Laptop Or Desktop?

The Golden Boy · #1 05-16-2008, 05:34 AM

Not what you're using- what you prefer using...

I know there's people who prefer using laptops. I don't understand why...

For the past couple months I've been playing around with a MacBook Pro. It's pretty nifty in that it's got 4G of RAM and it's fast as all get out- it's also cool playing around with OS 10.4, as I'm pretty much used to XP. But as with all laptops- I just hate using laptops. The keyboard is goofy, I hate using touchpads- so I've got a mouse hooked up. The monitor is still tiny compared to a "regular" monitor.

All in all I'm uncomfortable on a laptop.

playinpearls · #2 05-16-2008, 06:07 AM

i agree, laptops seem to be just for conveinence of carrying your computer around, other than that they suck....especially those finger mouse pads! ugh!! i hate those things!

Tsal · #3 05-16-2008, 06:19 AM

Laptop with external display, keyboard and mouse. Works like a desktop and is instantly portable.

Bruce Lindfield · #4 05-16-2008, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tsal

Laptop with external display, keyboard and mouse. Works like a desktop and is instantly portable.

Yup - I've got two like that - I hate laptop keyboards - but it's so easy to plug a USB keyboard and mouse in!

The Golden Boy · #5 05-16-2008, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tsal

Laptop with external display, keyboard and mouse. Works like a desktop and is instantly portable.

I guess I'm all luddite and stuff...

External (additional) mouse, keyboard and display... no thanks...

Dan1099 · #6 05-16-2008, 06:56 AM

I got used to laptops, and now HATE standard keyboards. The buttons feel so big and clumsy. And I'm more than capable with a trackpad.

Seriously, dock the thing when at home. Instant desktop. I even run both displays, the laptop one along with the external one. Super handy for doing comparison work, or combining work on one screen with play on the other.

Phantopeth · #7 05-16-2008, 07:19 AM

I think context is key here. I would prefer a desktop for my home computer, for the ergonomics and increased power-potential of it, but wouldn't mind having a laptop for if I wanted to check something out in front of the TV, or write a paper or do research on the go.

Right now all I have is an aging Powerbook G4; I can't wait to augment it with a new iMac. Mouse and keyboard with a much larger display/hard drive and much faster CPU for my primary PC, and a stripped down laptop for living room Internetting. Best of both worlds!

Bottomline: unless you foresee having the ability to be mobile being advantageous for you for any reason, I suggest a desktop. Besides, you already know from experience you don't like them.

Peaved · #8 05-16-2008, 07:34 AM

Desktop is my preference, but I like to overclock, tweak cooling, and add upgrades without paying through the nose.

groovit · #9 05-16-2008, 08:02 AM

+1 on docking...Throw a wireless mouse on a laptop and you're good to go. I've gotten so used to the laptop keyboard (IBM t60p) that I can't stand full size keyboards, and constantly mistype on them...YMMV of course...

jwbassman · #10 05-16-2008, 08:50 AM

I had to go Carrot Top.

At work I'm on a desktop all day.

At home I'm usually on a laptop, kicked back in a recliner surfing the net drooling over basses. But, OTOH, if I have to do any type of website / design work I switch to my desktop in my home office.

So for leisure I use the Laptop and work I use a desktop.

mothmonsterman · #11 05-16-2008, 09:38 AM

Laptops are great, mine goes everywhere with me. And you can chill anywhere with it, especially when i have to do something for work and I'm at the bar.

Only thing i use my desktop for is my nerd games.

Pilgrim · #12 05-16-2008, 09:41 AM

Laptops are OK for my work. To me a docking laptop is just the thing for work, so I can carry files and references with me. I put up with the laptop keyboard while traveling, because there is no way I will carry a separate keyboard around.

For home - I buy computers to keep for some time and I know I'll probably add hard drives and memory. For that, a desktop is the ONLY way to go.

tplyons · #13 05-16-2008, 11:09 AM

I've been using a laptop as my primary computer so long a desktop actually seems foreign.

MakiSupaStar · #14 05-16-2008, 11:53 AM

I use a laptop, but I probably wouldn't buy one unless I really needed it. Desktops go obsolete slower. I also like the ability to leave them behind. Laptops make work follow you around.

rfclef · #15 05-16-2008, 01:55 PM

If have to have one or the other: LAptop all the way. When my wife left, she took the new neato desktop we had and I had a school laptop I used at work to run FInale and my MIDI keyboard. When I got a computer for myself, and got a laptop cause I did not want to be without one at my next job (I stink at piano... LAptop was my accompanist when I taught Choir. Now I am so used to working sittin in my chair at home and taking my computer when I travel (a lot) I would never be without one now. (Just got a new laptop last year...).

MakiSupaStar · #16 05-16-2008, 01:57 PM

Funny thing. My iphone makes me turn my laptop on less.

lemur821 · #17 05-16-2008, 02:14 PM

Laptop. The keyboard will take a little while to get used to, but one you do they're usually great. They often have much better key-feel than all the mushy desktop keyboards. Touchpads are nice too once you use them for a while, as is the ability to operate the cursor with your thumb while keeping your hands on the keyboard. But above all, the ability to sit anywhere while I use it is great, especially when reading a lot of text or programming. I can get comfortable on the bed rather than sitting at a desk for ages. Or I can move between the two, then go sit on the couch, and so on. The monitor isn't huge, but it's not tiny either, thanks to foresight on my part. If I could only have one, I'd pick laptop (and in fact that is all I have at the moment).

Desktops are nice for gaming since you can get your monitor and speakers at eye and ear level, but they're significantly less comfortable to use for most things. A desktop is like having to staple all your books to the wall while you read them.

rfclef · #18 05-16-2008, 02:56 PM

Oh:

Touchpad works great.... The only time I prefer a mouse is when using Finale, then I go much faster with the mouse going...

John Deppel · #19 05-16-2008, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MakiSupaStar

Laptops make work follow you around.

Amen! I absolutely hate the fact that my wife insists on me having a cell phone even...nice thing is you are "reachable" 24/7...bad thing, you're "reachable" 24/7

TehRoflCopter · #20 05-16-2008, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemur821

Laptop. The keyboard will take a little while to get used to, but one you do they're usually great. They often have much better key-feel than all the mushy desktop keyboards. Touchpads are nice too once you use them for a while, as is the ability to operate the cursor with your thumb while keeping your hands on the keyboard. But above all, the ability to sit anywhere while I use it is great, especially when reading a lot of text or programming. I can get comfortable on the bed rather than sitting at a desk for ages. Or I can move between the two, then go sit on the couch, and so on. The monitor isn't huge, but it's not tiny either, thanks to foresight on my part. If I could only have one, I'd pick laptop (and in fact that is all I have at the moment).

Desktops are nice for gaming since you can get your monitor and speakers at eye and ear level, but they're significantly less comfortable to use for most things. A desktop is like having to staple all your books to the wall while you read them.

+1 to all of this.