio adapter vs. USB equivalent. Swap display adapters, power supplies easily. Lots of interesting internal hardware available. It is completely user repairable. It is neater than a laptop with a bunch of stuff hanging off it.

It is my permanent home workstation. Portability is not a factor.

My requirements for travel are so different than home that I use two computers. The Macbook Air draws 10-15 watts normally and is perfect for dry camping.

But full time at home, I'll use the tower desktops till they are no more.

Carrots and broccoli provide different vitamins and minerals. Laptops vs PC not so much.

If you just like to tinker, yes a desktop is easier to modify. For a typical user, there is no advantage.

wbwood wrote:
If you want to compare apples to apples (the exact same size and speed on laptop as a desktop), then you will need more money for your laptop apples. Laptops are more expensive than desktops and generally speaking, if you want something a laptop to equal what you can get in a desktop, be prepared to spend more money.

I am unfortunate to be the representative in my department to order new computer equipment. My employer requires laptops replaced every two years and desk tops every 4 years... that kind of gives you an idea of comparison.

Poor comparison, I doubt most of your desktops are being bounced around in an RV or you would be going laptops for everything.

For a basic user getting a basic machine there is almost no cost difference. Where can you get a desktop for under $250?