Laptops vs. desktops???

First time starting a thread!!! Anyhow, Dan, and anyone else, I'm wondering about the lifespan of laptops vs. desktops. I've used laptops mostly, and the work I do now means that I'm on the computer more than 8 hours a day, 6 days a week (I know - no life!). I try to back my stuff up regularly, but it doesn't always happen. I've heard that laptops just don't last as long before something fails. I can't afford to lose my work, and even the time it would take to get a new computer and get everything back up and running would be a serious problem.

So, I've had my current laptop now for about 3 or 4 years, and am thinking about whether I should maybe buy a new computer. I like the size and convenience of a laptop, but my work obviously takes priority. Do you think this is an issue, or should I not worry about it and just get another laptop?

Any ideas?

Hey CabinFever...

I'm still getting settled in after being gone all last week, so I hope to reply to your question Monday morning....I have to look at your question and think about how I want to answer it...

~Dan

Hey all...

Well, to be honest, I am biased and go with Desktops. Why? For a variety of reasons...

I know that the portability of laptops are nice. Take 'em wherever you go...mobile as can be...pull it out whenever you want to.

However, none of that really matters to me. Reliability is something that can sometimes be subjective. I've known people that have had the same laptops for years. And I've known people that have had a desktop PC, whose hard drive goes bad after 3 months. And of course there is the direct 180 of that. PC for years w/o a problem and a laptop flatline after only a few months.

I go with Desktops for a few reasons. First off, when something DOES go bad with a desktop, it is easier to fix. (I'm talking Hardware wise here.) You can usually easily go in and replace a part yourself, if you take your time and read directions. And to go with that, the parts for laptops are often more expensive than for Desktops because of the size of the laptop parts. You would think smaller would be cheaper, but it's not. It's actually more expensive.

And to go along with that, desktops are more easily upgradeable of course....because you can readily get parts, because you can get them cheaper and because you can install them, pretty much, on your own.

Blondie, what you mentioned are another couple reasons. You always know where they are, they don't overheat like laptops are and once you set the computer up where you want it...you can wiretie and make things nice and neat and never have to worry about cords.

There's also comfort to think about as well. A laptop keyboard can be smaller and more un'natural. And the screen can be hard on your eyes because of the size. And yeah, you can plug in regular sized keyboards into a laptop and even add an additional monitor to your laptop...however, that's all things you would need to carry around possibly, ya know?

With laptops, the mobileness of them, can lead to problems. Forgetting where they are, them getting stolen or dropped. Doesn't do your information any good!

With a desktop, you sit it down and it stays there. Then, you buy a nice desk, a comfortable chair and you are all set up...your own lil office, you know?

Anyhoo, I hope this helps...
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know!

~Dan

Thanks Dan! You pretty much confirmed my thoughts...I'm guessing my best bet eventually might be a desktop networked with my laptop. That is, once I have room for a desktop. Thanks again! :)