Desktop V Laptop

[porkchop]

My Compaq Presario desktop has given me great service but it is now ready for the skip and i am shopping for a replacement. My query is, should i go for another Desktop or should i opt for a Laptop with similar specifications? I am not interested in gaming and my computer is used for daily personal use and is usually connected to a good quality Canon printer. Hope i can get good advice!

[VHG]

Both desktops and laptops have their advantages and disadvantages.

With a desktop you get more PC for the money than a laptop. Desktop PCs generally have faster CPUs and hard disks (for the same money), and larger screens of course.

Desktops tend to last longer than laptops. Desktops stay in one place so don't get damaged, whereas laptops can get dropped or knocked so have a shorter life.

Laptops are portable so can be used all over the house or even in the garden, and can be taken out with you while you are away (holiday etc). Desktops are usually fixed in the one place, so have to be used where they are.

Laptops can be used away from a mains power supply.

Desktops are larger so take up more room.

Laptops are easier to steal than desktops !

So it is really down to how you expect to use your PC.

If you are retired (like me) then I am at home most of the time and have my own office at home so I have a desktop as I love having a 24" screen (though I also have a laptop but don't use it much).

But if you are younger and go out a lot or visit other people's houses, or want to use a computer in different rooms in your house or take it on holiday, then a laptop is best.

So pluses and minuses for both, so it is really up to you what are the most important things.

p.s. With the costs of computers being as low as they have ever been then you could have a desktop AND a laptop.

A few years ago a PC may have cost you £500 or £600, now you can get both a desktop AND laptop for £500 or £600.

[ummmm]

My works computer is just a monitor with everything built into it (except keyboard/mouse) so if I wanted to take it to another room I could do it as easily as a laptop.

[hc4361]

ummm, I have one of those. An all in one pc with a 24" screen. Suits me, but wouldn't suit everyone.

[Sqad]

Good precis by VHG.

I have desktop, laptop and iPad and i can never wait to get back to my desktop as the other two are so "fiddly."

[VHG]

>>so if I wanted to take it to another room I could do it as easily as a laptop.

Well not quite as easily.

You will still need to carry the keyboard and mouse separately (unlike a laptop), and you would need a flat hard surface to stand the all-in-one on.

And I would like to see how you get on with your "all in one" in bed (whereas you can use a laptop in bed !!).

Sorry but a laptop is far more potable than an all-in-one desktop PC.

[porkchop]

Thanks VHG, I forgot to mention that i have a great 20" LG TV which i currently use as my monitor and this can be easily hooked up to a new desktop. My unit is placed on a computer desk which as ample room for printer and keyboard so i guess i will be shopping for a new desktop. My next search is for the best value desktop which suits my needs.

[jomifl]

As well as vhg's points a desktop has the advantage that (assuming enough empty card slots) you can add specialised cards and interfaces and extra hard drives if and when you need them. With a laptop you have to try to foresee your future requirements and buy a certain amount of redundancy 'just in case'.

[ummmm]

Okay...I put the keyboard on the stand and put the mouse on the keyboard (both wireless) pick the monitor up and go.

It's a nice and neat desktop and very portable within your house. Obviously not for taking on your holidays. I have a Kindle for that...

[Buenchico]

It's worth remembering that health & safety rules prohibit employers from providing their employees with laptops for regular office-based work, since it's impossible to adopt a genuinely comfortable position when using a laptop. Obviously such rules don't apply to domestic use but anyone using a computer at home for prolonged periods should always use a desktop to avoid the health problems which can arise from extended computer use.

Porkchop:
Unless you need high-end processing capabilities (e.g. for professional level video editing), I'd suggest buying a refurbished Windows 7 PC (which you could then upgrade, for free, to Windows 10 if you so chose). This is where I buy from:
http://www.accomputerwarehouse.com/products/computing/refurbished-computers
(That's an excellent company, both in terms of product quality and customer service. I've bought loads of stuff from them, both for myself and on behalf of others, and I've never had a problem).