New computer - laptop or desktop?

[erincon23]

The time has come to replace my 6 or 7 year old computer. Too many things are not working right on it, I have some things I'd like to do on it and can't because I only have 512K of RAM, and it isn't cost-effective to just fix it up. I have a small budget for this ($600), but I'm pretty sure I can get something for this amount that will be MUCH better than what I have. My DH and DS are pushing for me to get a laptop, and that has some appeal, but I'm leaning towards a desktop. I hate typing on a laptop keyboard, and really need the larger screen I can get with a desktop, but the ability to take it when I travel (which honestly is not that often, but with DH's new job, I may have more opportunity). I know I can get an external monitor and keyboard, but that seems goofy (as well as expensive). This will be the "main" computer (connected to the wireless router, and I can see some issues with this, should I ever want to take it anywhere) in a household with 4 computers, attached to a printer that my two DSs use.

I am still open to arguments for or against -- any suggestions?

 

[mel&me]

Laptop is nice because of being portable, but if others are trying to get you to buy one, how much of the time are you going to get to use it, they want you to buy so they can use it also. I know when I got my first laptop, everyone else had it more then me. I eventually bought a second one that no one touches but me. That being said, I still use my desktop more.

 

[jwfla422]

LAPTOP, I couldn't even think of ever owning a desktop computer anymore unless it did stuff that a laptop doesn't like beam me to another state...

$600 is plenty to get a decent laptop. I bought dd an ACER for $300 and it has at least 2GM ram, a large hard drive with all the bells and whistles. Simple to use, has Windows 7 plus I did get the extended warantee (bought it at Walmart). So you're budget should be just fine.

Do your shopping and see what you're comfortable with. You'll get used to typing on it as well as using the touch mouse. I hated mine at first (I have a MacBook) so I used a small cordless mouse for a while but eventually got used to the touch mouse and never use an external mouse anymore.

 

[SarahKate]

I have a desktop and a laptop. I hardly ever use the desktop. I have a few "special" programs on the desktop that take use a lot of memory. I really wish I could do away with the desktop because 90% of the time I'm on my laptop. I think you could find a laptop with a nice sized screen and comfortable keyboard. Just go to a Best Buy or someplace like that and try them out. I love the keyboard on my laptop but I can't stand the one on my husband's! Also, you could get a wireless mouse for times you're using the laptop extensively.

 

[prncess674]

If you already own a monitor, keyboard and mouse with your desktop then you can just plug them into a new laptop and just ditch the old desktop tower. Monitors and keyboards are universal.

 

[lovephotography]

I go with Laptop, it is portable.

 

[angierae]

I will never buy another desktop again. I do not want to be tied down to one spot in my house to use the computer. The laptop can go from the couch to the kitchen table to my bed.

 

[rock_doctor]

If interested Newegg has a dell laptop on sale right now for $399. It is not bad but you have too move fast before they sell out. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834200142&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL053111&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL053111-_-EMC-053111-Index-_-LaptopsNotebooks-_-34200142-L0H

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I agree - a laptop is the way to go. Prices have dropped a lot since the days when a desktop was so much cheaper. Laptops take up much less space and are portable. I have a rather large Dell laptop with a 17" screen and it works out well for me.

Do your shopping and see what you're comfortable with. You'll get used to typing on it as well as using the touch mouse.

I hate touchpads. I use a Logitech trackball.

 

[angierae]

I agree - a laptop is the way to go. Prices have dropped a lot since the days when a desktop was so much cheaper. Laptops take up much less space and are portable. I have a rather large Dell laptop with a 17" screen and it works out well for me.



I hate touchpads. I use a Logitech trackball.

I finally got used to my touchpad, but I did buy a mini wireless mouse for when I'm doing something that needs more of the finesse of a mouse. It's also one of the laser ones, not a ball, so I can use it on the sofa cushion or anywhere else.

 

[erincon23]

Thanks for all the input! I think I really have brain fog lately -- one of my concerns had been that my computer is the one the router's connected to -- there's no reason that I couldn't keep that computer going as the router, is there? I mean, it works just fine in that regard (it's everything else about using it that's gone to h*** in a handbasket). The other three computers in the house are all laptops, so I don't have to worry about anyone else wanting to use my computer.

Thanks for the tip about the computer on newegg -- I won't have the money until the end of June, though.

 

[StephMK]

Yes, you can keep your old one hooked up as the primary router. That's exactly what we did in April. Our 2003 desktop got a horrible virus and I need a computer daily for school and work. So we quickly reviewed & bought a Dell 17" laptop. I ended up removing most of the virus but can't access the internet. The computer itself is fine & still ok for word processing & the router.

We didn't shop much because we were under a time crunch but I did get one that had decent reviews & was under $500. I don't like the touchpad either and the color is a little light, despite changing the contrast. However, I love the portability & have had no issues getting wireless coverage from the router.