Laptop or PC

[accuFLEX]

So Ive started looking for a used laptop again. I can get something that will get me by for about $400. 15" screen 256mb ram etc etc.

See the problem is, these local deals are few and far between.

Yet, I was looking for used CPU's and they have MUCH better specs. 512mb ram, 2.2 ghz etc etc. There about half the price (just for the CPU) ~$200-$300

Now, a $200 difference is a lot for me. Plus, the CPU would have much better specs and upgrading would be no problem.

But then again, a laptop is much more versatile

So, what do you have and why? Which would you buy?

[sCaRz*Of*PaiN]

I'm getting a laptop for college soon because it suits my needs. It's all up to you and what you want to do with it. If you want portability, obviously you want a laptop. If you want a better deal for the price-to-specs aspect, a desktop PC would be better for you.

[d'Anconia]

I have a pretty powerful laptop right now. About 2 years old with a 3.0ghz processor, WAS 512Mb of ram but I just got it upgraded to 1024Mb, WAS 40gb hard drive but I got that upgraded to 75gb.

I suppose it all depends on what you're going to be using it for. As a student I find it, at this point, very very useful to have a laptop. I can take it to class and plug it in (doesn't last long without power unfortunately, I suppose the price I pay for it being relatively powerful).

I think in general that buying new computers isn't really that necessary. Just take the old one you have and upgrade parts as you need. That's kinda what I've been doing with my laptop.

BTW I'm not sure the term "CPU" can be used as a substitute for "Desktop". "CPU" is "Central Processing Unit", which is usually just the main part of the computer.

[syrus]

I guess the question for you is, what are you going to use if for?

I have a pc because I have no use for a laptop right now. If I needed one for work or my studies, I would breakdown and get one. If I had to choose between the two, I would pick the pc because I can build one for cheaper. Plus, I could always upgrade the hardware if I needed too.

[accuFLEX]

by CPU i ment like the case computers

and yes, I would like something that is portable, I was just wondering if someone had been thinking the same thing as me, got a laptop and found out that they really didn't need it. See the thing is, im not going to take it to school as much as some people since our university has like a million computers, so its pritty much for portability at home, which im not sure will be worth paying twice as much

[sCaRz*Of*PaiN]

by CPU i ment like the case computersA CPU isn't a case.



and yes, I would like something that is portable, I was just wondering if someone had been thinking the same thing as me, got a laptop and found out that they really didn't need it.Well I was in the same boat as you. I wanted to build my next PC, but I really need the portability for college, so I'm going to go with a laptop. Laptops aren't very upgradable, so you'll have to suffer with that if you go with a laptop.

If it's mostly going to be at your house, you might as well get a desktop PC.

[MM]

Laptops are the roxor. CPUs are the suxor.

No, really, you don't know how cool a laptop is until you get one. People being noisy when you're trying to work? Move. Wanna type in a cafe and drink coffee? You can do it. The only potential downside is that it's easier to steal or accidentally break, but eh, if you're responsible that shouldn't be too much of an issue.

[sCaRz*Of*PaiN]

Laptops are the roxor. CPUs are the suxor.A CPU isn't a type of computer. It's the main chip in all PCs and laptops. It's the "Central Processing Unit".

[Ironman15]

I got my girlfriend a pretty decent laptop off ebay for $300. Might want to check there.

[hoser813]

laptops with a wireless router are the best. Desktops are so big and my laptop is actually faster than my desktop.

[bigedge]

Laptops are the roxor. CPUs are the suxor.

No, really, you don't know how cool a laptop is until you get one. People being noisy when you're trying to work? Move. Wanna type in a cafe and drink coffee? You can do it. The only potential downside is that it's easier to steal or accidentally break, but eh, if you're responsible that shouldn't be too much of an issue.

play computer games? - got $1000+ to spend on a lappy? want to upgrade? - how much money have you got?
im not having a go, just pointing out some other facts. I have actually wanted a laptop for ages but i play a lot of games so it doesnt suit my needs on my budget.

[thejuice]

I used to think that a desktop was the only way to go--it's cheaper for the performance you get and it's upgradable. But now I have two desktops that are literally collecting dust because I only ever use my laptop.

Right now I'm kicked back in a chair with my feet up on the bed typing away. Earlier, I was watching TV in the living room while checking email. Before that, I had it at work where I had all my documents and music right at my disposal. I carry it with me on trips, to the coffee shop like MM mentioned, etc etc etc.

If you play lots of games, a laptop probably isn't what you want. If you can spend a little more or take a small performance hit, I doubt you'll regret buying a laptop. Just make sure to get one with decent battery life (i.e. 2+ hours).

[d'Anconia]

Yeah my computer is great at gaming but it was a pretty expensive one.

Looking over things now, if I were you I'd get a desktop or upgrade the one you already have.

[MixmasterNash]

A CPU isn't a type of computer. It's the main chip in all PCs and laptops. It's the "Central Processing Unit".
Don't confuse the poor lad.

[WBBIRL]

You will get tons more for the money if you go the route of PC. I doubt I could even get a laptop that will run like my desktop does, and if it exists theirs no way I could afford it. Being very frugal my desktop cost me 1950$.. the laptop would easily be an extra 2000$ and I couldnt have things like my dual core opteron 165 or the X1800XT.

PC PWNS JOO LAPTOPS!?!?!?!??!

[SpecialK]

First of all, as others have said, the CPU is the actual processor chip, not the entire computer.

Second, it all depends on what you plan to use your computer for. I always bought PCs because you can get more for your money than with laptops. You can also get larger screens. My 20" widescreen is awesome, and you just can't get that with a laptop. Even if you could, it would defeat the purpose of it being a laptop.

However, there is a lot of time where I wish I had a laptop. I am a TA and spend a lot of time during the school year supervising labs and holding office hours. There is a lot of down time during those periods, but I can't just get up and leave the room either. The whole building has a wirless connection, so a laptop would be nice.

Ultimately it depends on what you use your computer for. If I had the money I'd get both.

[galileo]

I'm not sure when people started calling desktop computers CPUs. I've also heard the actual tower being called a "hard drive" on occasion. It's baffling.

[MixmasterNash]

I've also heard the actual tower being called a "hard drive" on occasion.
Isn't that what you plug the typewriter into?

[David]

Get the CPU. You can buy one from the egg for like $50.

A laptop, on the other hand, is going to run you AT LEAST $500.

[Tryska]

what do you need a computer for?


both have there pros and cons. just depends on your needs.

[Relentless]

If you don't mind being chained to one location, desktops are fine
I like my laptop for work and play because I can bring it with me wherever I need it (wireless network).

Everything from cooking to home repair is easier because I can have a live link to the internet RIGHT THERE with no need to print stuff out or go abck and forth to a desktop to check something.

I also type much faster than I write so if I'd had a laptop in college I'd have had better, more accurate and neater notes. I know some people in my brother in law's school take notes on laptops and SELL their course notes to others in the course.

[dissipate]

if money wasn't a problem and i could only choose one, definitely a laptop because it's portable.