Laptop Or Desktop... What Do I Buy?

Written By:  Jeff H. Reynolds

Are you considering the purchase of a new computer system but can't make up your mind as to whether to go with a laptop or desktop/tower type machine?  This is a pretty common question that people have.

Obviously, a laptop takes up less space than a desktop/tower machine.  This issue alone may solve the question for those with space limitations such as students (dorm rooms don't typically offer much space). But, before you go and spend the money for a laptop... you may want to consider the fact that it's very difficult if not impossible to upgrade a laptop machine.  What you buy is pretty much what you are stuck with. 

This isn't the situation with a desktop/tower computer system.  That is, most all desktop and tower computer systems are easily upgradeable.  You can add memory, change processors, upgrade motherboards, install additional optical drives, add multiple hard drives, install a tv tuner,... the list is almost endless.  When you consider the fact that you can also setup the machine to connect to your home theater system... the question becomes much more difficult to answer.

As we all know, laptop machines were designed to be carried or moved about.  This presents the likelihood that the machine maybe damaged or lost. (If you keep your personal information on the machine and it's lost... you may really have a problem.)  Here's another thought, you are sitting in bed, working on the laptop... and your 5 year old comes flying into the room and jumps on the bed... sending the laptop airborne and onto the floor breaking the screen.  Or, you have laptop sitting on the kitchen table... and you are drinking a soda and accidentally spill it on the keyboard.  Well... if this was a desktop machine there would be no problem... but, with this being a laptop, the soda may just soak the motherboard or other components resulting in the destruction of the machine.

So, unless you travel and need to carry a computer with you... it is my recommendation that you purchase a desktop/tower computer system.  I think the versatility of these machines far out weighs the convenience that a laptop computer may provide.  And, don't forget that you can buy a good desktop/tower machine for about half what you may pay for a laptop.  Those extra dollars could be invested into software, games, and other accessories.