topic Re: Suggestions Appreciated in Electronics

Suggestions Appreciated

Miami Spices — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 01:32:30 GMT

I use my iPad for 80% of my emails, searches, shopping, etc... I am looking to upgrade my laptop, which I use as a desk top- online craft classes, etc...My Windows 7 will no longer be supported very soon, and my laptop is old. What are the benefits of a laptop vs. desk top? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Re: Suggestions Appreciated

itsmagic — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 01:44:37 GMT

I just had the same thing happen except I have a desktop which had Windows 7 and I needed to get a new one to upgrade. At first I thought maybe I could just use my iPad for everything since I also use it about 80 percent of the time. But I did like using my desktop for a few things so I recently replaced it with a new desktop. I’ve never had a laptop so I can’t really compare the two other than one is portable and the other is not.

Re: Suggestions Appreciated

KLm — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 03:14:37 GMT

I've used desktops and laptops and an ipad. I used to use the ipad for most web browsing and emails, but it is old now and slow, so I have moved my internet use to a laptop. I still check email on the ipad daily, and use a few apps on it.

I love an ipad for the simplicity, security, and ease of transport. Even a light weight laptop is not as portable.

If portability is critical, get a laptop. If not, a desktop will do. I currently have an HP with touchscreen, which I really like. The keyboard is good for a laptop (the "touch" is a good fit for typing; some aren't). It's a 17 inch, so I'm not carrying it around much. But I wanted a 10 key on the keyboard, and I don't like the keyboard to feel cramped and close.

Microsoft has always been a love/hate relationship with me because of the security issues, and updating me out of software I like. I've found some apps work better for me in IOS than in microsoft (amazon photos being one, but they have recently improved it for microsoft, although I still prefer it on apple products.)

The type of product you get is such a personal choice, and it depends so much on what you want to do with it. I can only give my opinion here and hope it helps. All my work computers were microsoft operating systems, on dell products, thus my love/hate relationship with them.

With the increased storage available now on laptops, plus the portability, being tied to a desktop isn't as necessary as it once was. HTH

Re: Suggestions Appreciated

Miami Spices — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 03:19:08 GMT

Thank you.

Re: Suggestions Appreciated

Nuttmeg — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 03:25:59 GMT

You have to decide which one you want. I use a Samsung galaxy S2 tablet for most things.

I like desktops and usually buy Dell XPS computers. A Dell with some decent specs, with a 1920X1080 monitor will cost about 1K.

I have a Alienware laptop. You may want to consider an 15" Alienware laptop. The specs on this computer are good. These two products come with a one year on-site warranty.

You may want to to look at Apple Air or the Apple MacBook Pro.

Re: Suggestions Appreciated

NYCLatinaMe — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 03:58:09 GMT

The only reason to get a desktop IMO is if you like a regulation keyboard and mouse. Since you've had a laptop and hadn't missed either you probably want another laptop. I use my computer on my couch, so I will never get a desktop.

Re: Suggestions Appreciated

knittykitty — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 04:02:55 GMT

have you considered a chromebook?they are lightening fast, no extra junk, no Windows updates, etc. comes in 11 and 14" sizes. several brands.

I had a Toshiba, loved it. now have a Lenova. both are great.

Re: Suggestions Appreciated

glb613 — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 11:11:24 GMT

@Miami Spices wrote:
I use my iPad for 80% of my emails, searches, shopping, etc... I am looking to upgrade my laptop, which I use as a desk top- online craft classes, etc...My Windows 7 will no longer be supported very soon, and my laptop is old. What are the benefits of a laptop vs. desk top? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

It's a matter of personal choice. If I could only have one computer, it would be a desktop. I love the big 27" screen. I decided to reduce my screen time and have cut my use by half. So, my need for a portable device is not an issue anymore.

Re: Suggestions Appreciated

gardenman — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 11:53:03 GMT

I prefer a desktop. I build my own computers, so a desktop is perfect for me. You can pick and choose which keyboard to use, which monitor to use, etc. When it needs upgrading I keep what still works and only replace what's outdated. My computer case is about fifteen years old now and has housed three different motherboards, CPU's during that time. I keep what still works and isn't outdated with each rebuild, keeping my costs down and minimizing waste. Things like card readers, optical drives, hard drives, video cards, power supplies, keyboards, and monitors only really need to be replaced when they fail. My last upgrade involved a new motherboard, CPU, memory, SSD, and an upgrade to Windows 10 and cost around $400, since I reused everything else, while a comparable desktop bought at retail would have cost around $600. For me, a desktop is the best solution.

Re: Suggestions Appreciated

SilleeMee — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 12:44:31 GMT

I have an all-in-one 21" desktop. Since there's no tower I can easily move it any place where there's an electrical outlet. My mouse and keyboard are wireless so that makes it almost completely wireless.

I also have a 14" convertible Chromebook laptop/tablet. I use that one for when I'm sitting in my recliner watching TV.

Re: Suggestions Appreciated

Still Raining — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 16:51:56 GMT

When you mentioned online craft classes, I thought about screen size being the dealbreaker.

Or else I just have old, defective eyes 👓

Re: Suggestions Appreciated

Miami Spices — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 17:51:51 GMT

Thanks to everyone who responded. You gave me lots to think about. Your answers were so clear and thorough. Hope this new year is your best one yet!

Re: Suggestions Appreciated

chlema — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 21:47:38 GMT

@NYCLatinaMe Now I'm confused. I was told that if I did replace my desktop with a laptop I could still use my current monitor, mouse and keyboard and just plug them into the laptop. No?

Re: Suggestions Appreciated

KLm — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 23:42:15 GMT

A wireless keyboard and mouse come with a dongle. This is a little device that slips into the ports on a laptop and allows the keyboard and mouse to communicate with the laptop (same as with a desktop). I have used a wireless mouse on a laptop.

I have not connected my wireless keyboard to my laptop but could, and if I were doing a lot of work I would because I like the touch of the keyboard better. Incidental typing on this laptop is fine. Anything more and I would be more productive using a wireless keyboard.

I have not hooked a separate monitor to a laptop. I am assuming it is done using a cable. But if you need to hook up an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse to a laptop, you're better off with a desktop IMO.

Re: Suggestions Appreciated

NYCLatinaMe — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 16:20:06 GMT

@chlema wrote:
@NYCLatinaMe Now I'm confused. I was told that if I did replace my desktop with a laptop I could still use my current monitor, mouse and keyboard and just plug them into the laptop. No?

Hi @chlema Yes, you may be able to continue to use your current monitor, mouse and keyboard if you choose AND your laptop has the right plugs for these things. They may or may not work with or without a docking station. But if you have a laptop, you don't need an outside monitor (as long as you can see the screen!), keyboard or mouse. The laptop includes all these things in a convenient portable packet. Many people like to add monitor, mouse and keyboard to their laptops. Not me! But I do have such a setup at work, with a docking station. I have 2 large monitors at work and it is useful to do my job. It's a matter of preference. Hope I am being clear and not confusing!

Re: Suggestions Appreciated

Nuttmeg — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 17:10:52 GMT

@Miami Spices wrote:
I use my iPad for 80% of my emails, searches, shopping, etc... I am looking to upgrade my laptop, which I use as a desk top- online craft classes, etc...My Windows 7 will no longer be supported very soon, and my laptop is old. What are the benefits of a laptop vs. desk top? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

I just reread your message. I still like the Dell XPS 8930 with a Intel i5-9400 processor 8GB RAM, 1TB hard drive, a DVD drive and a least a 2GB video card.

I just noticed you do online craft classes. You may want to consider a Dell UP2516D monitor, because it has a very bright screen. This series feature panels that will show 1 Billion colors. Where most products display 16.7 Million.

Buying Tips.

I buy a computer tower one day , and the monitor the

next day.

The tower comes with a one year, and the display comes with a 3 year advanced replacement warranty.

Dell will give you a one year warranty on these products brought together.

Please ask Dell sales will a 2GB video card work with this display.