Laptop Vs Desktop.

Other than the mobility issue (Can’t really use a desktop on the daily train commute) is there that much of a vast difference between the abilities of a lap top vs. a desktop?

I was looking at the latest HP magazine and a 17” monitor comes with one of their models which (due to brief advertising) I assume is a similar system to what I have in my desktop, Win XP, Pentium 4, CD/DVD/RW-burning unit for a comparable price to the system I already have.

Now I imagine that a lap top takes up far less space than a desktop, no bulky tower, no free standing monitor, no need for a keyboard and a mouse, and of course none of those wires that are a tangled mess behind my desk and computer shelves. I figure that a Printer no matter which way you go is an add on piece, along with networking and internet access.

So if I were in the market for a new system, what would be the pros and cons (Other that space and mobility) of the two systems?

A Laptop will do pretty much anything that a Desktop will do.

Because it is smaller, Laptops cost more to manufacture, and thus more to buy. The smaller keyboard and the built in "mouse" are somewhat difficult to operate efficiently so your "productivity" generally falls off when using the Laptop.

It is important to use a "surge protector" and you can buy an in-line one that is small and light weight. Battery life is improving but getting more than 3 - 4 hours is pretty rare. You generally will want to use AC power (with the surge protector) whenever possible.

Also, the computer can get quite hot and so holding it on ones lap can be uncomfortable. Usually a small work table is best.

Theft, loss, or damage is more common with a Laptop. Airport security checkpoints are notorious for the number of computer thefts that occur. And "lost and founds" always seem to have a number of Laptops that were just forgotten. A dropped computer is a damaged computer. Often, the screen is damaged and requires replacement ($300 and up).

But, for those who need to use a computer while "on-the-go" the Laptop is a wonderful tool.

Dwight

I only use a laptop at home but I have to use a desktop at work with a 20 inch monitor so I can work on huge spreadsheets. And I cannot type on a laptop keyboard so for home I attach a standard keyboard.

To me the main differences are monitor size, keyboard, and cost. A good quality laptop with a powerful processor and good memory can set you back around $3,000 - a lot more than a desktop with the same qualities.

If you are thinking about a laptop for home use because of the size of it but not thrilled about the cost, there is a slight alternative. You can have a desktop that consists of a mini tower and a flat-panel monitor.

Ok, thanx