laptop computer or desktop computer?

Question

Your elderly neighbor, Mrs.Baines is interested in purchasing a computer. She has never owned a computer and wants our opinion on what kind to purchase. She does not want to make too big of an investment , and mostly wants to use it to type emails to her grandchildren. Would you recommend that Mrs Baines buy a laptop computer or desktop computer? Give three reasons for your suggestion.

Answer 1

Laptop. Less Space, No wires and connections to put together, can be moved easily from room to room.

Answer 2

DEFINITELY a desktop.

Laptops are intended to provide mobility which it doesn't sound like she needs.

Desktops are:
1. Measurably lower in cost.
2. More robust - it will last longer. Industry expected lifetimes on desktops are at least a year longer on desktops than laptops. Yes, this is partially because people don't drop desktops as frequently, but it is also due to more robust packaging and better spacing, which means it's easier to control heat.
3. More aimed at consumers like her. She should be able to find a pre-packaged desktop system which has someone like her as the specific target audience - which means it will have simple messaging software, not a bunch of software she doesn't need (which just make her life more difficult). It may also have a larger screen that she can read from more easily as a standard or even as an optional upgrade.

Answer 3

Laptop

Answer 4

I recommend a MacBook notebook computer. The benefit of a desktop computer is you get more "bang for your buck", in terms of processor, graphics card, hard drive, and sometimes RAM. But for her purposes, she does not really need that amount of power, she just needs a modern computer. The portability is worth more than the power.

The MacBook is roughly $1200 with tax. I suggest Apple because for her purposes, all she really needs is a web browser, and if she has never owned a computer before, she will find Mac OS X much easier than Windows. Moreover, if she ever finds that she needs Windows, she can install it, whereas a non-Apple PC cannot get OS X (legally).

Answer 5

Actually it is more of a personal issue, myself I prefer the laptop, my wife on the other hand prefers the desktop. Space for placement is on consideration, the ability to want to move it around the house another. Which keyboard would be more comfortable, and easier for her. Think the best bet would be to let her see and try both, and then let her make a personal decision as to which she would be more comfortable with.

Answer 6

A laptop would be my advice, they take up less room, they come in a complete package(no wires to come loose), and there is little cost difference nowadays. Lots of secondhand options, as well as Dell who offer good value.

Answer 7

She should get a laptop because it's portable and convenient, unlike a desktop.