is it dumb to buy a desktop computer?

[piglet50]

We have a laptop, smart phones, and an old desktop. i do a lot of typing for church, family stuff, etc. and like sitting at the desk with the keyboard at the right height, etc. We have a good monitor and fairly new 4-1 printer.

Thinking of getting a new desktop when they go on sale for back to school. we could also take advantage of the no tax saturday and save that way.

what do you think?

 

[pryncess527]

I don't think it's dumb . . . we have two desktops at my house and they do get a lot of use, though primarily for gaming.

But there might be a cheaper solution if all you really want is more comfort at your desk when typing. You should be able to hook your laptop up to your monitor and plug a USB keyboard into the laptop, that would allow you to use the processing power of the laptop as your actual computer but with more of a desktop feel, for much less money.

 

[JessM]

I would outfit your laptop with an external keyboard and monitor, or even buying a second lap top and the monitor and keyboard makes more sense. Its a lot more versatile.

 

[Disworldluv]

I would outfit your laptop with an external keyboard and monitor, or even buying a second lap top and the monitor and keyboard makes more sense. Its a lot more versatile.

This is an excellent option to use. Makes your typing much easier.

 

[cmwade77]

I would outfit your laptop with an external keyboard and monitor, or even buying a second lap top and the monitor and keyboard makes more sense. Its a lot more versatile.

This is my opinion as well.

 

[ssawka]

If you want to make it a bit easier and depending on your laptop, you might be able to buy a docking station. Yes, it will cost a bit more than just plugging in a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, but you'll only have to make one connection when you want to sit at a desk instead of three.

Also, I don't think desktops are dead. I still think they have their purpose, especially if you have no need to be mobile. For example, DW has no use for a laptop. She is a massage therapist, so she doesn't need one at work. The only time she really gets on the net is when she's home. So the extra cost of a laptop doesn't make sense. That being said, when we replace her desktop, I will build one for it. It might not be cheaper, but it will be built with much better parts and I know it will be upgradable/repairable.

 

[Lisaren]

Just for personal preference, I will always have at least one desktop computer if they are available. I prefer the desktop setup when working on the computer at home. Also, most have more usb ports and make it easier to charge all those devices that only come with usb chargers (phones, mp3, camera, kindle, etc.)

 

[piglet50]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm not too techy and did not think of hooking up the monitor and keyboard to the laptop. I love the larger monitor and the feel of typing on the larger keyboard so this could work for me.

I knew someone on here would have good suggestions.

 

[scard192]

great thread. I have a 4 year old Dell Desktop that is still going strong. I have it in my den, have a TV with cable in the room so no problem with doing what I want to do while at the computer.

Everyone I know says get a laptop next time you will love the portability. I have a tablet to surf the net when I am not at the computer.

Everyone I know that have laptops that are replacing them every 2-3 years while every desktop computer I have owned has lasted at least 5 years. Not sure I want a laptop if that means I will have to buy a new computer more often.

 

[pryncess527]

great thread. I have a 4 year old Dell Desktop that is still going strong. I have it in my den, have a TV with cable in the room so no problem with doing what I want to do while at the computer.

Everyone I know says get a laptop next time you will love the portability. I have a tablet to surf the net when I am not at the computer.

Everyone I know that have laptops that are replacing them every 2-3 years while every desktop computer I have owned has lasted at least 5 years. Not sure I want a laptop if that means I will have to buy a new computer more often.

I bought my Macbook Pro in 2006 and it's still going strong. Of course, the MBP is not a cheap laptop, so I'd have been livid if it hadn't made it this long. I'll say though, I prefer my tablet for surfing the web, it's so much lighter and doesn't give off nearly the heat that my laptop does -- it really burns your legs after awhile! (which could be a hint I spend too much time on the internet . . .)

 

[ssawka]

There is currently a movement in the tech world to merge tablets and laptops. In that sense, laptops will soon become obsolete. If you do much work I computers (like me), I recommend both. A laptop/tablet for portability and a desktop for power. Even though less and less people are buying desktops, they still offer the biggest "bang for the buck" in terms of storage space and processing power. So, if you don't need the portability, I still think desktops are the best option.

 

[Turbanator]

Its not dumb, I find the laptop very limited and uncomfy compared to my pc which I use 99% of the time.

 

[pilesoflaundry]

I'm going to replace my desktop soon. I just prefer using it. I hate worrying about the laptop dying and I like space to sit properly and type. My kids use the laptop a lot more and they keep going fast on us, my desktop is about 5 years old. The charging ports go bad or the charger does.

I like my tablet for traveling, it's easier to use than the bulk of the laptop if you are in a hotel.

 

[wiigirl]

I would outfit your laptop with an external keyboard and monitor, or even buying a second lap top and the monitor and keyboard makes more sense. Its a lot more versatile.

That would be my suggestion also.

 

[Sparkly]

Desktops have a longer life span (My old one is 6 years old, has been through two owners and has only JUST had a graphics card failure) and can be upgraded over time. Great for both gaming and general use.

Laptops are good for on the go use and traveling but I prefer my desktop for gaming.

I would buy another desktop. I'm hopefully going to replace mine in August.

 

[dansamy]

If any one in the house is at all a pc gamer, desktop hands down. Gaming laptops are pricier & have shorter lifespans.

 

[donac]

We have a desk top and it has come in handy for ds1. He is taking grad school on line. He usually uses the desktop to take his tests since it is a direct line into the cable. His very first quiz he was on a laptop and the internet cut out on him. He hasn't taken a test on his laptop since. (I wonder what he is doing now since he moved out last month.)

 

[POOHsie]

I was a typesetter for years, and use a keyboard & monitor more intensely than a casual user. So I want full-size equipment. My present desktop is the Apple iMac with a 27" screen. Behind the screen is the CPU, so there's no big box taking up space somewhere, only the monitor. And it's nice to look at. I can actually place 2 letter-size documents side-by-side on the screen and read back and forth, such as for proofreading or updating, or just doing 2 things at once. Or I can open mail in one area, and keep my work open in other areas. I love all my monitor space, and I use every inch. My fantastic Apple wireless keyboard and mouse are also part of the dream set-up I have. If Apple made a 40" inch screen, I could find a way to use up all that space, too.

 

[gibbow]

I'm quite a tech junkie, I have a phablet (s4 phone/tablet), a tablet, a laptop for work, and a Desktop i built for school work/gaming/media, and I'm planning on building another desktop as a dedicated media one...

I firmly enjoy keeping my laptop dedicated to work, it keeps it clean of extra's and anything I dl which I really don't need

Desktops are more affordable for a more powerful machine which should last you longer and is more easily upgradable.

That being said, I'd get the desktop if it was a good deal.

But just remember to turn off computers and monitors when you are done using them as they can use a significant amount of power over time. Also, monitors and such can use 'phantom' power, so if you want, certain surge protectors can cut the power from them reducing any power waste


And if you're feeling adventurous, some sites offer DIY kits with packages to assemble the PC yourself at additional savings. With youtube videos even beginners can assemble a PC to your likings, it's more fun than it sounds

 

[robinb]

Of course I need a desktop! Where else would I put my feet up when I'm DISing? My old DELL Inspiron makes a great foot stool.