Desktop and Laptop???? I am thinking about buying both?

Question

I am considering buying a computer...well i am buying one, but i am thinking of buying a so-so laptop but a nice desktop... i am going to college and getting married... i dont do gaming or whatnot... is this a good idea (financially?) what brand should i buy... and what all should i do to make sure that they coordinate with each other... i am getting wireless internet... ive never had that before... anything i need to buy to use it??

I would rather have a mac, but for financial reasons, i believe I am just going to get a windows... but I have been told not to buy a computer with windows vista, because of the problems it is having and i cannot wait until they get the "bugs" worked out to buy one. all of the computers ive seen online at walmart, best buy, etc are windows vista. so how do i get the old microsoft... or perhaps i should just get an apple laptop and that is it... i will be going to college using this computer... so i do need a laptop...

Answer 1

desktop you can upgrade, laptops you can't do much

Answer 2

well, you have to think about what your needs are.

Laptop vs Desktop:
From the standpoint of laptop vs desktop, you have to ask yourself is there a need to take your computer with you someplace in or out of the house. ie. do you need it when you work, do you want to sit outside on the porch in the sun and type emails? If yes, then laptop is an answer. Another nice thing about having a laptop and desktop is that when married you and your husband can each be working on a computer at the same time (ie. you doing email, he's doing taxes).

Price:
if price is a consideration - which it usually is - then also think about buying "last year's model", or even a used computer. You'll save a bunch of money, and if you're not a power user - probably won't even be able to tell the difference. You can buy both desktops AND laptops for $300-400 each now. So instead of buying the $800 desktop, buy a $300 desktop and a $400 laptop.

Desktop Power:
I've helped MANY MANY people figure out their computer needs, and most people I've encountered just need a computer to check their email, browse the internet, edit and store photos, and a few other applications. If this is the case, you don't need much power for your computer. Computers are upgraded so quickly now and pricepoints have fallen that I don't accept the "desktop has more expansion". Point is buy what you need for the next three years and then figure out your next move then. You can probably get by with a desktop for $300 or so - it will serve you well.

Coordination:
For the most part, current operating systems coordinate with each other pretty well. However, if you want the best coordination make sure they have the same operating system. ie. windows - windows; mac - mac.

Answer 3

Amount of money spent will not guarantee a flawless PC. Any manufacturer can produce an occasional "lemon." Just be sure to get a warranty and that the seller offers good support -- it's as important as the price.

A laptop is on my wishlist, too, and I check the ads regularly hoping for a bargain. I will even settle for a refurbished. I do not go games or videos and am interested in serious work only. Read the specifics of the PC you intend to buy. Most experts feel that we should have at least 512mb RAM, but so many are advertised with 1G. If you leave your wallpaper and screensaver to blank or none, and keep your startup menu to a minimum of daily needs, 512 will do you fine. They are just trying to sell bells and whistles you don't need -- its a business.

Dell lets you "build your own" computer, and both Dell and HP occasionally offer refurbished. You just have to keep looking and hit it lucky.

As for networking, if you don't know what you are doing, you will save yourself a big headache if you hire someone to set it up -- Best Buy, PC Housecalls, etc. It cost me $60 per hour to have a tech come to my home.

When you call, ask what you should buy, then have everything in place when he gets to your home, and in a very short time you will be good to go - shouldn't even take an hour if that's all you have done.. I did and have never regretted it.

Answer 4

Usually you should not buy both, but if they are both pretty cheap... If you get a pretty good laptop, its pretty much all you need. Just buy some periphs (mouse and keyboard, etc.) and its just like a desktop. You can even hook up a nice monitor to the laptop. As for network, most comps come with built-in wireless, but if i doesn't, you can usually but a wireless network card. I would prefer a Mac over a Windows, since they have built-in wireless and other good stuff. The Mac Mini would also be a good desktop, it's only about 3 inches high and 6 inches square. (really small)

Answer 5

laptop enough