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Laptop Vs. Desktop

I’m thinking of ditching my desktop computer forever and switching to a laptop. I spend too much time away from my desk to keep one there. I hate CRTs: they’re big, inefficient, and lose focus over time. The one on my desk is on its last leg. I don’t think I’ll be replacing it. Laptops have nice, crisp displays built-in.

Today’s laptops have enough power that I wouldn’t really be giving anything up. Why would I want or need a desktop?

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    • Laptops have very limited upgrade options – memory and hard drive are about it for the vast majority of them. With a desktop machine, you can upgrade just about anything (unless you buy a Dell, in which your upgrade options are more limited).
    • Laptops are more expensive. I just got a Compaq Presario SR1800NX for work – 3.06 GHz Celeron D, 512MB of RAM, 100GB hard drive, 48X CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive, 17″ CRT, printer – for $300 after the mail-in rebates. A laptop will set you back as least twice as much, and it won’t be as fast. Also, plan on replacing the battery about once every 18 months, when it refuses to hold a charge.
    • Laptops are more difficult and expensive to repair. Most of their parts are proprietary, so you’re forced to go back to the manufacturer (who has no incentive to give a break to a captive audience).
    • Laptops are more fragile. They’re subject to more wear and tear just from being lugged around.

    If your CRT is the issue, why not simply buy an LCD monitor?

  3. Because a LCD is still an anchor, like a CRT. I love the freedom my company laptop provides me. I can work anywhere. It has lots of RAM and disk space, so I don’t really compromise on things.

    The only potential drawback is the gaming performance of a laptop, something that simply isn’t important to me. Sonud is also less than stellar, but with USB sonud devices becoming more affordable, this isn’t an issue, either.

    While its true that the batteries do wear out, I tend to use my laptop while plugged in, anyway.

    I just don’t see much use for a desktop in these cases.

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