Rlcky

Rookie Author
Montreal
Posts:51 Points:60,670 Joined:Mar 2011
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Message Posted: Mar 10, 2011 10:55:36 AM
Laptop
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keegan250

Rookie Author
British Columbia
Posts:80 Points:19,720 Joined:Feb 2011
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Message Posted: Mar 3, 2011 9:47:09 PM
Lappy
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madmax9813

Veteran Author
Indiana
Posts:323 Points:71,720 Joined:Jan 2010
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Message Posted: Feb 17, 2011 6:07:11 AM
i switched to laptop over a yr ago, dont miss desktop at all
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leamericanos

Rookie Author
Ocala
Posts:7 Points:865 Joined:Feb 2011
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Message Posted: Feb 13, 2011 8:27:33 AM
desktop is the one to go , if you know how to fix computer of do it yourself upgrade person , a laptop is not easy to steal and more afforable, i think the only different is that laptop are portable , but i dont like it .. desktop u can have your big tv connected for the best
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dieselb100

Champion Author
Massachusetts
Posts:1,848 Points:372,950 Joined:Sep 2010
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Message Posted: Feb 10, 2011 9:17:26 PM
Lots of technical factors come into play as many have pointed out. However, one thing many people don't consider is the long-term effect of using laptops on your body. Laptops are ergonomically very poor. They're unhealthy to your neck and back and prolonged use will result in ailments down the line. Depending on your computer use habits you should consider the physical effects on you.
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herbiepopnecker

Champion Author
British Columbia
Posts:13,601 Points:2,506,330 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Feb 9, 2011 8:29:17 PM
Buy a new one of each. The economy needs it.
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m2drive

Rookie Author
Edmonton
Posts:75 Points:30,335 Joined:Nov 2010
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Message Posted: Feb 9, 2011 12:01:01 PM
laptop makes more space, gives mobility, uncluttered, to upgrade is more expensive than desktop and if your screen breaks you rather buy new laptop, desktop - upgradeable, versatile, lots of wires behind requires skill to hide it, if a kid breaks your flat screen you can replace it easy.
i am comparing two same cpu speed, ram, hdd...
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KentuckyWildcat

Champion Author
Maryland
Posts:9,207 Points:2,194,380 Joined:Mar 2005
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2011 6:21:07 AM
I have and need both.
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GocartMozart

Champion Author
Los Angeles
Posts:3,844 Points:1,302,730 Joined:Aug 2005
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Message Posted: Jan 30, 2011 4:11:57 PM
Desktop or laptop?
I've always struggled with this conundrum. Having been unable to find a satisfying compromise between the pros and cons of each, I have both!
I always like to keep a cheap laptop around for mobility, but never spend too much because of it's vulnerability to damage/loss and the high cost of upgrade/repair, as was mentioned by others.
I spend more money on my desktop purchases for better power, speed, etc., for my heavy-duty applications and work.
Cheers!
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Skitch373

Rookie Author
Illinois
Posts:16 Points:1,430 Joined:Jan 2011
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Message Posted: Jan 29, 2011 3:35:43 PM
I currently have a desktop but have been looking at some laptops lately,
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bluesnut

Champion Author
New York
Posts:13,434 Points:2,423,010 Joined:May 2006
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Message Posted: Jan 25, 2011 8:04:02 AM
I thought about getting a desktop this time, but settled for a laptop. I have no regrets.
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sjrebel

Champion Author
Columbus
Posts:5,115 Points:817,305 Joined:Dec 2010
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Message Posted: Jan 24, 2011 6:09:26 PM
love my laptop.
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KentuckyWildcat

Champion Author
Maryland
Posts:9,207 Points:2,194,380 Joined:Mar 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 20, 2010 7:06:20 AM
Each have their own pros and cons...it depends how you plan on using it. You need to provide detailed information.
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lightbulbman2008

Champion Author
Worcester
Posts:414,500 Points:1,586,660 Joined:Oct 2008
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Message Posted: Dec 13, 2010 4:54:47 PM
laptop
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herbiepopnecker

Champion Author
British Columbia
Posts:13,601 Points:2,506,330 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 12, 2010 7:35:20 PM
No your decision should be based on if you're going to move it around. Solely. If you're going to sit it on a desk, desktops are cheaper to buy, cheaper to fix, and much more power/dollar than laptops. Hardware goes or gets broken during the warranty, you're without a computer for a fair while. After the warranty, it costs as much as a new laptop. Hardware goes anytime on a dektop, go to your local store and replace it.Today. Don't even bother buying extra warranty, EDIT: there isn't a part in the average user's desktop you can't replace for $75
[Edited by: herbiepopnecker at 12/12/2010 8:36:31 PM EST]
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jimbeaux53

Champion Author
Kansas City
Posts:5,079 Points:967,285 Joined:Aug 2010
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Message Posted: Dec 12, 2010 7:20:31 PM
Your decision should be based on criteria like:
- are there space considerations - is mobile computing important to you - do you run apps that require desktop or laptop - your connectivity to the net - what peripherals do you currently connect to your computer
The following article might help:
Desktop or Laptop? http://www.intel.com/learn/practical-advice/before-you-buy/evaluate/desktop-or-laptop
Good luck.
[Edited by: jimbeaux53 at 12/12/2010 8:22:30 PM EST]
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herbiepopnecker

Champion Author
British Columbia
Posts:13,601 Points:2,506,330 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 11, 2010 8:31:42 PM
If you're not going to pack it around, stick with a desktop
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Rajah

Champion Author
Illinois
Posts:7,565 Points:2,305,815 Joined:Jul 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 10, 2010 11:50:12 AM
I love my desktops. I'm used to having dual monitors. I have a nice 15.6" wide-screen laptop and like it a lot, but it's not an ideal replacement for the desktop.
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WR-INC

Champion Author
Twin Cities
Posts:39,486 Points:3,623,360 Joined:Dec 2002
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Message Posted: Dec 10, 2010 4:08:39 AM
For home, I like the larger screen of my desktop. My notebook has a 17 inch screen, which is fine for me when I travel, but at home I like a bigger one.
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Hemond

Champion Author
Providence
Posts:8,175 Points:133,425 Joined:Oct 2006
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Message Posted: Dec 8, 2010 11:04:02 AM
<<<"I'm considering the thought of downgrading my computer room and just using a laptop.>>> ..
Been doing this for the last 3 years. The desktops in my house have cobwebs. never use them anymore. I haven't built a new desktop in years and lost interest in once interesting topics like advances in mainboards, memory, video cards and general hardware. . . Now the cellphone is starting to take over some of my computing . Maybe 20% of the time I use the phone rather than the laptop.
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rick_evans

Champion Author
Boston
Posts:3,720 Points:1,032,755 Joined:Aug 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 7, 2010 3:49:02 PM
"I'm considering the thought of downgrading my computer room and just using a laptop. Please post your thoughts on the pro's and con's of each. Thank you!" -- The performance gap between laptops and desktops have narrowed so much there's little downside to going with laptop only. I paid $400 for my Toshiba duo core which is adequate for most tasks including watching some TV online.
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KentuckyWildcat

Champion Author
Maryland
Posts:9,207 Points:2,194,380 Joined:Mar 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 7, 2010 6:19:34 AM
staying with both also
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sapd

Champion Author
San Antonio
Posts:29,826 Points:865,635 Joined:Nov 2005
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Message Posted: Nov 30, 2010 12:24:34 PM
stay with both
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TheIconHBK

Sophomore Author
Seattle
Posts:241 Points:225,775 Joined:Sep 2010
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Message Posted: Nov 9, 2010 6:47:53 PM
both
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kuyadj

Rookie Author
Virginia
Posts:43 Points:15,335 Joined:May 2006
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Message Posted: Oct 28, 2010 5:09:37 AM
Laptop if it can get as powerful as a desktop but about the same price on retail
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StacMan

Rookie Author
Riverside
Posts:1 Points:7,800 Joined:Aug 2008
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Message Posted: Oct 21, 2010 11:25:31 AM
I think it truly depends on the way you use your computer.
While a laptop provides a compact, mobile, quick solution for most business needs. It doesn't really meet the needs for say online gaming, or conducting high quality graphics or renderings.
On the other hand, the horse power, stability, and the ability to do almost anything with a desktop seems nice, Let's not forget you are "at home" any way.
Again, I think it comes down to what fits your needs. How you use the computer and what if anything will be changing in the near future.
Just a thought....
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hotdirtbiker16NC

Sophomore Author
North Carolina
Posts:143 Points:271,285 Joined:Jun 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 21, 2010 8:56:04 AM
laptop.
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PeteOhki

Veteran Author
Honolulu
Posts:312 Points:369,635 Joined:Mar 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 20, 2010 8:29:52 PM
I would have liked to put on several topic threads this amusing commentary by Andy Rooney, but in stead I'll put this link to the new topic thread I posted for it. (Besides, it is too long to quote anyway.)
Link: Andy Rooney on Bill Gates and Computers
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PeteOhki

Veteran Author
Honolulu
Posts:312 Points:369,635 Joined:Mar 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 20, 2010 8:26:22 PM
Other than aesthetics, the removal of the cords is one less obstacle to deal with. I don't move my keyboard around, but I find that I don't need to work around the cord if I want put and use some of my work, research and papers nearby. And I can't tell you how many times I end up pulling my mouse cord because the cord had slipped back behind the desk, or I've place something on the cord, or I simply want to place the mouse in a different comfortable location.
Batteries are an issue. However and so far, I've been lucky that my batteries do not die for quite a long time between battery replacements. Also, I've not had to reboot my computer just to get a keyboard or mouse to work after a battery change. Besides, I keep a USB corded keyboard and mouse around for backup just in case.
Oh, I forget, I 'do' move my keyboard; for those times when I want more work space on my desk for non-computer work.
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herbiepopnecker

Champion Author
British Columbia
Posts:13,601 Points:2,506,330 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Oct 16, 2010 7:22:52 PM
When do you ever move your keyboard? Then what's the point of a wireless one? Same with your mouse. A wireless one is heavier than a regular mouse. And more expensive. Both the keyboard and mouse require batteries that WILL DIE during the most important document you've written in your life, requiring a reboot and starting over from scratch. More junk to go wrong. More processor power running crap instead of something useful. More radiation.
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PeteOhki

Veteran Author
Honolulu
Posts:312 Points:369,635 Joined:Mar 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 16, 2010 4:13:53 PM
I just remember, the latest new wireless keyboard/mouse use a small USB transceiver. I initially thought it was catered to laptops/notebooks, but the product don't claim any distinction. I wonder if those small transceivers have any problem with distance and obstacles. I already seem to have issues with distance/obstacles between my general purpose blue-tooth dongle and cellphone.
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PeteOhki

Veteran Author
Honolulu
Posts:312 Points:369,635 Joined:Mar 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 16, 2010 4:06:30 PM
SAVMOR wrote: "Desk with wireless keyboard and mouse. This eliminates a lot of wires."
True. But to be specific, only the visible cords, and the mouse cord that could interfere with work. Unless the desktop has a built-in transceiver, an external transceiver still has a cord to the back of the computer. I try to keep even the back of the computer neat and organized, and cords just multiplies the hassle element.
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SAVMOR

Champion Author
Colorado
Posts:6,524 Points:1,409,620 Joined:Jun 2005
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Message Posted: Oct 16, 2010 9:33:11 AM
Desk with wireless keyboard and mouse. This eliminates a lot of wires.
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vic168

Champion Author
New York
Posts:3,297 Points:604,335 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Oct 13, 2010 6:51:06 PM
desk
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Hemond

Champion Author
Providence
Posts:8,175 Points:133,425 Joined:Oct 2006
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Message Posted: Sep 20, 2010 2:22:42 PM
RT118e what I've noticed is that around major holidays the stores go nuts, both online and bigboxers. Usually get sale price plus rebate plus coupon plus price match. Sometimes more than one coupon. I like to buy items like computers at least 50% off, and tax free when possible. . . My price point on a lappy is about $399 to $429. I'll go a little higher if not paying sales tax. Several retailers have offered Core2Duo based lappies with full leading edge specs around $430. There's a Lenovo at buy.com right now but unfortunately is missing an HDMI port. I expect 4gigs DDR3, 500GigsHD,(possibly accept 320g) 3USB, LED based display,HDMI, g/n based wireless, and prefer a 15.6 size display. These are typical specs at this price point, with models being offered daily at all the retailers. . .
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Rt118E

Champion Author
Pennsylvania
Posts:9,486 Points:1,368,270 Joined:Jun 2009
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Message Posted: Sep 20, 2010 1:08:54 AM
Hemond Target had an Acer Notebook on sale for $239 just before School Shopping started. I think that the prices of Laptops is the best toward the end of Back to School Shopping time. Seems to me to have the best selection & prices than. Have you noticed that too?
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Hemond

Champion Author
Providence
Posts:8,175 Points:133,425 Joined:Oct 2006
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Message Posted: Sep 16, 2010 7:41:35 AM
I've been using a 14" laptop as my everyday computer. Sits on my coffee table (aka my workdesk) in the den. Rarely if ever do I use the desktop in my computer room. Since the laptop is now my main computer, I'm going to go up a size to 15.6" wide screen form factor. . . Been watching the sales and there have been several Win7 based models recently at the $399 price point. Staples just had an Acer and an online retailer had a Lenova both at $399 and both with killer specs. Next time I see one at that price I'm jumping on it. . . One disadvantage to a standard size laptop is the weight. I shlepp mine around through airports and you can rest assured that hanging a 10lb bag on your shoulder for over an hour is a pain. I seriously considered a netbook but since the new Android based 4G smartphones like the Epic and Evo are fully functional computers, I'm migrating to one of those instead. If the smartphone works out, then the laptop may just stay home. . . A couple of buds use the 17" form factor laptop. They are of course huge and I wonder what its like shlepping one of those around all day long. Yet my buds do it.
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Rt118E

Champion Author
Pennsylvania
Posts:9,486 Points:1,368,270 Joined:Jun 2009
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Message Posted: Sep 16, 2010 12:20:37 AM
I wish I had stock in the Laptop companies NOW!
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herbiepopnecker

Champion Author
British Columbia
Posts:13,601 Points:2,506,330 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Sep 15, 2010 9:53:32 PM
One annoyance of laptops is at work. Bring it into work and plug into the company network. Then half the place forgets to shut off the wireless and it connects to the Internet automatically. Nothing works,,, the IT guy gets to explain to every hamster cage why.
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Sneakers55

Champion Author
Houston
Posts:51,288 Points:2,142,950 Joined:Nov 2005
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Message Posted: Sep 14, 2010 10:01:57 PM
Laptops have the advantage that they come with a built-in UPS.
They can also be taken on vacation (although an iPad is a great machine for consuming content). Last vacation, the computer didn't get put on line for two weeks. Their free WiFi got a workout when I downloaded two weeks of mail and again when the automatic backup kicked off at three in the morning!
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PopcornPirate

Champion Author
New Jersey
Posts:3,905 Points:1,170,645 Joined:Nov 2006
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Message Posted: Sep 14, 2010 8:35:45 AM
laptops are space savers...Yes. They a very minimally upgradeable. adding more ram or a bigger HD& that is the extent. If you do go to a laptop. Do some homework. Don't buy the cheapest thing out there. Buy something that has a good reputation & reliability. Make sure it has enough HD space & a DVD burner so you can archive stuff. Good Luck
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PeteOhki

Veteran Author
Honolulu
Posts:312 Points:369,635 Joined:Mar 2010
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Message Posted: Sep 6, 2010 9:32:11 PM
A desktop does cost less in the long-run and is more customizable if mobility is not a factor. However, if you are looking to free workspace, you have two options that does not require a notebook.
One, is the all-in-one models that integrate the PC and monitor into one unit. So far, I've seen every major brand has one version. Second, is those ultra small desktop computers such as the Notorious Gadgets computers, the ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ID11, the Acer Aspire Revo AR1600-U910H, and the ASUS EeeBox computers. In either case, you do give up the ability to customize or upgrade the hardware.
If you do want a notebook instead, you may want to consider not going less than a 17" screen. You get a less cramped (if not full) keyboard, and the speakers are normally better.
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herbiepopnecker

Champion Author
British Columbia
Posts:13,601 Points:2,506,330 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Aug 27, 2010 8:11:19 PM
If it's never going to move nothing beats a whitebox (no name) desktop. Add RAM, add another hard drive, another DVD burner, cheap 5 minutes do it yourself. See a good video card on sale, slap it in. It's even cheap and fairly easy to changeout a new motherboard and CPU combo.
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Rajah

Champion Author
Illinois
Posts:7,565 Points:2,305,815 Joined:Jul 2005
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Message Posted: Aug 27, 2010 2:41:43 PM
Desktops are easily upgraded, laptops, not so much.
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kslgas

Champion Author
Calgary
Posts:2,397 Points:1,600,910 Joined:Apr 2007
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Message Posted: Aug 27, 2010 9:21:27 AM
desktop cost less with more power
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scoutmaster

Champion Author
Pittsburgh
Posts:81,254 Points:3,252,645 Joined:Mar 2003
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Message Posted: Aug 27, 2010 7:27:58 AM
I agree with herbie. Laptops are great for portability but a desktop can be custom built to exactly what you need.
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Rajah

Champion Author
Illinois
Posts:7,565 Points:2,305,815 Joined:Jul 2005
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Message Posted: Aug 26, 2010 10:04:29 PM
I much prefer my desktop and only use my laptop when I need the portability. I just got back from a trip and sure appreciate my desktop. I miss my pair of 23" LCDs a lot when I'm out there using a 15.6" laptop screen.
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herbiepopnecker

Champion Author
British Columbia
Posts:13,601 Points:2,506,330 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Aug 25, 2010 10:25:26 PM
If you aren't gonna carry it around, don't buy a laptop.
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djtdi

Champion Author
San Jose
Posts:2,840 Points:710,750 Joined:Aug 2005
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Message Posted: Aug 25, 2010 8:55:05 PM
Laptops are just as capable as desktops,but they are portable. Some people are forgetful or unlucky and thus the laptop grows wings or legs and finds a new master. If you cannot stand being separated from your laptop I'd stay with a desktop.
[Edited by: djtdi at 8/25/2010 9:56:06 PM EST]
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sweeteddy

Champion Author
Indianapolis
Posts:3,634 Points:1,703,770 Joined:Aug 2006
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Message Posted: Aug 17, 2010 9:58:17 AM
Desktop is the bomb
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