computers or laptops? Options

[weirdness]

i personally like regular computers more, better but laptops are cool. sry just anotehr random topic

[leeeza702]

For home use... I prefer to use a regular computer. For when I'm out, I like using a PDA better than a lap-top. It's cheaper, and way smaller. you can also do a lot of the same things as you can with a lap-top or computer...

[swe3txprincesz]

i have a computer its flat screen and reallie fast but i always wanted a laptop

[mechwarrior1989]

I'd much rather use a desktop than a laptop since generally desktops are faster and more powerful. Then there's more harddrive space, easier expandability and what not.

Laptops on the otherhand are portable and able to run off of batteries which is a real plus in many cases. But they generally aren't as good for gaming.

leeeza702 brought up a point about how palm pilots/pocket pc are cheaper than laptops, but if you think about it, they really aren't. Most handhelds run in the over $300 range, while if you have time you can get a basic laptop ie. Toshiba Satilite 2.8ghz celeron processor, 256mb ram, 40gb harddrive 15" screen for $500, or at least I got one of these, but generally 600-700 is what it'll cost you. Only about double the price for something much more functional. Course Handhelds are about portability so that might be a reason to lean that way.

But if the laptop and the desktop are equal in every aspect performance wise and what not, I'd take the laptop. Only problem is that the term "laptop" is misleading since most laptops you wouldn't wanna use on your lap, too much heat. Well that's the higherend ones anyways.

[Angel_Cece]

both

[KrunkMuzik]

Computers have more programs and can be used for the "Bigger" things. Laptops are useful for the "on the go" work.

[Stupid_Fat_Boy]

i like desktops, but i like lap tops too

[xjjajeengx]

im using a laptop right now. i want to use my desktop, but its slower cause i have more files on it. i prefer desktop tho.

[perfeng702]

leeeza702 brought up a point about how palm pilots/pocket pc are cheaper than laptops, but if you think about it, they really aren't. Most handhelds run in the over $300 range, while if you have time you can get a basic laptop ie. Toshiba Satilite 2.8ghz celeron processor, 256mb ram, 40gb harddrive 15" screen for $500, or at least I got one of these, but generally 600-700 is what it'll cost you. Only about double the price for something much more functional. Course Handhelds are about portability so that might be a reason to lean that way.

But if the laptop and the desktop are equal in every aspect performance wise and what not, I'd take the laptop. Only problem is that the term "laptop" is misleading since most laptops you wouldn't wanna use on your lap, too much heat. Well that's the higherend ones anyways.

PDA = Palm Pilot/Pocket PC

Comparing desktops, laptops, and pdas is like comparing apples to oranges. They each have an intended purpose and arguing why one is better than the other is pointless. If you can accept the pros and cons of each platform it will make the decision of which to purchase that much easier. I have a fantastic desktop system at home, and I have a pda. Even if I had the chance to purchase a laptop, I still wouldn't give up my pda for it.

When it comes to laptops and pda's, it's not a matter of functionality for most. It's a matter of convenience. Most people that consider purchasing a laptop have never even seen a pda before. Sure, laptops are more featured, powerful, and have larger displays, but where in the real world are you going to use those features outside of the home or work? I highly doubt you're going to take your laptop with you to school just so you can play gunbound or counterstrike. You're probably not going to play a game or use any processor intensive applications while you're riding the bus or walking home. Laptops are designed more for the mobile professional that is always on the go or at a home away from home.

Lets take school for example, IMHO a pda is the best choice. You sure as heck aren't going to take a desktop system to school. In this situation, which would be more useful and convenient for the actual work that you would need to do. In a typical class, the most you might do on either system is use a word processor to take notes, work on excel spreadsheets, or take recordings of lectures. Well, the PDA can do all three. Not only can it do all three, it can do all three in 1/4 the space, and do it for 6 hours versus the 2-3 hours of a laptop.

Lets move on to multimedia. My pda has a 512mb memory card that I can load up with mp3s. It has a headphone jack so I can listen like a walkman. When was the last time you tried to put a laptop in your pocket? Doesn't work too well. I can also encode full length movies to view on my pda. A laptop can do the same, so there is nothing to argue here. I can connect to the internet to look at createblog and check my email. I can even do photo editing in a photoshop type environment.

Pda's can even do things some laptops can't. For example, I can pull my pda out of my pocket anytime to check a email message or look up a contacts' phone number. Pda's have instant on functionality and never require resume or boot-up time. I can use my pda with a gps receiver to navigate anywhere in the world in the car *with* a passenger because I have a window stand. When was the last time you attached a laptop to the windshield? Pda's even have alarm clock functionality. There are endless possiblilities. People on diets can track their calorie intake via the proper program at any time. Gym buffs can record their weight goals in real time. I'd hardly want to carry around a laptop for that. When I need to take down a quick note, the touch screen allows me to scibble a quick note in my own handwriting.

As you can see, a pda can do many of the things a laptop can do. One just has to understand that pda's do them in a scaled down way. Therefore, when you buy a pda, you are paying for the convenience, not the processing power.

Sure you can get a *decent* laptop for $600; but, that is a moot point to argue. You can get a much better desktop than laptop for $600 also. For $600, you could get a Athlon XP 2800+, 120gb hd, 512ram, and 19" monitor. Not only that but you will be able to run at 1280x1024 resolution. Try that on a 15" laptop.

I can do everything listed above, and it still fits in my pocket. Even with the keyboard!

Money should only be part of the decision. Arguing the money point is like arguing about having a luxury car. You can pay $40g's for a BMW or you can pay $25g's for a Nissan that has all the same creature comforts. I'd still rather take the BMW.

Anyway, my point is, THERE IS NO COMPARISON. Each system has it's limitations. If you are considering buying a laptop because you think it's *cool*, don't. Don't buy one unless you are going to use it for what it is intended to be used for. I have seen tooooo many people with laptops, that just keep them at home. They have a regular usb mouse attached to them and regular desktop speakers. Their laptop never leaves the desk and is always plugged in. IF YOU ARE GOING TO USE A LAPTOP LIKE A DESKTOP, BUY A DESKTOP. If you're considering buying a laptop to take to school just so you can take notes, consider a pda. They are much more convenient and have all the same functionality.

Here are some of the pics of my pda setup that I use for school.

[leeeza702]

^^^ well said sweetie (that's my boyfriend)... I agree with him.. it all depends on what your intending to use your laptop for... or something like that... just read what he said up above... i his PDA, it's very nifty.... like when we're waiting for a movie to start in the theatre, we usually play scrabble...

[SNAP_Tornado]

regular computers are better...but like both

[tofumonzter]

I like both.
Computers have more functions then laptops, but laptops can be carried around.

[*kryogenix*]

i didn't read the topic and i'm sure someone has pointed this out already, but laptops are computers. The word you are looking for is desktop. Have a nice day.

[WhiteLotus*]

Well, I have both. I prefer to use the laptop, because that's a windows 98 and my desktop is a windows 95.

[Mick3Y]

They're computers -______-

- Tran -

[sugarcultluver]

i like my laptop its great