desktop VS laptop

[phatkid77]

crikey, just saw some ads for computers and such, then was looking at costco....

for like $1100 u get 4gig RAM 500gig HD and a 24" LCD monitor!!! and laptops have DROPPED TOO...
3-4gig ram, 350gig HD for $8-1000

i have been wanting to just add 3gig ram to my relic, which would be cheaper, but dam... 22-24" monitor would be sweet!!

but if i was going to drop $1g, why not just get a laptop, its more portable....then i could junk my desktop?????

if i do upgrade anything, i may have vista uninstalled and put XP on it..
A. not such a RAM hog
B. my last laptop (returned it) had vista, and i found it to be very "buggy" and annoying..

discuss

phats

[MuSuLPhReAk]

What is going to be the main use of your computer? If you don't need a travelling computer and have the room, a desktop is your best. Easy to upgrade, components cheaper and if something goes wrong with it, easier and less expensive to fix. Laptops offer a much smaller screen in general and most people don't upgrade laptops when they see the price of the parts. But they have their benefits. I guess it really comes down to what you will use it for.

[RagingRandy]

I used to be a big believer in desktops. Mostly because of the restrictive upgrade path with laptops along with the price to performance ratio. We have now come to a point where the hardware is ahead of software. If you are not doing any gaming a laptop will probably suit your needs.

With laptops if you are not looking to move it around to much go for a 17". Also get the fastest processor you can afford. If you need to upgrade the ram or hard drives you can easily do that later. You can also check to see if the laptop will accept a second drive.

XP is a good idea but be warned, if it is all new components it is possible that you will not be able to source drivers. I used to hate VIsta because it was sooooo slow. I just purchased a laptop, for someone at the office, with a 2.5 ghz dual processor and the speed is tolerable, though I believe XP would even be faster. There is a lot of bloat that can be removed from Vista to speed things up. There are conflicting reports of Windows 7's release getting pushed up because of the poor acceptance of Vista. Some are saying 2009 some say not until 2011. Vista is known as Windows ME2.

[leeroy]

Early 2010 was last I heard for Windows 7.

[gsxr750]

Don't just go by the price of the system.. if it's $1100 and what you're focusing on is:

- 4GB ram $130
- 500GB HD $60
- 24" LG LCD $299

- What kind of ram? What are the speeds/timings?
- What kind of hard-drive? Cache? Latencies?
- What kind of processor? Motherboard?
- VIDEO CARD?

You want to check the brands and specifications of the internal componants. These things make a big diff. on the value you're getting. For $1100 you can build a pretty good system. Like has been mentioned it comes down to what you're going to use it for, if you start talking about the latest games, things change a bit. Office computer.. no sweat.

My point is I guess, is if all you're concerned with are those 3 pieces then you can build an all-in-one system for about half that.

:)

[RagingRandy]

I buy systems like this for standard users at my company. They are more than enough power to run things like Microsoft Office. For $200 you could barely buy the OS.
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3876425&CatId=2661

[Boulderer77]

.

[MuSuLPhReAk]

Nothing like laying outside in a hammock on a sunny day and perusing CBB!

Best line ever :tu

[spiderman7]

I'm looking to buy a laptop at this moment. All I need is something fairly simple, maybe surf the net, watch a flick and right some reports while in bed and of course browse CBB while lounging by the pool. Anyone have any suggestions on what brand is good?

[RagingRandy]

I'm looking to buy a laptop at this moment. All I need is something fairly simple, maybe surf the net, watch a flick and right some reports while in bed and of course browse CBB while lounging by the pool. Anyone have any suggestions on what brand is good?
What is your budget? Though I like Toshiba I own an HP. HP support is horrible. Good thing I am a tech and do not need it.

[gsxr750]

Dell had a warranty replacement part at my office the next day. That was impressive.

Really it's personal preference, i've had problems with every brand. Get what's on sale, and has a solid warranty and a good battery. If you want, if you find something that catches your eye.. post it up on here, I as well as others will glady give you an honest opinion on it.

[spiderman7]

What is your budget? Though I like Toshiba I own an HP. HP support is horrible. Good thing I am a tech and do not need it.

I was looking at not spending more then 650. Also don't mind it being used or refurbished. Is that too cheap! I have even looked at Ebay or that other site Kiji.

[RagingRandy]

I was looking at not spending more then 650. Also don't mind it being used or refurbished. Is that too cheap! I have even looked at Ebay or that other site Kiji.

For that price take a look at this.....
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10107468&catid=

[Freebsd1977]

Just got myself a Targus Cooling Chillmat for my lappy from Best Buy, it's on special now for $29.99, $17 off the original price. It's a laptop stand that has 2 fans in it and they keep the laptop cool and so far it's working great. Here's a pic:

http://www.targus.com/ca/product_images/awe11ca_accessories_b.jpg