desktop pc v's laptop

exup

sh1305 wrote: »

I've been told (by someone who repairs laptops) that it's just easier to buy an external hard drive. You can by cheaper external hard drives and they're cheaper.

its no easier to buy an external hard drive than an internal one - but thats not really anything to do with what I was talking about - I said it was easier to replace components on a desktop than a laptop, but you can still replace some and gave examples.
Its just a case of taking off the cover and pulling the old hardrive out and slotting the new one in - nothing difficult at all, also if your USB hard drive isn't picked up by your laptop without drivers for it, then it may make booting off it a little tricky

Slartibardfast_2

The spec of your desktop is pretty good.

Whilst a cheaper laptop won't match the all out performance of your desktop, something like this should be more than adequate for what you're looking for.

http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=399205&CatId=0

If you're not too fussed about performance, an mainly want to use itunes and surf the internet, something like this would be fine (and cheaper!)

http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=401117&CatId=0

Best practice with laptops is to head off to the shops and find a model you really like, then compare prices online. Price isn't the only consideration, you have to be happy with the keyboard and touchpad etc. I wouldn't advise buying one blind!

continualdiamond

Thanks slartibardfast, you've been a great help.

Just been looking on currys website as have a store 5 mins from me,this comes up as the top offer http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/acer-aspire-5332-04153053-pdt.html but a bit confused by getting the laptop free if i sign up for mobile broadband at £30 as sounds to good to be true.

Mobile broadband would be fab as OH could take laptop away with him when hes out (sometimes hes out over night as drives for a living) and we'd cancel our virgin media broadband.

Slartibardfast_2

That's a pretty good deal, and Acer laptops are as good as any.

If you do decide to go down the mobile broadband route, be very careful which provider you go for (paricularly regarding coverage, especially at home) and check the limitations and cost over the contract. You may be better off buying a laptop outright, keeping your existing broadband and getting a pay-and-go mobile broadband dongle instead.

exup

continualdiamond wrote: »

Thanks slartibardfast, you've been a great help.

Just been looking on currys website as have a store 5 mins from me,this comes up as the top offer http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/acer-aspire-5332-04153053-pdt.html but a bit confused by getting the laptop free if i sign up for mobile broadband at £30 as sounds to good to be true.

Mobile broadband would be fab as OH could take laptop away with him when hes out (sometimes hes out over night as drives for a living) and we'd cancel our virgin media broadband.

There are little things you can do that can reduce cost with regards to mobile broadband. Places such as McDonalds offer free wi-fi so if your other half is driving around then he may be able to make use. Especially if he is getting something from the shop which is offering free wi-fi in the first place. (They usually will give out the password to access their network)

The mobile broadband at 30 per month will be a contract for a minimum period, which will more than pay for your laptop (which is why they are offering the deal)

Some ISPs (if you are with Virginmedia ) can offer mobile broadband for £5 per month for a 3GB limit per month (usually £15). If you manage to find a decent laptop for a decent price you may be able to save money on finding a mobile broadband deal (or use the free wi-fi option if you can find em)

marleyboy

My PC Desktop is mainly used for watching movies\music, playing games or downloading. It hides behind my television set and uses the TV as a monitor, My laptop is used for browsing, discussions and just about anything else. My Desktop rins Windows7 Pro but my laptop is happy using XP Pro and by using VLC, I can control the PC from my laptop via the wireless, my printer is also Wireless, so is out of sight in my bedroom.

For limited space in a flat a laptop is a good idea although I am not sure about tying yourself to a contract to get a free one. Mainly because I dont trust those schemes as being worth it.

A Desktop is great for upgrading purposes, and simplicity of repairs compared to a laptop.
Yet it is hardly a space saver

continualdiamond

hmmmm think i'll go without the mobile broadband thing and just get a laptop outright.

If i lived in a house and hence had more space this pc i have would be fine and i wouldn't be looking for alternatives. Where just very very limited on the space we have and where this pc currently sits i was thinking of getting some kind of storage to store the printer and cds currently on the desk as the desk has space for cds etc.

OH likes the idea of a laptop but is also hestiating about getting rid of the desktop pc.

marleyboy

My sympathies about the space, I used to live in a tower block where there was no room in the kitchen to install a washing machine.

The bed just about fitted in the bedroom, yet blocked the drawers. The living room squeezed a 3 pce and a desk in it, but that was about it, I think there was more room on the balcony , go for the laptop. (you can always sell the desktop).

macman

continualdiamond wrote: »

Thanks slartibardfast, you've been a great help.

Just been looking on currys website as have a store 5 mins from me,this comes up as the top offer http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/acer-aspire-5332-04153053-pdt.html but a bit confused by getting the laptop free if i sign up for mobile broadband at £30 as sounds to good to be true.

Mobile broadband would be fab as OH could take laptop away with him when hes out (sometimes hes out over night as drives for a living) and we'd cancel our virgin media broadband.

Indeed it is. You'll be committing to 24 months at £30, that's £720 for a laptop worth (at most) £359. So that leaves £361, or £15 a month for a 3GB mobile broadband service-which you could buy direct for that price anyway. And you will find that pretty inadequate compared to VM cable broadband. And if you dump VM, how will you connect to the internet when your OH is away with the dongle?