Desktop or laptop

[Pembo]

I need some opinions and where else but the DIS to get them..

We're looking into a 2nd computer...mostly for our kids to use for itunes and internet. I'm torn between a laptop and a desktop. I see the advantages to both. Our main computer is a desktop....

 

[NaplesRI]

ok I have both but admit I much prefer the desktop. I think I am oldfashioned that way. The "younger" generation is used to laptops and prefer them. I like a mouse and keyboard that you use with a dektop vs a laptop keyboard and "mouse".
Granted you can use a laptop with a mouse and even attach a regular keyboard- but why bother.

The laptop has convenience- you can move it and use it anywhere.

How old are the kids? Do you want them in a central place with the computer, or do you want them to be able to use it in their rooms?

Will there be fighting over who gets the laptop in their room?
Will they take it somewhere and leave it?

The desktop generally will be less expensive but obviously lacks the convenience of using it anywhere. You need to think through where you want it used, I think.
Good luck!

 

[Pembo]

How old are the kids? 13, 11, 7Do you want them in a central place with the computer, or do you want them to be able to use it in their rooms? definitely a central place

Will there be fighting over who gets the laptop in their room? yes
Will they take it somewhere and leave it?yes

The desktop generally will be less expensive but obviously lacks the convenience of using it anywhere. You need to think through where you want it used, I think.
Good luck!

I think the laptop would get used more by dh & I than the kids...

 

[jakoky]

I say since you have a desktop, i would go with a laptop for the second computer...we have a desktop and 2 laptops and 1 netbook....the desktop gets the least use...having a laptop also means you have a computer to take with you on trips and, since we are on the budget board, a laptop is uses far less electricity to use....

 

[swilshire]

My "computer guy" says that Desktops are much more reliable, so if you don't need to be mobile, I'd go that route.

Working on laptops can be a strain on the eyes if you don't use an external monitor. The keyboards are usually not as comfortable as a conventional one. I always attach a regular mouse, as well.

Sheila

 

[mom2d&b]

We ( ok, Santa) just got the kids a new desktop. I had considered a laptop but am concerned about the 2 kids fighting over it and "hiding" it so the other can not use it. I also have visions on it being dropped while they fight over using it. DS is 7 and DD is 10. A desktop will see less abuse from our kids.

I have a laptop that I love.

 

[Befferk]

I recently got a laptop after being hesistant for a while. Let's just say that our desktop is now collecting dust. The biggest thing for me is that we got a wireless router for our DSL, and with the laptop it is soooo nice to be able to be on the internet anywhere in our house.

 

[lovesmurfs]

We have a desktop, which is all right -- we use it if there's nothing else available. My DH and I each have work laptops (and we have a DSL wireless router).

For Christmas this year, we bought DS (almost 16) a full notebook laptop. It has a CD/DVD drive, lots of memory, etc.

For DD10, we bought a netbook laptop -- it has Office on it so she can word process, but there is no DVD drive -- it seems to be really meant for email and internet, which is all she generally does anyway.