How to choose between a PC and a Laptop?

zoe

If purchasing a 2nd hand PC or laptop what are the advantages/disadvantages of choosing either a PC instead of a laptop? Or vice versa?

If I just want it for home use, so it’ll just sit on my desk and I won’t need to take it anywhere, and it’ll only be for writing letters and for ‘net access.

I think one advantage of using a laptop is that some can use a lot less electricity and of course do not take up as much space.

Also, I think some laptops can have quite a large screen anyhow.

So is there any advantage in purchasing a PC, other than a PC may be cheaper?

Thanks

humbert

A PC is easier to upgrade and repair.

is_that_so

Like anything you purchase consider the specifications

Other factors to consider

Requirements

What will be doing with it?
There may be needs better satisfied by a PC either through its spec or ease of use.


Mobility

Will you need to be take it with you?

Physical Space

Have you got enough free space for a desktop to "sit there" ?

Current specs and upgradability

Is the current spec OK or will you need to upgrade it?

As posted PCs tend to be a lot easier to upgrade.


If space is an issue then it is quite likely a laptop will better suit your needs.

Good luck and caveat emptor(buyer beware).

papu

Price is also an issue a 600 or 700 pc may cost nearly a grand in laptop terms

ntlbell

you look odd in your local wi-fi enabled starsucks with a dell dimension thrown up on their fancy tables.

papu

ntlbell wrote:

you look odd in your local wi-fi enabled starsucks with a dell dimension thrown up on their fancy tables.

silly billy ......the dimensions go UNDER the tables . the top is for the 19" crt! :rolleyes:

Snowbat

Ergonomics
It is a lot more comfortable to work with a full-size keyboard, a good mouse, and a properly positioned large screen than huddled over a laptop. You can add these to a laptop but it will be an extra expense if you don't already have them.

Hard drive performance
Laptop hard drives are usually slower (4200 or 5400 RPM) and of lower capacity than current desktop hard drives.

Khannie

papu wrote:

Price is also an issue a 600 or 700 pc may cost nearly a grand in laptop terms

This is the big issue for me. If you're not moving around, desktop all the way. The equivalent compute power in a laptop generally costs twice that of a desktop.

papu

i dont like the feel of laptops , silly battery times , silly touch mousy thingys , silly on board graphics ( unless u pay 1500) ....i prefer a nice 22" moniter a nice logitech mouse and a comfy chair :P

barrett1965

papu wrote:

i dont like the feel of laptops , silly battery times , silly touch mousy thingys , silly on board graphics ( unless u pay 1500) ....i prefer a nice 22" moniter a nice logitech mouse and a comfy chair :P

I agree. I bought a laptop (for a family) but most of us would now prefer a PC. There are some things I just can't warm to with a notebook.

mathias

Also , seeing as were talking second hand , any second hand laptop is likely to have seen a fair amount of punishment and the battery is probably down to at least half its original capacity if its not dead altogether.

Seeing as you wont be taking it with you , I'd go PC all the way , a laptop is for portability , otherwise get a PC for comfort.

zoe

papu wrote:

the dimensions go UNDER the tables . the top is for the 19" crt!

Thanks for the replies!

I think I'll definitely just go for a pc then.