[tamiloo]

Getting ready to get a new computer. Which is best...Laptop or Desktop??? Now remember I'm just a bit blonde....

[who moi]

moi believe this has been debated before...right here:

the perpetual debate of desktop or laptop

LOLOL

me thinks you should consider how you will use it.

Do you usually sit at the same place? Do you like to use it sitting at different areas?

Do you travel a lot?

Do you like birds? Ok, this may not have anything to do with it, but if you like to sit outside to watch birds and wondering what bird is which and want to look it up, a laptop will be better. LOL

[Bobbi]

Generally speaking, and for my own needs/preferences, I would say a laptop. However, and it's a huge one: Something important about the distinction between laptop v. desktop was recently brought to my attention by the manufacturer of both my desktop and my laptop.

Read the fine print on any warranty and ask the unanswered questions.

If I hadn't had it in writing, the manufacturer could have fallen back on this caveat in the general warranty policy:

When a computer has a major hardware failure, some manufacturers will not provide the same in-home or in-office service as they will for a desktop computer or standby service/replacement (free to the consumer) for the hardware unless the costumer is willing to jump through hoops and kiss some serious y'know what.

Both the bold print and the fine print on the warranty on my laptop said nothing other than the manufacturer assured a 1-year warranty on hardware and the store (where purchased as a gift for me), a 2-year warranty on hardware.

No way, no how was I going to say, "Oh, I'll absorb the repair costs." I reiterated the text that accompanied the purchase of the computer and the packaging.

Anyway... read everything over carefully and ask about myriad scenarios re: system failure(s).

[Bobbi]

A suggestion: I'd look at a lot of consumer reviews respective of various makes / models.

If stability and reliability are factors in determining what/which to buy: These days, and after what I've been through with my laptop this week and have been told by the manufacturer, I will think twice in the future about having another laptop.

Laptops have two components that are crucial to its performance, and, sooner or later, one or both are most apt to have a "failure": the fan and the hard drive.

I'd closely examine how the fan(s) is/are seated in a laptop. One with little ventilation or placed (laptop bottom) surface to resting spot surface is much more prone to overheat, which isn't favorable for a computer.

When a manufacturer's rep. tells me, and more than one has this week, most laptops are flimsy and made cheaply, it didn't bolster my consumer confidence, yet I'm not ready to toss a computer under warranty.

[tamiloo]

Thank you...now I know what I'm looking for. I don't really need a laptop, having a desktop is ok with me. Friends and family are just asking me which I would like to have...I don't travel much and when I do I don't need to be tied to a computer, if so I use the hotel one. Thanks all for you time!!

[allentgamer]

Tamiloo go to newegg.com and order the parts to build your own desktop.

It is really easy to do, just like tinker toys

You will have the bestiest desktop in the hood, and the parts are always better than the hp's and so on.

If you think that is too daunting at least go over and price their desktops, you might find they are cheaper than the box stores where everyone usually buys their computers.

Good luck on your purchase!