I'm getting ready to get a new computer before I start school full time again (more about that in another post later!) and I'm trying to figure out whether to go with a laptop or a desktop. I'm leaning towards a laptop, but I'm not sure! I've had my same computer for ten years!

Also, any opinions on which computers are better than others? I've had a Micron all this time and LOVE it, but they stopped making them shortly after we got ours.

By Karen~admin on Sunday, April 6, 2008 - 12:22 pm:

Both. LOL Actually, for school, I'd go with a laptop. We actually love Dell laptops, we have purchased 4 of them over the years for the kids, and for DH and for me, and we really haven't had issues with them. I know Sony Vaio is a good one, and Toshiba makes a good laptop.

*I* use a wireless mouse with mine because I hate those pads or joystick things on the actual laptop. DH uses a wireless keyboard for his at work.

By Dawnk777 on Sunday, April 6, 2008 - 01:34 pm:

Sarah's been doing fine at college, with a desktop computer. Both of her roommates have had laptops.

By Tonya on Sunday, April 6, 2008 - 02:41 pm:

We have a laptop and I would never switch back. It goes everywhere with us. We have a wireless mouse but I never use it I got use to the laptop mouse and have no problems with it.

By Ginny~moderator on Sunday, April 6, 2008 - 06:48 pm:

Whatever you choose, get it soon, because on June 30 Windows is going to disallow selling new laptops or desktops with Windows XP pre-loaded except for some special models (for which you probably wouldn't qualify or wouldn't want), and you'll be stuck with Vista. From everything I've read, Vista requires a whole lot more MB to run properly than XP (and the so-called "Vista ready" laptops have a lot of problems because they don't have the MBs required). Vista has a lot of bells and whistles and programs that you will probably never, ever want.

Personally, I think the only reason for having a laptop is if you intend to use it a lot for note-taking in class, or if you intend to do a lot of your school work at school. Otherwise, I would go with a desk model. (What my bosses do is plug their laptops in at their desks and use the regular monitor and keyboard at the office - I don't know how things are configured, but that is certainly an option. My bosses are lawyers, travel a lot on business, and can log into the firm's network on the road, which is why they want laptops.)

By Dana on Sunday, April 6, 2008 - 08:04 pm:

We own both. I prefer to use a desktop, however I am usually on my laptop. A laptop is more likely to break. Also, NEVER trip over the plug, it destroys it. And will cost a bunch to fix. I did this after being told a hundred times "your gonna trip over your wire and I'm not gonna fix it when it breaks." Finally it happened and sure enough the stuff inside the computer tore apart. Luckily DH fixed it for me, but he shared all the steps with me, so I figure most people just buy a new one at that point (dh is a elec engineer and that he works on electrical/computer "garbage" as he puts it.)

I make lots of typos on my laptop because of the smaller key pad. I also somehow manage to highlight and delete most or entire posts becuase I hit some combo of keys and poof there it goes.

But it is convenient and I like being able to have the same computer at home as I do at work. I also have a desktop at work as well, but only use it on occasion.

By Bellajoe on Sunday, April 6, 2008 - 08:09 pm:

We are a MAC family, they are so much more user friendly than pc's are. Plus you can do some cool stuff with the.

I'd definitely go with a laptop. We have one and LOVE it. In the summertime when the kid are outside I can take the lappy outside with me and email or check momsview, etc while outside with them. Right now i'm on the sofa while dh watches t.v. It's just so nice to have a portable computer.

By Crystal915 on Sunday, April 6, 2008 - 09:36 pm:

Laptop!!! Mine is dead, and I HATE sitting at a desk. If I could use a laptop at work I'd be so happy!!! Don't get a Dell laptop though, they have a known issue with charging because their charging thing is welded to the motherboard. That is what is wrong with mine and my friend's, neither one will charge any longer, even after having the motherboard re-welded.

By Luvn29 on Sunday, April 6, 2008 - 09:54 pm:

Thanks so much guys!

Bella, I would LOVE to get a Mac, but don't think I can afford to go that route right now.

Crystal, that's interesting about the Dell problem. That's the kind of info I'm looking for right now!

Anymore opinions?

By Debbie on Sunday, April 6, 2008 - 10:16 pm:

I love my laptop!! I am on my 2nd Dell laptop, and I have never had a problem. I wanted a Mac, but Dell had a good after Christmas sale, and I got my new Dell. It was a lot cheeper then the MAC. I love my new Dell.

By Chai~latte on Sunday, April 6, 2008 - 10:33 pm:

If you are looking for longevity get a desk top, lap tops do not last as long. It depends on how you plan to use it and who is going to use it. Will it be your computer or the family computer? If you are going to sit in the same place everyday with your computer then get a desk top. If you want to be able to sit on the sofa or take it with you then a lap top is your best option.

Also I look at lap tops as disposable electronics, usually too pricey to fix, best to just replace them, kind of like cameras these days. With desk tops it's easier to change components i.e. new key board if you spill your coffee, new monitor if necessary, add memory, more ports etc.

It really depends on your needs.

Hope that helps.

By Amecmom on Monday, April 7, 2008 - 08:10 pm:

I have an excellent Toshiba laptop, which has had issues, but I've had it fixed. I bought my mom a Dell laptop with a huge screen and she loves it! Not too many issues with Vista, either - mainly compatibility.
I don't think I'll ever get another desktop.
I don't think Dell is the only one with the charging problem. My HP and Toshiba also had the same problem. I had the Toshiba fixed, but not the HP.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Ame

By Imamommyx4 on Monday, April 7, 2008 - 09:16 pm:

I love my laptop. It can go anywhere--vacation(most hotels that we stay at have free internet), restaurants, etc. I can sit on the bed, the couch, desk or table and do my stuff.

I don't care which one you buy, but get the extended warranty. You WILL NOT regret it. I have had a few issues with mine, but I send it off and get it back in usually 3 days and never cost me a penny extra. I had a virus attack it before I got the current virus protector and it crashed and lost everything. They replaced it at no charge and told us to get the new virus protector. The ext warranty was an extra $100 or so but sooooo worth it.

I have a Gateway, and I have friends with Apples and HP. We have all had some issue or another.

By Imamommyx4 on Monday, April 7, 2008 - 09:18 pm:

You might want to try www.komando.com. Kim Komando always has some good advice about what to buy. I like to listen to her show on the radio.