Pros and cons of a desktop vs. a notebook computer?  Which should I buy?
138683
Desktops are generally less expensive and are better able to deal with heat given that they're larger with bigger fans.\n\nAs far as capabilities, you should be able to find a notebook that can do just about everything a desktop can do.\n\nIf mobility is not a requirement and you have enough space for a desktop computer, then get a desktop.  You'll save money.\n\nIf you need mobility or you don't have enough space for a desktop or if you don't have a desk, then you need a notebook.
375275
It depends on what you're going to use it for...\n\nHere are a couple websites that will help you in choosing the right computer based on your needs:\nhttp://caca.essortment.com/howtochoose_rfwd.htm\nhttp://www.microsoft.com/atwork/getstarted/choose.mspx\nhttp://www.microsoft.com/uk/businesscentral/themes/winxp/article7.mspx\nhttp://www.intel.com/personal/resources/configure/pc_decision_tool.htm\nhttp://sify.com/news/othernews/fullstory.php?id=13605598\nhttp://www.anysubject.com/computer-desk-how-to-choose-the-right-computer-desk-for-your-home-office.asp
1005098
You're doing the right thing by comparing the usefulness of the two.  A laptop does offer portability, a desktop, more power.  The basics are: What do you want to do with your computer?  Same goes for the software, as it would depend upon what it's to be used to do.  Most computers come with the main programs already installed and you decide how you want to use the machine.  Not too familiar with all the brand names out there, but I trust Dell and they often have great specials.  Good luck!
115298
Dell has one going for right now.  You can get a desktop for $350.00 (which is very good for a brand new one, especially a Dell).
454957
A laptop will take up less space, plus you'll be able to carry it to class if allowed, and it will help with note-taking when you're studying at the library. You'll even be able to use it to record lectures.\n\nA desktop, on the other hand, will give you more computing power for the money, is generally easier (and less expensive) to repair or upgrade, and being less portable, it's also harder to steal. Or lose.
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Laptop aka (also known as) notebook
309250
Desktop a better experience and all around gaming and it Will probably cost less than a True Gaming notebook.
924610
Well my friend both have their own advantages. Like if you go for desktop pc it will cost you less as compared to laptop.But with laptop you can anywhere means you will get freedom to work anywhere.But in case of desktop you have to work at one place. With laptop you need not to worry about power failures i.e. you can work for more then 2 hours with out power supply.Laptop battery backup is minimum 2 hrs. But in case of desktop you must have a good UPS and it will give you back up of max.30 mins during power failure.And if you want more back up then you have to buy inverter which is compatible to computers. So overall laptop is better for your requirement. One more thing always buy pentium 4 series laptop.Dont go for celeron processor based laptops. Go for ACER laptops they are economic and quality is good.
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The hardware is pretty much the same as a desktop, just smaller versions of it. \n\nWhen buying a laptop (notebook) computer, you want to look for a few important details.\n\n    * Warranty\n      Laptop computers tend to contain be very proprietary hardware. Items such as the screen, keyboard, power supply, and video card tend not to be easily replaced if they fail. In addition, they are subject to more abuse than a desktop and at greater risk of component failure. Therefore, it's very important to get a long (3 year or longer) warranty with any new laptop purchase. If something should go wrong with the laptop during the warranty period, the manufacturer will most likely repair or replace it (unless damage is caused due to negligence).\n    * Buy from Reputable Manufacturers\n      A 3+ year warranty isn't going to do much good if the maker is out of business 6 months after you purchase the laptop. Thus, it's important to purchase a laptop from a known manufacturer who will be in business next year and the year after. Reasonably safe bets include buying from Dell, Gateway, Lenovo (IBM), Toshiba, HP/Compaq, Fujitsu, and Sony. That said, I personally avoid Sony and HP/Compaq. In my experience (granted, this is experience from around 2002-2003), Sony support is poor and can take several days, more likely weeks, to repair a system sent back to them. In addition, they have in the past limited their warranty to 90 days if you do not register the notebook with them. HP/Compaq (Compaq more specifically in my experience) has declined to support their products - even relatively new products. For example, if you want to upgrade the operating system of the laptop, they have, in the past, taken the attitude of "it didn't ship with it, we won't help you with it. Also, in the summer of 2006 when I last spoke to support from HP for their printers, I was very disappointed in the level of knowledge demonstrated.\n    * RAM\n      Today, RAM is crucial to system performance, but many computer makers will actually sell systems with what most technicians would consider too little RAM. For a balance of price and performance, any computer running Windows XP, not just a notebook, should have 512 MB RAM. More if you intend to do video editing, play high-end games, or run with many applications open. The upgrade from "base" memory is often a $50-$100 upgrade, but usually well worth it. Keep in mind, Windows Vista likely requires 1 GB of RAM (1024 MB) to run smoothly.\n\nAnd remember, even the worst rated products will work flawlessly for some people and the best rated products will fail on occasion. When buying you want to buy with the best odds of having a good experience.
589656
Well, you can go online and check if you can buy notebooks in payments. This will allow you to buy a cheap notebook without having to pay all at once. I know that HP and Apple allows you to do this.\n\nAnother reccomendation is that you could use your local neighborhood library's computer, if they have some.
521135
Okay.. there are a number of parameters when you want to buy a computer. Also one company may give you an excellent desktop but not a good laptop. Here's my low down..\n\nGraphics intensive, high end, extremely specialized work -> go for Apple, anything else -> use windows. Not that windows is better (Mac is any day better in terms of technology) but windows is a lot less headache when something goes down.\n\nHP/Compaq Desktop -> good value for money, decet looks\nHP/Compaq Laptop -> cheap but not that good a bet, decent looks\n\nZenith Desktop/Laptop -> Are you a techie?? If not, forget it. \n\nDell -> Best value for money looks good\n\nAcer -> cheapest, not sure about quality but definitely good to look at\n\nIBM(Now Lenovo) Laptop -> best performance, a bit pricey but looks very rugged and non - refined.
232735
Laptops aren't so good for your lap anymore since they overheat in poor ventilation areas like cloth and rugs. They aren't as easily upgradable as desktops are. You can carry them into the bathroom with you so you can have something to read.\n\nI'd get one laptop for the Internet, Warcraft 3, and old games; and one desktop you can fiddle around with and play the heavy-duty games on.
622055
For specific components, it would really depend on what you plan on doing with the computer.  If you plan on doing a lot of heavy 3D gaming or video editing, you'd probably need a lot of RAM and hard drive space.  If you're just looking for something to type papers with and to go online, then pretty much anything out there might do you well.\n\nThe link below is a buying guide from cnet.com that might help you with more specific questions.
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Desk top computers are the way to go.  You will get a faster computer than a laptop at the same price.  Laptops are usually 1.5 times more expensive than the desktop conterpart in terms of specifications.  You are definiately paying for your portablity.  Laptops are good for home or office use.  They are not recommended for gaming.\n\nThe best overall desktop type of computer is an eMachine.  They are well built and are not expensive.  They even have a unique program that automatically fixes any erros that windows likes to give people that cannot be found on any other computer.  It is best used as a home, office, or internet computer.\n\nIf you are looking for a gaming computer, the best way is to build your own.  There are no "cheaper" brands that are really gamer friendly.  The best gaming computer would be Alienware.  They build computers specifically for gamers.  If you have the money, this is the way to go.\n\nHp is ok, and is usable.  Hp is more geared toward picture management, home video optimization, media, ect.\n\nDO NOT USE:\nCompaq\nDell\n\nThese computers are "cookie cutters."  They are produced en mass and are not well built.  The components that they use are not optimized for the computer.  Cheaper is not always better.  For example, the RAM is not fast enough to keep up the the CPU or vice versa.  And what I hear from other people, Dell's customer support sucks.\n\nVOTE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH!
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Buying a laptop can be a nightmare! More so if you are a computer geek. With all the technical jargon floating around, companies can make you crazy.\n\nHowever, you should analyze as to what you actually need as opposed to what the companies want to see to you. For example, if you want a laptop for basic computing functions like email, Internet browsing, occasional movie viewing, listening to music, then a small entry level laptop would be a good choice with an entry level Centrino processor,60 GB hard drive, CD RW/ DVD ROM, 256 MB RAM, etc. It would be a good idea to at least have 512 MB RAM with the new Windows Vista round the corner. The minimum RAM requirement for the same is 512 MB RAM.Moreover, the same should be light and not a pain to carry around.\n\nHowever, if one needs a notebook for desktop replacement, then one needs to look at some more complex issues. Typically, the desktop is used for medium computing needs that would also include occasional gaming. For this one needs to have at least a 100GB hard drive, 512 MB RAM, etc.\n\nThe third category is of people who need high end laptops like gamers. The will need nothing less than 120 or more GB hard drive (preferably 7200 RPM), a high end central processor (with new technologies like Centrino Duo), at least 1 GB RAM (DDR2 or DDR3) and a dedicated graphics card (with at least 128 MB Memory with advanced features like 3D acceleration etc).\n\nIf one can do the above analysis, it will be extremely easy to buy a good laptop.
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A very very good notebook guide can be downloaded here:\nhttp://www.download.com/3000-2056-10225869.html\n\nAlthough you just need it for internet use and word processing, many websites employ heavy graphics.. you need fairly good specs anyway. Pentium III or Celeron (CPU clock - 1 GHz) and RAM of 512MB would do. \n\nAcer and Dell have good offerings on their websites. I found some on Amazon.com as well.\n\nDont forget to test for dead spot on LCD screens, check for Harddisk errors, and so on.\n\nPS:\nI found one here:\nhttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00080QGD2/sr=1-1/qid=1138758887
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Depends on your needs...\n\nA PC is more of a family thing, something you cant take with you\n\nA Laptop is more of an "on the move" computer\n\nPC's stay in the house\nPC's may last longer/may be a better purchase over the long haul\n\nLaptops are more expensive\nLaptop batterys need to be charged after you use them