OT desktop vs laptop?

[thegreggersmom]

Hi. I am leaving my job and the laptop it has provided, so now I need to get a computer for home. It is just me and my 2 y/o son who doesn't currently use a computer, but I am sure he soon will! Any thoughts on why a desktop might be better than a laptop for family use -- or arguments for the opposite side? What does your family use?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mrs. Charming]

I've been using DH's desktop because DD decided that she wanted to be rough with my laptop one too many times. I tried my best to protect it but ehhh.. she outfoxed me.

I'm just giving you my experience. I love laptops, I'm going to fix mine (screen went bad) but the desktop seems a little safer. For now.

 

[zus888]

I primarily use my laptop. I lurv it!!! However, if I want to do any photo editing, I need my desktop (the colors are more true to what will be printed). Also, I prefer the kids to play on the desktop because the laptop is more fragile.

 

[Taja]

The desktop probably is a bit hardier for when your little one begins to use a computer. And it's less expensive to replace a keyboard or monitor than an entire laptop!

The downside is laptops are almost as powerful as desktops these days and much more convenient. Depending on the laptop, you also might be able to add a keyboard and monitor, using the laptop as a CPU when your little one is using the computer.

A lot of variables. I believe I would go with a desktop with a young child who soon will be using a computer. It really is personal choice.

 

[Elmo888]

Laptop and wireless internet. You can be in any room that your child is in. You aren't tied to a room if you really need to do something. You can bring it the kitchen to look at a recipe.

That, and there is nothing better than surfing the internet while watching tv. I told this to a friend of mine, and after she bought a laptop, she called me and told me that I was right!

BTW, I've had laptop since my second DD was 2 or so (I can't remember), and it has been very convenient. I can just close it when she's bugging me, and she has been able to use it since she was 3 (preschool sites like Playhouse Disney).

 

[ML_LovesDisney]

I love my laptop because if the kids want to go outside, I can take it with me, and take it on vacation etc. It's usually sitting right at my kitchen table, and I can be closer to the kids if they are watching a movie or something as opposed to if its a desktop confined to the office.

 

[ChrisandMeghann]

The bottom line is with a desktop you will get more power for you money with a lap top you will get portability. If you are worried about you laptop being broken by your kid get an accidental damage coverage if it breaks they replace it. If all you are doing is surfing the net and basic word processing go with the lap top. There is really not much use for you to have desk to you dont need the power. Personally i have both because i want the power and the portability. Also consider a netbook if you dont need any of the extra's. Much cheaper and you will not need any more then that if you arnt doing anything other then surfing.

If you go to a web site like dell do not upgrade the computer a lot. Most of the upgrades they offer are well over priced and not a necessity for the average user.

If you want to do any video editing or heavy picture editing you should go with the desktop, you will get much better proformance.

To put it bluntly go with the laptop unless you need the power that comes from the desk top (which most people do not need).

 

[DeniseinNS]

We have a desktop and also just got a laptop for christmas and I have to say that I much prefer the laptop, I love that you can take it anywhere. I have not touched our desktop since we got the laptop.

 

[CAJS04]

As a computer tech, I would recommend to watch for is the memory. 3 gigs minimum and 4 gigs of Ram recommended. If you want a gaming computer, go for a higher class laptop or a desktop with a good video card. What out of the inexpensive laptops with a litte Ram! Good luck!

 

[Befferk]

Laptop (+ wireless) 100% all the way I'll never buy another desktop again.

 

[thegreggersmom]

Thanks All! Great input and opinions -- I knew I could count on the DISers. Think I'll be going with the laptop.

 

[Amirah95]

I'm late in this, but I barely use my desktop for anything. I use my laptop all the time.

 

[maurene]

DH's laptop is a pet-peeve of mine. After dinner, he turns that thing on and then its on his lap while he sits in-front of the TV all night. But it seems like that is what everyone with a laptop does. I just hate that it discourages/impedes interaction with other (myself and the kids). TV by itself does that, I know. But the laptop makes it worse, IMO.

I have a desktop at home. And I really only get on it when the kids are asleep. I can't deny sometimes I'm jealous of DH with the convenience of his laptop (and I use it once in awhile to look up something quick). But I like that the inconvenience of a desktop limits the time I spend "wasting" on the internet. And it actually causes me to limit my TV watching too (which I think is good) -since I can't do both at one time. (There isn't even a TV in the room with my desktop.) And, using a laptop isn't as comfortable to me.

As our oldest son gets older (he's 4), we'll probably let him use the desktop more because its sturdier and I think encourages better computer usage habits. DH will show DS stuff on his laptop (like cartoons, disney pics) often.

Sorry...this probably isn't helpful to you. Just had to vent...