Laptop vs. Desktop Options

[BMcKenley]

I wuz wonderin which was better for school a laptop or a desktop because it would work out cheaper for me to have one built than to buy a laptop. I really need help choosing.

[mathgeni]

i have a laptop and find it really convenient...

some good reasons to have a laptop...
- the chairs in the dorms aren't the most comfortable so it is easy to sit on your bed with a laptop
- if you feel like hanging out in the union there is a wireless hotspot so you could still use your own comp if it is a laptop
- if you want to go to study quad or library you could still have the comfort of your own comp while in a better work/study place (also wireless hotspot at library)
- laptop is far easier to travel with to go home and get to school
- laptop takes up less of the little available space in the dorm rooms

i'm sure there are more advantages but this is what i came up with right off the top of my head

[mgleason1]

mathgeni is def right on. i wouldn't recommend a desktop just because it would be easier to take your files and stuff with you to class if need be. and you can still get a printer for the laptop and even though they are cheaper you will use them longer and more in the long run

[jamesw]

Yeah stick to a laptop (mac of course!) just so you can use it any time you want. nothing worse than falling asleep at your desk when you can be doing that in bed typing a word doc

[mathgeni]

i agree... macs are the way to go

[NickD]

I would agree a laptop is going to be the best option, it might be a good idea to get an external hard drive aswell though.
That way you can keep everything backed up incase something bad happens to the laptop. This is where desktops have an advantage,
they are much easier to fix if something breaks.

[SpartanPhalanx1]

I prefer laptops. The best reason to get a laptop is the comfort and ease of use. A lot of the problems that laptops used to have are no longer a factor. Prices have come way down (especially if you do not mind netbooks!) and they are just as powerful as a standard desktop.
Macs are good computers, but if you want something with lots of cool features for less money then get a computer with Windows 7. Mac users like to rag on Windows, but there is really no actual problem with them unless you are a complete noob and fill it up with viruses and stuff.
You could get a laptop with a Blue-Ray player, Windows 7, and a decent amount of power for a pretty light price. If you like gaming at all Windows is still your best bet too, although Macs are catching up pretty rapidly.
I have a Dell Studio 15 and am very happy with it. It has lots of nifty features and was pretty cheap. You can get Blue-Ray players in HP computers for sure, and Acer computers have recently begun gaining popularity.

Of course, if you want the ultimate mobility, lowest price, and do not care about performance, just get a netbook. All you can really do is get on the internet and use Microsoft Office, but if that is all you need then I suppose it is a legitimate option.