Could you live without your desktop PC?

Cisco001

Possibly yes as I don't pay game anymore...

I would probably opt for 2 in 1 windows tablet, with HDMI output, such that I can connect to TV/ monitor with proper keyboard if I need to work.

Cycrow

A laptop or tablet wouldn't cut it for me, im too used to the extra screen space, and i always find it difficult working on a laptop with much lower resolution. Plus i dont really know of any laptop capable of running games well enough at the resolution i use.

onomatopoeia99

Laptops and tablets lack screen real estate and proper keyboards. I run a 30" + 2x22" screens attached to my desktop and us an IBM model M keyboard, sat on a proper desk.

Using my laptop, even with a full keyboard with numeric keypad and a 17" screen, drives me nuts.

Robisere

I have a self-built desktop with a 24" monitor and my wife has a 17" HP laptop, still going strong after almost 6 years of use that includes grandkids of all ages. I also have a Hudl2, which I love, and various family members visit using smartphones and tablets.(Bandwidth thieves!) We have a 'dumb' 9 year old Panasonic TV that is attached to a WDTV Live Netflix streamer. All of this is networked and supported, stored and backed up by a 2TB NAS which holds all our music, video and photos.

However, we have been saving for a new setup next year, when I intend to ditch the desktop for a new, top class 17" laptop, new Smart TV, Sky TV & broadband to replace our current Plusnet setup. The WDTV will find a new home in the family.

The laptop I have in mind will be built to my spec's by PC Specialist and will work fine with our old 1080p Panasonic TV, so the old monitor can go too. The Hudl I already know works with that TV also.

I use the Hudl for outdoor stuff, Kindle and other e-book publications. And both of us have inexpensive PAYG phones, all we need are communication devices, not handheld computers or cameras, we have a very good digital camera for that.

So yes, we can live without a desktop, which is a very powerful machine that is a holdover from my last career as a self-employed printer. I have never been a Gamer, no offence to those who are but it never took hold with me. So my new lappy will be used for photography, e-books, music and videos, as well as browsing, (a little) social media and online shopping.

slink85

haven't owned a desktop for years, and personally don't see the need for one for my usage, they are just clunky and take up space, and you have to sit at them, much rather whip the laptop out and use it in the garden on a sunny day with a cold beer

a 17" midrange laptop, a cheap 1st Gen Tesco hudl tablet and a midrange 'smartphone' about covers all my needs.

There used to be a time when a desktop was needed for the increased storage and extra power and the like, but considering even the most basic of laptops are more than sufficient for most every day needs now, that argument falls flat on its face.

But different pokes for different folks I guess.

googler

I NEED a desktop because I need the monitor to be at eye level or thereabouts, which is singularly not achievable with a laptop, unless you hook it up to a monitor, or elevate it and use separate keyboard and mouse.

Tall folks get neck and shoulder pain with low monitors/laptop screens.

I have a solid state drive in my desktop with only the OS on it, and two separate disk-type data drives with 2Tb total storage. Try doing that on a laptop.

I'm about to install PCI cards to facilitate more internal drives and more USB3 ports. Again, try doing that with a laptop.

Pincher

The way the housing crisis is developing, people should be thinking in terms of gaming PC as the source for central heating, since they can only afford to live in a studio apartment anyway.

I have a Delonghi oil filled radiator on wheels that looks remarkably like a tower PC.

almillar

I'll be keeping my desktop, that's for sure. Ergonomics is a big part of it. Computers keep getting smaller, yet our eyes, hands etc, are still the same specification. Hunching over a mobile, tablet, laptop isn't good for you. Maybe sitting at a desk for ages isn't either, but it's better. I like the power, upgradeability and dual screens on my desktop.
That said, plenty of laptops can 'dock' (use a proper dock or plug a couple of things in) and sit on a desk, with a decent keyboard, mouse and 2 screens (OK maybe pushing it) connected, so I can see people consolidating like that.

Doshwaster

My desktop is about 8 years old, on its last legs and isn't coping with Windows 10 very well so it's a decision I'll have to make soon.

One option would be to keep the keyboard and dual monitor (once you start using a dual setup it's hard to go back to a single screen) and just use a docking station for a laptop. That's all I have at work so it does seem silly to have a big box under my desk at home.

Then again, you do get far more power for your money with a desktop and they are far easier to upgrade.

onomatopoeia99

Pincher wrote: »

The way the housing crisis is developing, people should be thinking in terms of gaming PC as the source for central heating, since they can only afford to live in a studio apartment anyway.

I have a Delonghi oil filled radiator on wheels that looks remarkably like a tower PC.

If used for scrypt mining while not gaming, it could both make money and heat the room at the same time!