Just curious, I am thinking about getting a new computer and wondering if a laptop would work out for me and thinking a desktop might be best due to the overheating issues laptops have that a desktop is still the way to go. What are the pros and cons as you see them?

I prefer a desktop just because I build my own systems and I can easily upgrade or change out internals if there is a problem with something.

And I am more comfortable using my own chosen, monitor, mouse & keyboard.
And being able to adjust everything for my ergonomic comfort.
I have a chronic RSI type condition.
We do have a laptop also but I just can't use it for extended times, mainly dd uses it for classes.

But a laptop is handy if you like to move around in the house or outsideor for traveling.
they do make special fan /platforms that you can buy for the overheating issues

I don't know if certain brands/designs have more problems with that or not.

Laptop, for me, affords far more flexibility. I used to be "sold" on having a Desktop, and still have one, but it's too physically uncomfortable to use. I've barely touched a Desktop in the past 6 years.

As far as overheating? I've encountered that with my Desktop, but not my laptop (and I'm on my second). My first laptop? The hinges - computer-to-monitor - cracked.

I luv, luv, luv my current laptop! It was a gift. It's a HP special edition, VISTA. Not had any major prob. with it from the day I booted the first time in December, I think it was.

I agree with Bobbie,and have the same computer,love it,no problems. If I could build them like Jo and my brother,ahh well never going to happen,so
laptop.. Sue

Well I might be going back to school so I think I want a dell laptop, gonna get a extended service plan on it too so that I can count on it being fixed if it has issues. I have seen a cooling pad for laptops so I think I would pick one of those up too while I was at it. Thanks for posting Bibbi!

I like the big keyboard of the desktop. But if you need portability, you might prefer the laptop. If I ever get another laptop (I had one once)... I'm going to get a lighter weight one. Mine weighed 8 lbs. plus a leather case. I didn't like to take it out. It was one they refer to as a desktop replacement.

Pamster,

With the extended warranty: Also check the store's or the warranty from the place of original purchase. Several services were automatically included with mine - and at no cost to the purchaser/gift giver or to me. Those services proved to be far more useful than going direct through the manufacturer. For instance, the laser precision mouse was frozen after about 2 months. The place where purchased personnel got it replaced in like... wham! consider it done! (And, as it turned out, I made the boo-boo. I had inadvertently placed the battery the wrong direction .)


I have a cooling pad, for my older laptop, and one thing that helps keep it functioning well, too: Using the compressed air for cleaning it, along with the computer's keyboard, etc.


Sue: Don'tcha just love the "feel" of the computer? Its surface and touchpad-surround? I've never felt anything so smooth.

One thing I meant to mention is I will get one of these things:

http://www.protectcovers.com/

Check it out, under twenty bucks and keeps out grime of all kinds from getting in between the keys. I am going to get one for the Yahoo multimedia keyboard I share with jackie because he regularly spills drinks around here. BUt I will get one of those protectors for the laptop for sure. And I want to get the lojack locator anti-theft thing too, I think it will be a great system, but I worry about things breaking like hinges or the screen/monitor. How well do they wear?

Thanks for posting again Bobbi and you too Wiz!

I'm planning (yeah .. shur .. you betcha' )Well, I WAS planning on buying a laptop this week and know nothing Now I hear about heating
I really think I belong back with smoke signals.

Pam,

I've not met anyone personally who's ever had the hinges crack as mine did. I use my laptop a lot... just as I wore out a word processing machine and flew through keyboards on my spiff'd up typewriters. (The county was using the same word processing machines, and no one had heard of anyone wearing one out .) I have read, online, about a few people that had the same happen to theirs, but it's not a "common" prob. that I know of.

I'd suggest looking at how hard drive is housed, and the casing. And, it leads me to also state this:

Wren,

There are several people here (at NT) who know a lot about computers. Please don't feel that you can't ask questions. Every Q. is a valid one, and it's very likely someone will be able to offer ideas, info., etc., that can potentially help in your search and beyond.


One thing to keep in mind with the cooling pads is: If one is purchased, and of course it's seated beneath the laptop when in use, be sure that laptop and the cooling pad have their respective fans working the same direction. Otherwise, they're in opposition and not nearly as effective.

Often, too, it's possible to discern when a pad needs replacing. An indicator is, i.e., a clicking sound. It could either need a good cleaning or possible replacement.

When looking at a computer, look at its configuration: How many and where the fans are located. If the fans are on the bottom of a laptop, it stands to reason that it is more prone to run "hotter" because it's running surface to surface - which blocks air-flow.

BTW: Desktops can also overheat, depending on a room's temp., proximity to a wall, etc. A Desktop and a laptop can also run "hot" based on the amt. of internal resources being used, such as the CPU.