topic Re: Desktop vs. Laptop in Electronics

Desktop vs. Laptop

aldacap — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 17:18:42 GMT

My job involves using the computer all day and as such I am used to using a pc and keyboard, which is what I currently use at home as well. Our family is thinking of switching from a PC to a laptop and I am just wondering if other administrative assistants have/had a hard time adjusting to the keys on the laptop versus the keys on a regular keyboard as far as placement of keys, speed of use, etc. Thanks for any input!

Re: Desktop vs. Laptop

ChynnaBlue — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 18:06:27 GMT

I thought I would hate the change when I changed jobs, but I love my laptops.

If you're main worry is the keyboard (mine was, too), you can use an external keyboard, just like you do with your desktop. You can even mount your laptop on a docking station and close it up, using an external monitor and an external keyboard so that it's basically a desktop.

I've found the switch to have mostly positive benefits. I love being able to take mine out of my home or office. When I was going to work and taking classes, I loved being able to do my homework in a coffee shop instead of at home where it was too easy to lose focus because suddenly I decided laundry would be more fun or important.

The only drawbacks I've found are not things you're likely worried about. With my desktop, I can do my own upgrades and repairs. I'm afraid to do that with my laptop because I just don't as much about the insides of my laptops and I'm afraid I'll break something. I also still rely on a desktop for gaming because a laptop for gaming is just way too expensive.

Re: Desktop vs. Laptop

jaxs mom — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 18:48:36 GMT

I'm not an administrative assistant but I can't stand laptops. I have one that I bought for travel but I won't use it at home. In fact I don't even use it for travel anymore since ipad came out. I use a 27 inch imac at home.

Re: Desktop vs. Laptop

Nightowlz — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 18:58:56 GMT

I'm not an administrative assistant either. We have laptops & desktop. I prefer to use the desktop & DH always uses the laptop. He uses a laptop at work too. I can type a lot faster on a desktop. The keys on a laptop are different from the desktop keyboard. I guess like anything after you get used to it you won't have any problems. You will probably want a cooling pad with the back lifted up so it's easier to use the laptop keys. I find it difficult to use a laptop while it's laying flat. We have one made by Targus like the pic. My desktop keyboard has feet on the back that props it up.

Re: Desktop vs. Laptop

ChynnaBlue — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 19:07:57 GMT

Here's a laptop on a docking station with an external monitor and external keyboard. The monitor is on a stand and the docking station is under it, but if you wanted a more traditional look, you can put the docking station and laptop to the side and have a lower monitor.

Here's another example with a wireless keyboard and monitor:

You don't need to use your laptop keyboard or monitor at all if you don't want to. You can probably use the monitor you have right now. You'll likely need a new keyboard, but it depends on the setup you have and what you get. I use my laptop and an eternal monitor because I like using two monitors for comparison work.

If you can't stand a laptop just because it's portable, you're not using all your options and blaming the laptop. They have the same functionality as a regular desktop, you just need to set them up the way you want them.

Re: Desktop vs. Laptop

jaxs mom — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 20:33:54 GMT

To me it's a complete waste to have a docking station and an external keyboard when I can have a desktop.

Re: Desktop vs. Laptop

Laura14 — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 20:54:48 GMT

I'm an AA and I know exactly what you mean. Most laptops have normal size keyboards these days but I missed the numeral keypad since I do 10 key by touch. When I bought a new laptop I made sure it had this feature only because sometimes I work from home and I can't do numbers on the top anymore. It aggravates me. I think my laptop is 15" and it's a fine size for typing. No issues at all there. Again it was just the separate numeral keypad that I missed and went back to when I bought my latest laptop a few years ago. If you have a Best Buy or some other electronics store near you, just pop in and try the different kinds on display to see what works and is most comfortable for you.

Re: Desktop vs. Laptop

Kathlen — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 21:27:37 GMT

You can buy another keyboard and mouse that plugs into the laptop. That's what I did.

Laptop keyboard is the pits.

Re: Desktop vs. Laptop

Nuttmeg — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 21:34:26 GMT

On 8/25/2014 jaxs mom said:
To me it's a complete waste to have a docking station and an external keyboard when I can have a desktop.

Docking stations are normally used in business setting with a laptop. It would be a waste of money for me to use one. I just use a cooling fan with my large laptop. I personally like using a desktop computer. I like being wired into the web with one computer in the house. I can get a solid connection.

Many folks use tablets as their portable device. Some younger folks use smartphones.

Re: Desktop vs. Laptop

RainyDayGal — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 21:35:55 GMT

I have a 17"" laptop with the 10-key on it so my keys are fine. I can't stand typing on the smaller laptops keyboards. I would get a separate keyboard to use. And a mouse! Always get a mouse.

Re: Desktop vs. Laptop

RainyDayGal — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 21:38:21 GMT

On 8/25/2014 jaxs mom said:
To me it's a complete waste to have a docking station and an external keyboard when I can have a desktop.

But if you work and use your laptop in meetings a lot, you don't want a desktop. Or if you work from home part-time, you'd need a laptop.

Re: Desktop vs. Laptop

VolvoGirl — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 23:44:41 GMT

If you are switching to a laptop what are you going to do with the Desktop? You could keep them both. Or plug the desktop keyboard into the laptop when you use it. That's what I do. I have a Desktop and my husband has a laptop so when we travel I take an extra keyboard with me to use on the laptop. And a lot of laptops do have the number keypad on the right side, at least the 15 inch and bigger ones do.

Oh, and I also plug in a MOUSE on the laptop. I might use the laptop keyboard but I always use a separate mouse. Everyone in the house will probably still want to use a mouse either usb or wireless.

Re: Desktop vs. Laptop

jaxs mom — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 01:08:05 GMT

On 8/25/2014 RedConvertibleGirl said:
On 8/25/2014 jaxs mom said:
To me it's a complete waste to have a docking station and an external keyboard when I can have a desktop.

But if you work and use your laptop in meetings a lot, you don't want a desktop. Or if you work from home part-time, you'd need a laptop.

Yes I know, my husband uses a laptop at work. But the OP said her family is thinking of switching to a laptop. So that to me denotes non business usage since it's the family computer.

Re: Desktop vs. Laptop

chickenbutt — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 20:17:31 GMT

Several years ago I switched to laptops only and I could not be happier. I do use one of mine as a 'desktop', however - using my old Dell monitor, a keyboard, some Bose computer speakers, and a mouse. I like using it that way on my desk upstairs.

I seem to get more years out of laptops than I ever got out of desktops. I don't know why. I am careful with my laptops that they are all on laptop stands (steel mesh) that allow for excellent air circulation so that they never heat up. That is one of the most important things about laptops that I learned when I was getting my first laptop.

I use mouses (Logitech Marble Mouse) with all of my laptops. The ONLY thing I don't like about laptops is the scrolly pad thing. I turn it off and always use a marble mouse.

Re: Desktop vs. Laptop

ChynnaBlue — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 20:53:12 GMT

On 8/25/2014 jaxs mom said:
To me it's a complete waste to have a docking station and an external keyboard when I can have a desktop.

It depends on what your needs are. If you need a computer to use for home and travel, it's a good compromise. Not everyone can afford a desktop and a tablet or a desktop and a laptop, not to mention updating and upgrading both options.

Re: Desktop vs. Laptop

focksie — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 21:02:13 GMT

Your question is about ease of use with the keys. I used a desktop at work for many years. I have a heavy touch and like pounding the keys. When I first tried my laptop at home, I didn't think I'd be able to adjust to the lighter touch and smaller keys, but it's no problem. You get used to it. I find little difference now. At the beginning, even using the scroll mouse on the laptop keyboard messed me up because I was used to using an external mouse with the desktop. No problem adjusting to that either, but you can always hook up an external mouse if you like. The placement of the keys is exactly the same as on my desktop.

Re: Desktop vs. Laptop

letsgoplaces — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 21:27:20 GMT

Question for chickenbutt what laptops have you bought that out lived your desktops? My issue is the other way around. I have a 17 inch HP laptop that is 3 years old and already having issues. I'm the only one using it and I'm Careful with all my things. As to the OP's question. After 3 years using the full laptop keyboard I'm still not happy with it and recently bought an all in one desktop and love the keyboard. I got used to the laptops keyboard but never liked it. Also for me it seems Each laptop I've had through the years ( HP, Dell, Asus and Acer) have only lasted 3 years on average WITH cooling stands and normal usage. The batteries tend to still get heated despite cooling stands and then issues arise. I'm back to a desktop now.

Re: Desktop vs. Laptop

spent2much — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 21:31:31 GMT

I can't use a laptop; the keys are far too small and close together (and I have fairly small hands). If hubby brings his laptop on vacation, I bring my keyboard and mouse. That works!

Re: Desktop vs. Laptop

glb613 — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 23:11:20 GMT

On 8/26/2014 letsgoplaces said: Question for chickenbutt what laptops have you bought that out lived your desktops? My issue is the other way around. I have a 17 inch HP laptop that is 3 years old and already having issues. I'm the only one using it and I'm Careful with all my things. As to the OP's question. After 3 years using the full laptop keyboard I'm still not happy with it and recently bought an all in one desktop and love the keyboard. I got used to the laptops keyboard but never liked it. Also for me it seems Each laptop I've had through the years ( HP, Dell, Asus and Acer) have only lasted 3 years on average WITH cooling stands and normal usage. The batteries tend to still get heated despite cooling stands and then issues arise. I'm back to a desktop now.

I like to play games and it causes a notebook/laptop computer to overheat. I prefer a desktop for games, photo editing, video editing and just about everything else. I have a 27 inch iMac and the big screen is great. My computers are in my living room where I spend the majority of my time so being portable isn't an issue.

Re: Desktop vs. Laptop

gardenman — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 01:00:32 GMT

Desktops have many advantages if you don't need portability. You generally get better performance for less money with a desktop. They're far, far easier to upgrade/service. You have more options for customization. You have a pretty much limitless option in display screen sizes. If you always use a computer in one spot then a desktop is your best option.If you need portability then a laptop is your best option.

Lifespan is a misleading factor. When a computer dies from anything but a lightning strike/power surge there's typically just one component that's failed and if you replace that component the computer is right back to where it was before. Unless the whole computer has been fried, they're all pretty much immortal as long as you can replace whatever component fails, and pretty much everything is replaceable. They're pretty much like cars. If your car gets a flat tire or dead battery you don't go out and buy a new car, you replace the tire or battery. Now if the car is totaled in an accident you may have no choice but to replace the car. If a computer dies you don't have to replace the computer, just the component that's failed. If there's been a power surge/lightning strike that's fried the whole computer you may have to replace it. Computers may become obsolete, or not cost effective to repair, but no computer should ever have to be replaced because "it broke."

Computer makers know overheating is a factor with laptops and nearly all motherboards for laptops contain thermo-sensors that will shut down the computer before it can get warm enough to cause damage, so over-heating shouldn't be a significant issue for most users. If you abuse a laptop (cover the vents and run the CPU at 100% for minutes/hours at a time) then you could have issues, but even then most modern computers will shut down before any permanent damage is done. There's no real world reason why a laptop's lifespan should be any shorter than a desktop's. Servicing a laptop can be a pain resulting in higher service charges, but the failure rate should be pretty comparable.