Comments on: Laptop or Desktop? http://www.cbc.ca/spark/2009/01/laptop-or-desktop/ An ongoing conversation about technology and culture, hosted by Nora Young Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:27:34 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: jdurop http://www.cbc.ca/spark/2009/01/laptop-or-desktop/comment-page-1/#comment-57029 jdurop Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:45:42 +0000 http://www.cbc.ca/spark/blog/2009/01/09/laptop-or-desktop.html#comment-57029 Laptop definitely. I could never going back to using a desktop. I HATE being tied to a desk/chair. I move around a bunch, go to coffee shops, lay in bed, watch tv etc. I also meet a bunch of clients. I actually had a nice desktop and monitor but decided to sell it as I used it so sparingly. Maybe once a month tops. That isn't enough to warrant it IMO. Sometimes it would be nice to have a giant screen, but besides that... I have no use for them. Laptops have caught up to desktops in speed and usefulness. I think around 2005 was the tipping point for me. It is somewhat a catch 22, I might be able to work slightly faster on a desktop... But I can also work from *anywhere* from a laptop so the few I minutes I might have saved are more than made up in convenience. Laptop definitely. I could never going back to using a desktop. I HATE being tied to a desk/chair. I move around a bunch, go to coffee shops, lay in bed, watch tv etc. I also meet a bunch of clients. I actually had a nice desktop and monitor but decided to sell it as I used it so sparingly. Maybe once a month tops. That isn't enough to warrant it IMO. Sometimes it would be nice to have a giant screen, but besides that… I have no use for them. Laptops have caught up to desktops in speed and usefulness. I think around 2005 was the tipping point for me. It is somewhat a catch 22, I might be able to work slightly faster on a desktop… But I can also work from *anywhere* from a laptop so the few I minutes I might have saved are more than made up in convenience.

]]> By: Aja Glanton http://www.cbc.ca/spark/2009/01/laptop-or-desktop/comment-page-1/#comment-36612 Aja Glanton Sat, 29 Jan 2011 05:25:59 +0000 http://www.cbc.ca/spark/blog/2009/01/09/laptop-or-desktop.html#comment-36612 Acer has launched the new range of Acer Aspire computers that are targeted for both home and business consumers. The best part of this series is its starting price that has the prime objective of undercutting all market competitors. The Acer Aspire One laptop is currently enjoying the patronage of many global customers who are already deeply satisfied with the Acer Aspire One MSI Wind and the Acer Aspire One Windows XP offerings. Acer has launched the new range of Acer Aspire computers that are targeted for both home and business consumers. The best part of this series is its starting price that has the prime objective of undercutting all market competitors. The Acer Aspire One laptop is currently enjoying the patronage of many global customers who are already deeply satisfied with the Acer Aspire One MSI Wind and the Acer Aspire One Windows XP offerings.

]]> By: Krishna Gillund http://www.cbc.ca/spark/2009/01/laptop-or-desktop/comment-page-1/#comment-22716 Krishna Gillund Mon, 17 May 2010 00:45:20 +0000 http://www.cbc.ca/spark/blog/2009/01/09/laptop-or-desktop.html#comment-22716 Last week I was looking to buy a <a href="http://www.bestlaptopcomputerssite.com" rel="nofollow">laptop computer desk</A> for the <a href="http://www.bestlaptopcomputerssite.com" rel="nofollow">refurbished laptop computer</A> in my home office but I'm noticing that I can get significantly cheaper prices online instead of driving down to the local electronics store, in many cases 50%-70% cheaper. The only bad part is that I have to wait several days to get it delivered. Last week I was looking to buy a laptop computer desk for the refurbished laptop computer in my home office but I’m noticing that I can get significantly cheaper prices online instead of driving down to the local electronics store, in many cases 50%-70% cheaper. The only bad part is that I have to wait several days to get it delivered.

]]> By: Mike http://www.cbc.ca/spark/2009/01/laptop-or-desktop/comment-page-1/#comment-19214 Mike Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:43:40 +0000 http://www.cbc.ca/spark/blog/2009/01/09/laptop-or-desktop.html#comment-19214 Great posts! My first was an HP desktop PC in 2006. Still runs great, never had a problem. I use it offline and only for a serious photography hobby, not much else. I get basic updates via the sneaker net, USB transit. You need a desktop monitor for photo work. I went to libraries with my USB to share photos on web sites like flickr and by emails. Over 3 years I added 2GB more RAM and a second hard drive and better keyboard. But my desired internet time increased and wanted more web access. So in 2010, I weighed the options. Best Buy offered 18 months no interest for $500+ purchases. A $35/month internet connection x 18 months = $630. That gets you a laptop a bit beefier performance wise than my HP and with the new Windows OS. Laptops cost no more than desktops anymore. Actually I thought the equivalent powered desktops (tower+keyboard+monitor) on display were slightly costlier but close. My apartment has tenants with wireless already there, I can deal with them on that, or I can go two blocks away to downtown to the library for free Wi-Fi, there are outdoor Wi-Fi hot spots here too, also a campus a couple miles away has it free too. So no pressure to buy stuff as in an internet cafe'. I'm single so getting out is good...sharing internet or whatever with neighbors is good too. I don't hog bandwidth, no video streaming etc. So the options looked this way. Option 1) Buy internet access for my Desktop and put my hobby PC at risk of getting viruses. Option 2) Buy a laptop and use its mobility possibilities to find internet service wherever I can, and have two computers for no more money than option 1. I went for the laptop. However I don't feel good about the stories I hear regarding poor laptop mechanical durability. I hope it has improved just as the internal laptop performance has. As far as one or the other being more fun, I get fun or serious on either unit. Great posts!
My first was an HP desktop PC in 2006. Still runs great, never had a problem. I use it offline and only for a serious photography hobby, not much else. I get basic updates via the sneaker net, USB transit. You need a desktop monitor for photo work. I went to libraries with my USB to share photos on web sites like flickr and by emails. Over 3 years I added 2GB more RAM and a second hard drive and better keyboard. But my desired internet time increased and wanted more web access. So in 2010, I weighed the options. Best Buy offered 18 months no interest for $500+ purchases. A $35/month internet connection x 18 months = $630. That gets you a laptop a bit beefier performance wise than my HP and with the new Windows OS. Laptops cost no more than desktops anymore. Actually I thought the equivalent powered desktops (tower+keyboard+monitor) on display were slightly costlier but close. My apartment has tenants with wireless already there, I can deal with them on that, or I can go two blocks away to downtown to the library for free Wi-Fi, there are outdoor Wi-Fi hot spots here too, also a campus a couple miles away has it free too. So no pressure to buy stuff as in an internet cafe'. I'm single so getting out is good…sharing internet or whatever with neighbors is good too. I don't hog bandwidth, no video streaming etc. So the options looked this way. Option 1) Buy internet access for my Desktop and put my hobby PC at risk of getting viruses. Option 2) Buy a laptop and use its mobility possibilities to find internet service wherever I can, and have two computers for no more money than option 1. I went for the laptop. However I don't feel good about the stories I hear regarding poor laptop mechanical durability. I hope it has improved just as the internal laptop performance has.

As far as one or the other being more fun, I get fun or serious on either unit.

]]> By: Kate http://www.cbc.ca/spark/2009/01/laptop-or-desktop/comment-page-1/#comment-12349 Kate Sat, 29 Aug 2009 10:39:51 +0000 http://www.cbc.ca/spark/blog/2009/01/09/laptop-or-desktop.html#comment-12349 I've just finished reading all the posts on this discussion, and each has been very considered and helpful, thanks. The common focus on practical issues (electricity requirements, processor speed etc.), with a few exceptions about environment (posture, bi-focal glasses, as well as the obvious one of portability), made me realise that my own dilemma is psychological: one of the posts mentioned the psychological association of the desktop with 'work' computing. I also have that problem, and even though I'm an academic, the majority of the computing I do in my office on campus is administration. I wrote my Phd on a desktop as well, so perhaps the trauma of that has taken its toll...! Since then I've really only used laptops, sitting at home on the couch, to write research papers and lectures. Those are the tasks that require 'thinking' time. For me, the laptop's lap/screen/hands/eyes/brain distances feel intimate and relaxed, whereas those of the desktop feel formal and suggest obligation to work. So, that's my perspective on the debate! Does anyone out there know what I mean...?! I’ve just finished reading all the posts on this discussion, and each has been very considered and helpful, thanks. The common focus on practical issues (electricity requirements, processor speed etc.), with a few exceptions about environment (posture, bi-focal glasses, as well as the obvious one of portability), made me realise that my own dilemma is psychological: one of the posts mentioned the psychological association of the desktop with ‘work’ computing. I also have that problem, and even though I’m an academic, the majority of the computing I do in my office on campus is administration. I wrote my Phd on a desktop as well, so perhaps the trauma of that has taken its toll…! Since then I’ve really only used laptops, sitting at home on the couch, to write research papers and lectures. Those are the tasks that require ‘thinking’ time. For me, the laptop’s lap/screen/hands/eyes/brain distances feel intimate and relaxed, whereas those of the desktop feel formal and suggest obligation to work. So, that’s my perspective on the debate! Does anyone out there know what I mean…?!

]]> By: Jessica http://www.cbc.ca/spark/2009/01/laptop-or-desktop/comment-page-1/#comment-3703 Jessica Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:42:45 +0000 http://www.cbc.ca/spark/blog/2009/01/09/laptop-or-desktop.html#comment-3703 I think it totally depends on your intended use. First of all, it would differ between personal and business laptops. For personal ... is it shared between several people? Are you using it just for downloading music? I prefer a laptop for personal use because I like to be able to carry it around the house (in front of the TV, in the kitchen, in the bedroom, etc.). I actually originally bought a laptop to take with me to school to take notes, but now that I'm out of school, I don't even want to return to a desktop. For business, although I may be a bit biased (I work for a company that leases business computers called No Panic Computing), I believe laptops are becoming more and more common due to the fact that many people have to travel for work, and the lines between business hours and personal hours are starting to blur. If you are a graphic designer or video editor, you will probably require a desktop (maybe even with multiple monitors), but for those who travel for business, often work from home, or even just want the portability of bringing your laptop into your weekly meeting, a laptop is the only option they'd consider. I think it totally depends on your intended use.
First of all, it would differ between personal and business laptops.

For personal … is it shared between several people? Are you using it just for downloading music? I prefer a laptop for personal use because I like to be able to carry it around the house (in front of the TV, in the kitchen, in the bedroom, etc.).

I actually originally bought a laptop to take with me to school to take notes, but now that I'm out of school, I don't even want to return to a desktop.

For business, although I may be a bit biased (I work for a company that leases business computers called No Panic Computing), I believe laptops are becoming more and more common due to the fact that many people have to travel for work, and the lines between business hours and personal hours are starting to blur.

If you are a graphic designer or video editor, you will probably require a desktop (maybe even with multiple monitors), but for those who travel for business, often work from home, or even just want the portability of bringing your laptop into your weekly meeting, a laptop is the only option they'd consider.

]]> By: Iain K. MacLeod http://www.cbc.ca/spark/2009/01/laptop-or-desktop/comment-page-1/#comment-3290 Iain K. MacLeod Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:34:32 +0000 http://www.cbc.ca/spark/blog/2009/01/09/laptop-or-desktop.html#comment-3290 I am pretty much having this exact debate right now...<i>in my mind</i>. I have pretty much bought a desktop every 4 years for home and have had desktops to work on at work. The things I like about a home computer is a large screen and a lot of storage. The idea of having a computer in-between has never been much of an issue and I handle syncing issues by using mostly web based apps. Even Drop Box has pretty much gotten me out of dragging around a USB Flash drive. Basically, living off separate desktops has made me embrace the web even more for work related things, like Gmail, Google Documents, FreshBooks, Harvest, Basecamp, etc. The one mobile element I have added to my process is an iPhone and I find that is the exact mix I need on the run. I don't need something for really "working" on the go, but being able to handle e-mails, twitter, todos, surfing and the odd game is great. This also solves the issues of not being able to drag around pictures, songs and movies. Sure I can't drag them <i>all</i> around with me, but the iPhone gives me enough to keep me happy. If I wanted to carry everything around with me (tons of music, thousands of photos and tv/film), a laptop capable of having a 1TB drive would be the answer. The idea of external drives for anything other than back-up doesn't appeal to me, but the more I read about the Drobo, the more interested I am. Plus, if you look at Apple's latest reports, laptops sales are way up and desktops are falling down. So, long story short, I am waiting for the next revision to the iMac before I purchase my next computer. I am pretty much having this exact debate right now…in my mind.

I have pretty much bought a desktop every 4 years for home and have had desktops to work on at work. The things I like about a home computer is a large screen and a lot of storage. The idea of having a computer in-between has never been much of an issue and I handle syncing issues by using mostly web based apps. Even Drop Box has pretty much gotten me out of dragging around a USB Flash drive. Basically, living off separate desktops has made me embrace the web even more for work related things, like Gmail, Google Documents, FreshBooks, Harvest, Basecamp, etc.

The one mobile element I have added to my process is an iPhone and I find that is the exact mix I need on the run. I don't need something for really "working" on the go, but being able to handle e-mails, twitter, todos, surfing and the odd game is great. This also solves the issues of not being able to drag around pictures, songs and movies. Sure I can't drag them all around with me, but the iPhone gives me enough to keep me happy.

If I wanted to carry everything around with me (tons of music, thousands of photos and tv/film), a laptop capable of having a 1TB drive would be the answer. The idea of external drives for anything other than back-up doesn't appeal to me, but the more I read about the Drobo, the more interested I am. Plus, if you look at Apple's latest reports, laptops sales are way up and desktops are falling down.

So, long story short, I am waiting for the next revision to the iMac before I purchase my next computer.

]]> By: Andrew Kasprzak http://www.cbc.ca/spark/2009/01/laptop-or-desktop/comment-page-1/#comment-2998 Andrew Kasprzak Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:35:51 +0000 http://www.cbc.ca/spark/blog/2009/01/09/laptop-or-desktop.html#comment-2998 Great topic, and great posts, everyone. Like Geakz, I have to commute to get high-speed for my (work-owned) laptop and iPod touch. My home desktop is stuck with dial-up. Any downloads (like the enhanced podcast) are conducted elsewhere, then transferred via USB memory key if necessary. Just listened to episode 62, and have a comment about the poor ergonomic design of laptops, and Ms. Lallani's suggestion of a laptop with a telescoping screen mount to bring the screen up away from the keyboard; what ever happened to that mid-90s ideal of 'Virtual Reality' headsets? How about a pair of glasses instead of a display? Could that beat a 24" desktop display? Great topic, and great posts, everyone. Like Geakz, I have to commute to get high-speed for my (work-owned) laptop and iPod touch. My home desktop is stuck with dial-up. Any downloads (like the enhanced podcast) are conducted elsewhere, then transferred via USB memory key if necessary.

Just listened to episode 62, and have a comment about the poor ergonomic design of laptops, and Ms. Lallani’s suggestion of a laptop with a telescoping screen mount to bring the screen up away from the keyboard; what ever happened to that mid-90s ideal of ‘Virtual Reality’ headsets? How about a pair of glasses instead of a display? Could that beat a 24″ desktop display?

]]> By: Margot http://www.cbc.ca/spark/2009/01/laptop-or-desktop/comment-page-1/#comment-3003 Margot Sat, 17 Jan 2009 22:09:34 +0000 http://www.cbc.ca/spark/blog/2009/01/09/laptop-or-desktop.html#comment-3003 The laptop is the only computer for those of us who wear bi- or varifocal glasses. With desktops we either have to tilt our heads back to read the screen (getting major cricks in the neck), wear trifocals, or buy another set of glasses just for the computer. The screen on a laptop is at the perfect angle for using the reading (lower) part of our glasses without having to bend our necks. I wouldn't be without mine, even though I rarely move it from my desk and the smaller screen took a bit of getting used to. The laptop is the only computer for those of us who wear bi- or varifocal glasses. With desktops we either have to tilt our heads back to read the screen (getting major cricks in the neck), wear trifocals, or buy another set of glasses just for the computer. The screen on a laptop is at the perfect angle for using the reading (lower) part of our glasses without having to bend our necks. I wouldn’t be without mine, even though I rarely move it from my desk and the smaller screen took a bit of getting used to.

]]> By: Jim http://www.cbc.ca/spark/2009/01/laptop-or-desktop/comment-page-1/#comment-3002 Jim Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:42:27 +0000 http://www.cbc.ca/spark/blog/2009/01/09/laptop-or-desktop.html#comment-3002 Hi Spark ... "Go Desktop Go" ... I am extremely anti laptop. I rely on "remote desktop" for all of my work the requires mobility. At work I am always connected to my home PC ... and at home I am always connected to my work PC. Aside from my primary reason here's some others: - laptops are heavy and a complete burden - parts are not standardized and expensive - laptops are fragile - laptops are awkward to commute with Jim ps I'd probably be a fan of bootable usb keys containing my OS, Apps, and files ... Hi Spark …

“Go Desktop Go” … I am extremely anti laptop.

I rely on “remote desktop” for all of my work the requires mobility. At work I am always connected to my home PC … and at home I am always connected to my work PC.

Aside from my primary reason here’s some others:
- laptops are heavy and a complete burden
- parts are not standardized and expensive
- laptops are fragile
- laptops are awkward to commute with

Jim

ps I’d probably be a fan of bootable usb keys containing my OS, Apps, and files …

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