Comments on: 10 reasons why I’m upgrading to another desktop instead of a laptop http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/ Gadget reviews and news by Julie Strietelmeier and friends since 1997 Sun, 27 May 2012 00:39:26 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-51356 Julie Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:26:23 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-51356 @Rumz I'm not the best person to ask because I love Macs so much :) For me they are just so much easier to use than Windows machines. I also like not having to worry about malware and viruses. @Rumz I’m not the best person to ask because I love Macs so much :) For me they are just so much easier to use than Windows machines. I also like not having to worry about malware and viruses.

]]> By: Rumz http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-51331 Rumz Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:26:32 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-51331 I read almost all the postings as well as the reasoning behind the great choice of an iMac. Which one is better for a student not living on campus and without an iPhone? I'm tempted to g for the MacBook because I'd need to transfer my work from the school system to mine for personal learning but the iMac sounds really juicy, especially that I'll be doin animation. Please help. I read almost all the postings as well as the reasoning behind the great choice of an iMac. Which one is better for a student not living on campus and without an iPhone? I’m tempted to g for the MacBook because I’d need to transfer my work from the school system to mine for personal learning but the iMac sounds really juicy, especially that I’ll be doin animation. Please help.

]]> By: blork http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-45725 blork Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:04:32 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-45725 I changed my computer about a month ago, going from PC to Mac, and everybody was on me to get a laptop. I don't need a mobile machine (I have an HP 1000 netbook for that) so I went with a desktop. I already had a 22" widescreen monitor and a KB, mouse, etc., so I went for a Mac Mini. It's awesome! I got the 2.26 GHz model, and tricked it out with 4 GB of RAM. I also got a 500 GB external HD from OWC, which I used as my "data" drive (connected via FW800), and I use the on-board HD just for the OS and applications. (This is super convenient for things like OS upgrades, etc.) So far it's a beauty. The only drawback is that the fan noise for the external HD is fairly loud. But I'm going to fix that by tucking it away behind some stuff (or maybe under the desk, attached by a bracket). Bravo for choosing what works for you! I changed my computer about a month ago, going from PC to Mac, and everybody was on me to get a laptop. I don’t need a mobile machine (I have an HP 1000 netbook for that) so I went with a desktop. I already had a 22″ widescreen monitor and a KB, mouse, etc., so I went for a Mac Mini.

It’s awesome! I got the 2.26 GHz model, and tricked it out with 4 GB of RAM. I also got a 500 GB external HD from OWC, which I used as my “data” drive (connected via FW800), and I use the on-board HD just for the OS and applications. (This is super convenient for things like OS upgrades, etc.) So far it’s a beauty. The only drawback is that the fan noise for the external HD is fairly loud. But I’m going to fix that by tucking it away behind some stuff (or maybe under the desk, attached by a bracket).

Bravo for choosing what works for you!

]]> By: gregor http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-45615 gregor Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:41:58 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-45615 I'd want dual monitors even with the iMac, so that's $200 saved. The extra keyboard mouse is better with the laptop, I agree. I don't know why you'd bother with a docking station; external monitor and usb hub plug in and you're done? In both cases I'd get an external hard drive for backups and media storage. I don't think the price difference needs to be as great as you auggest. For me portability is much less about outside the home than about inside it; in bed, outside under a tree, at the kitchen table. If I had a home study it might be different, as it is, I like the flexibility of working/thinking wherever I want to. I don't have any netbooks though (for your reason #3; my laptop or iphone do me just fine). But it's also great to have a change of scenery and work in the library now and then. It used to be you had to sacrifice a lot for this portability, but that's not really the case any more. I find the small premium to be worth it. I’d want dual monitors even with the iMac, so that’s $200 saved. The extra keyboard mouse is better with the laptop, I agree. I don’t know why you’d bother with a docking station; external monitor and usb hub plug in and you’re done? In both cases I’d get an external hard drive for backups and media storage. I don’t think the price difference needs to be as great as you auggest.

For me portability is much less about outside the home than about inside it; in bed, outside under a tree, at the kitchen table. If I had a home study it might be different, as it is, I like the flexibility of working/thinking wherever I want to. I don’t have any netbooks though (for your reason #3; my laptop or iphone do me just fine).

But it’s also great to have a change of scenery and work in the library now and then.

It used to be you had to sacrifice a lot for this portability, but that’s not really the case any more. I find the small premium to be worth it.

]]> By: Noah Senzel http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-45423 Noah Senzel Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:46:43 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-45423 @Julie I would definitely consider running a dual-boot with Ubuntu 9.04 (I prefer standard to netbook remix, both styles are available if you get netbook remix). If all you're using is Firefox, hard drive space won't matter that much, not to mention that Ubuntu installs Firefox with the system so there shouldn't be many problems. @Julie I would definitely consider running a dual-boot with Ubuntu 9.04 (I prefer standard to netbook remix, both styles are available if you get netbook remix). If all you’re using is Firefox, hard drive space won’t matter that much, not to mention that Ubuntu installs Firefox with the system so there shouldn’t be many problems.

]]> By: Craig Shipp http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-45414 Craig Shipp Thu, 01 Oct 2009 22:31:58 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-45414 I just had a friend ask me what he should buy for his first MAC and I said a laptop assuming he was only going to have one MAC. After reading this post I'm not so sure. The problem my friend has is he does travel at least a half dozen times a year. The best solution IMO is to have both. This provides for a back up and the best computer is the one you have with you! I just had a friend ask me what he should buy for his first MAC and I said a laptop assuming he was only going to have one MAC. After reading this post I’m not so sure. The problem my friend has is he does travel at least a half dozen times a year. The best solution IMO is to have both. This provides for a back up and the best computer is the one you have with you!

]]> By: Jose http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-45372 Jose Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:18:53 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-45372 I had the same dilemma but I had to review my usage and need. I don't travel that much and laptops are much less reliable and prone to being stolen, dropped and bumped. Also you have to add all the accessories to a laptop that will further increase costs. I too am waiting for the new Apple desktops and will upgrade my desktop to one of those....currently I can easily get on-line through my phone or I can always get an inexpensive netbook...I use Google documents for everything and its perfectly compatible with Microsoft Office so need to buy Office on a netbook as well. I had the same dilemma but I had to review my usage and need. I don’t travel that much and laptops are much less reliable and prone to being stolen, dropped and bumped. Also you have to add all the accessories to a laptop that will further increase costs. I too am waiting for the new Apple desktops and will upgrade my desktop to one of those….currently I can easily get on-line through my phone or I can always get an inexpensive netbook…I use Google documents for everything and its perfectly compatible with Microsoft Office so need to buy Office on a netbook as well.

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-45357 Julie Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:31:24 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-45357 @Fred I never even considered doing that. Thanks! @Fred I never even considered doing that. Thanks!

]]> By: Fred http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-45356 Fred Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:15:55 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-45356 Julie, Buy AppleCare on eBay, it's way cheaper. Julie,
Buy AppleCare on eBay, it’s way cheaper.

]]> By: dan http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-45304 dan Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:02:15 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-45304 I have a macbook but i find myself using my iphone infront of the tv, more and more . . . . I have a macbook but i find myself using my iphone infront of the tv, more and more . . . .

]]> By: Mark Adkins http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-45284 Mark Adkins Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:25:45 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-45284 Ubuntu 9.04 on Mini 1000: a known bug is that the speakers will stop working. No workaround has fixed it on mine yet. I'm using Ubuntu on my old Fuji Lifebook and just found that I cannot get it to work with my Brother MFC-490cw printer. Dang. Laptop vs. Desktop: The ONLY benefit to the laptop is portability (OK, for some people it my be aesthetics or footprint). If you are not portable, may as well go desktop an get more bang for your buck. (This is a Mac-friendly thread, so I will avoid pointing out how much more you would have saved going the PC route rather than the Mac route! :-) ) Point #11 would have been upgradability- desktops can usually be upgraded further, cheaper, and for a longer time than laptops. Point #12 would have been 'cost over useful life'. Because of the cheaper start-up costs, longer component life, upgradablility, and reduced chance for damage or theft, desktops are also quite a bit cheaper to own over their entire lives. Ubuntu 9.04 on Mini 1000: a known bug is that the speakers will stop working. No workaround has fixed it on mine yet. I’m using Ubuntu on my old Fuji Lifebook and just found that I cannot get it to work with my Brother MFC-490cw printer. Dang.

Laptop vs. Desktop: The ONLY benefit to the laptop is portability (OK, for some people it my be aesthetics or footprint). If you are not portable, may as well go desktop an get more bang for your buck. (This is a Mac-friendly thread, so I will avoid pointing out how much more you would have saved going the PC route rather than the Mac route! :-) )

Point #11 would have been upgradability- desktops can usually be upgraded further, cheaper, and for a longer time than laptops.

Point #12 would have been ‘cost over useful life’. Because of the cheaper start-up costs, longer component life, upgradablility, and reduced chance for damage or theft, desktops are also quite a bit cheaper to own over their entire lives.

]]> By: Andy S. http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-45271 Andy S. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:36:31 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-45271 I use a Mac Mini as my primary computer, and I love it. I am, however, in the market for a Macbook Pro. Just waiting to see if the impending pre-holiday Apple product refresh includes any updates to the MacBook/Pro line. I use a Mac Mini as my primary computer, and I love it. I am, however, in the market for a Macbook Pro. Just waiting to see if the impending pre-holiday Apple product refresh includes any updates to the MacBook/Pro line.

]]> By: TonyBostony http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-45270 TonyBostony Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:36:16 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-45270 Golly Julie! Had you mentioned all that stuff before, I am sure most of us would'a said go with the iMac :)~ Silly goose. Golly Julie! Had you mentioned all that stuff before, I am sure most of us would’a said go with the iMac :) ~

Silly goose.

]]> By: Ken Comber http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-45269 Ken Comber Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:11:32 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-45269 I believe your right, it doesn't matter what kind of PC you buy as long as it suits your purposes 95% of the time. That and a really good chair and a decent mouse are the hallmarks of a decent office. I believe your right, it doesn’t matter what kind of PC you buy as long as it suits your purposes 95% of the time. That and a really good chair and a decent mouse are the hallmarks of a decent office.

]]> By: Daniel Staal http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-45267 Daniel Staal Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:58:59 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-45267 The Mac Mini is basically a Macbook in a different case. Cheaper, but no more powerful. It also comes without monitor, keyboard, or mouse. So those would still be expenses. (And note I said _Macbook_ not _Macbook Pro_ which is what has been spec'ed out above.) The Mac Mini is basically a Macbook in a different case. Cheaper, but no more powerful. It also comes without monitor, keyboard, or mouse. So those would still be expenses. (And note I said _Macbook_ not _Macbook Pro_ which is what has been spec’ed out above.)

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-45265 Julie Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:53:40 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-45265 @Tyler I'm really tempted to put Ubuntu on the HP mini 1000, but I hesitate to do it right now before I'm getting ready to leave on vacation (I'm taking it with me). I made that mistake last year when I hackintoshed the MSI Wind the night before the trip and it wasn't successful (tried it 2 times). @Tyler I’m really tempted to put Ubuntu on the HP mini 1000, but I hesitate to do it right now before I’m getting ready to leave on vacation (I’m taking it with me). I made that mistake last year when I hackintoshed the MSI Wind the night before the trip and it wasn’t successful (tried it 2 times).

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-45264 Julie Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:50:46 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-45264 @Bryan What I like best about the iMac is the fact that it does have an integrated display. Everything is in one package, so the footprint is small. Another thing I love aobut iMacs and Macs in general is that they are uber quiet. I HATE fan noise. :) Yeah, the mini is a little whimpy. If Apple would update the mini to have the same power as the high end iMac, I'd be all over it! @Bryan What I like best about the iMac is the fact that it does have an integrated display. Everything is in one package, so the footprint is small. Another thing I love aobut iMacs and Macs in general is that they are uber quiet. I HATE fan noise. :)

Yeah, the mini is a little whimpy. If Apple would update the mini to have the same power as the high end iMac, I’d be all over it!

]]> By: Bryan http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-45259 Bryan Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:27:00 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-45259 Sounds like good reasoning. I have to admit, though, I don't get the attraction of the iMac. I don't like the integrated display. I still have my Viewsonic VG191b tooling along after all the years. It is now supporting it's 5th computer (a MacBook Pro). The display lasts so much longer than the PC. Does the Mac Mini not have the oomph of the iMac? Sounds like good reasoning. I have to admit, though, I don’t get the attraction of the iMac. I don’t like the integrated display. I still have my Viewsonic VG191b tooling along after all the years. It is now supporting it’s 5th computer (a MacBook Pro). The display lasts so much longer than the PC. Does the Mac Mini not have the oomph of the iMac?

]]> By: Tyler Puckett http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-45252 Tyler Puckett Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:27:03 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-45252 Put Ubuntu Netbook Remix on one of your netbooks, Julie. I have it on my eeePC and it's great. Like many Linux installs, it doesn't fully support my eeepc out of the box, but it wasn't too hard to install drivers and the like. I'd wager the MSI Wind for example would have much better support out of the box. Put Ubuntu Netbook Remix on one of your netbooks, Julie. I have it on my eeePC and it’s great.

Like many Linux installs, it doesn’t fully support my eeepc out of the box, but it wasn’t too hard to install drivers and the like. I’d wager the MSI Wind for example would have much better support out of the box.

]]> By: Gardenwife http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-45246 Gardenwife Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:05:58 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-45246 I have a G1 phone running a Cyanogenmod. I hear you on the smartphones! Anymore, much of the surfing I do while at the coffee shop can largely be accomplished on my phone: Reading and writing blog posts, news, Facebook, e-mail, etc. When Adobe finally puts Flash out there for us, my life will almost be complete. LOL I have a G1 phone running a Cyanogenmod. I hear you on the smartphones! Anymore, much of the surfing I do while at the coffee shop can largely be accomplished on my phone: Reading and writing blog posts, news, Facebook, e-mail, etc. When Adobe finally puts Flash out there for us, my life will almost be complete. LOL

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-45239 Julie Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:27:21 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-45239 @Gardenwife I would make the same choice for a desktop because I prefer a full size keyboard and large display (at least 24"). If I traveled more, I would probably reconsider - maybe. Like Smythe said, I do have my iPhone... @Gardenwife I would make the same choice for a desktop because I prefer a full size keyboard and large display (at least 24″). If I traveled more, I would probably reconsider – maybe. Like Smythe said, I do have my iPhone…

]]> By: -Vince http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-45235 -Vince Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:05:23 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-45235 Most of those points are why I currently have an iMac. When my HP laptop was stolen a few years ago, I went to buy a MacBook Pro with the $4000 insurance check. When I really thought about it, the day it was stolen was the first time it had left the house in moths. I went for a $1500 iMac instead, pocketing the rest. I only regret not springing for the 24" I have a hackintoch dell mini 9 for sitting on the couch. I have caught myself coveting the new 13" MBP, but remind myself that I don't NEED the portability. Good choice. Most of those points are why I currently have an iMac. When my HP laptop was stolen a few years ago, I went to buy a MacBook Pro with the $4000 insurance check. When I really thought about it, the day it was stolen was the first time it had left the house in moths. I went for a $1500 iMac instead, pocketing the rest. I only regret not springing for the 24″ I have a hackintoch dell mini 9 for sitting on the couch. I have caught myself coveting the new 13″ MBP, but remind myself that I don’t NEED the portability.

Good choice.

]]> By: Gardenwife http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-45230 Gardenwife Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:26:51 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-45230 If you didn't already own netbooks and had to choose between a desktop and laptop, which would you choose and why? If you didn’t already own netbooks and had to choose between a desktop and laptop, which would you choose and why?

]]> By: Smythe Richbourg http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-45229 Smythe Richbourg Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:17:20 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-45229 I'm considering an iMac for my next computer as well. With the iPhone, I have all the portable computing power I really need while on the go. If I take a position with more travel in the future, things may change, but for now, I'd come down on the same side of the fence you're on. I’m considering an iMac for my next computer as well. With the iPhone, I have all the portable computing power I really need while on the go. If I take a position with more travel in the future, things may change, but for now, I’d come down on the same side of the fence you’re on.

]]> By: Lex http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/30/10-reasons-why-im-upgrading-to-another-desktop-instead-of-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-45221 Lex Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:55:29 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=22600#comment-45221 Point #10 trumps all the others. Point #10 trumps all the others.

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