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Community Newsletter: Q&A: Considering a move to a laptop full time, any advice?
- 4/19/07 2:39 PM
RE
by Cee66uk - 4/7/07 2:19 AM In reply to: Considering a move to a laptop full time, any advice? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
As long as you are not into gaming you should be ok, I've been using my laptop for a good month now, while we decorate to move house, so my main one is at the mother in laws for safe keeping. Although I can still play a few favorite games I'm limited to what I can do in that respect.
Hard Disc space can run out fast if you use large files but if you are planning on an external hard disk then that shouldn't be a problem, just realise everything in moderation...
Everything you are speaking up is easy enough, thanks to plug n play and it is a boon to sit in front of the telly instead of miss everything cuz you're main one is in the dining room 
My laptop has wireless bb but will also connect via cable so you can even go on the net from the bedroom too if you prefer...
HTH's
My Advice
by spiderwebfx - 4/7/07 2:59 AM In reply to: Considering a move to a laptop full time, any advice? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hey there,
I would advise getting a laptop, however, I would also advise keeping the desktop. I currently own a Compaq Presario V2402AU and it is great. However when I compare it to any desktop computer, it stinks.
First of all, you will never get a laptop that will be able to compare to a desktop in performance. While my laptop comes with 512 MB standard RAM, my mum bought a desktop, at about the same time and it came with a 1GB of RAM. I checked into the processor, and my laptop runs an AMD Turion 64 Processor at 1.8 Ghz, when I checked my mums, it came with 3.2 Ghz. Thus making the desktop far more quicker. As well as that a desktop can carry way more space.
In saying that though, laptops are very convenient, you can use them anywhere and anytime. They are easy to carry, light, (you wouldn't see anyone walking around with a desktop now would you?) etc...
I guess my overall suggestion would be to get a laptop, and keep your desktop computer. Get maybe a wireless router, or something like that so you can link the two together, and transfer files, print off the laptop or whatever. This also makes it easier if you need to do two things at once, have the laptop sitting next to your monitor so that you can easily use it, while also being able to easily use the desktop.
Choose laptop with true docking options
by kevlarheart - 4/7/07 4:27 AM In reply to: Considering a move to a laptop full time, any advice? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi David B.
I have been using a laptop exclusively for the past 10 years -- I am always on the go for work and it just made sense to use only one computer.
When choosing your laptop, one of the considerations should be the presence of a true docking solution. A "true" solution has a special interface that allows the use of several peripherals such as printers, external hard drives, monitors, etc. This interface is much faster than the typical docking solution that uses the USB port to connect to these devices. While USB 2.0 is fast, when you try to push that many signals through a single port there can be significant lags.
Oh and a word to the wise ALWAYS back up and do it in more than one place. I had my last laptop stolen in Barcelona airport and I was VERY happy that I had backed up my data and settings before my trip. I wasn't so lucky when I had a hard drive failure.
Go slow and simple!
by swvaboy - 4/7/07 4:35 AM In reply to: Considering a move to a laptop full time, any advice? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I made this leap about 6 month back. My mistake was that I purchased everything I thought I would need; wrong, I still have stuff in boxes and drawers.
Go ahead and switch to the laptop and get the bare minimum accessories up front; then, as you have need you can buy accessories one at a time. I would even question the need for the dock, I never used mine. Most laptops have input for monitors if that is why you want the dock. On my desk with the printer, scanner, etc you will find to USB hubs one for the items that need extra power and the other for my portable USB drives.
I am glad I ditched the desktop; just make sure the laptop you get is powerful enough to handle whatever you want. It is not like you can open the laptop and put another card in.
Sort and Sweet
by mackdl - 4/7/07 4:40 AM In reply to: Considering a move to a laptop full time, any advice? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Sounds like you are on the right track with the docking station for external monitor,keyboard and pointing device, scanner and you audio system, however here's something to consider. I would definately get a laptop with a wireless device and add a wireless router with print server. That would eliminate connecting the modem and printer to the docking station and allow the freedom to use the laptop other places in the house and still have internet and print capabilities undocked. After all laptops are for mobility right?
Going from PC to Laptop
by mayb_13_daemon - 4/7/07 4:46 AM In reply to: Considering a move to a laptop full time, any advice? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
My advice is not to do so, although if you are going to then yes a dock is quite necessary. If you have already purchased a laptop then it would be best to have its RAM capacity increased, if you are about to buy one then go for the highest RAM within your budget. Memory space can easily be increased with external hard drives, so no problems there. Other than that, if youre going to be using it a lot then there are small fan which can be attatched to prevent overheating. That's about all you should look out for, Good Luck
it depends....
by anton.vanwamelen - 4/7/07 5:21 AM In reply to: Considering a move to a laptop full time, any advice? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
if you are an employee on the move all the time or a student to take your stuff with you, THEN the scale will tio over to purchasing a laptop.
On the other hand the need for moving or accesing your stuff wherever you are has no valid, then stick to a unmovable PC.
ther is also another facet on the diamonf: upgrading your hardware.
that can be diffecult when you have a laptop, so if you like to alter your içnnerstuff of your pc a lot, stick your PC.
that's all, have fun
greetings from flanders
amj2007
shifting to a laptop only
by ThunderBirdsMaldives - 4/7/07 5:36 AM In reply to: Considering a move to a laptop full time, any advice? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi David,
I switched to a laptop only a couple of years ago and I don't think I will ever buy a desktop again. I'd recommend a wireless router and wireless equiped laptop. Make sure if you setup a wireless network you encrypt it with WPA. The portability of a laptop is great you can surf in the kitchen and then take it to bed to answer a few emails or watch a movie not to mention take it all with you on trips.
Make sure you get at least 1Gb of RAM. A laptop with a TV tuner may be useful if you want to watch tv shows while away etc.
Cheers
Laptop
by skarthi48 - 4/7/07 6:25 AM In reply to: Considering a move to a laptop full time, any advice? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi DavidB,i used to own a laptop,my work meant i travelled a lot, but i also used to play games on it to keep the boredom at bay.I would never own one again though because with the speed that PC tehnology moves at these days your top of the range all singing and dancing machine soon becomes over the hill! the choice of upgrading is very slight too so im afraid that no matter what you spend on a machine its always going to be at the back of the pack sooner rather than later.You have very little scope for upgrading and this is the laptops biggest bugbear.If your just after a mobile office then fine the laptop is the way to go, but as a desktop replacement then i personally would stick with a tower etc. As i said at the start of my mail its only my choice from personal experience,all the best whichever way you decide to go.
Desk top to laptop switch
by jlsquires - 4/7/07 6:27 AM In reply to: Considering a move to a laptop full time, any advice? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Two years ago I bought a Toshiba laptop from eBay and it worked very well as my primary computer. It was so much faster and easier to use (Windows XP vs Windows 98). After I bought a second laptop (hp pavilion4000) I was totally hooked and the desktop went to a farm office and is used occasionally.
For me the answer has been to use two laptops. Both are now hps (4000 and 9000). I would never go back to a desktop because I got my wireless problems worked out with a booster antenna on my dLink router.
I have two accounting packages (Quicken and Perception), Microsoft Office, Label printing software, Family Lawyer, several dozen Excel spreadsheets for agricultural related decision making and record keeping, and the email and Explorer 7. Most of these are used daily or a minimum of twice a week.
For preaching and Bible teaching I use Biblesoft and PowerPoint for my weekly sermons.Those are on my older hp.
The split between the machines is about equal - I don't claim to be there yet - this is a work in progress!
Laptop vs. Desktop
by DaveRichard - 4/7/07 6:36 AM In reply to: Considering a move to a laptop full time, any advice? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
You've answered your own question!
"I have accessories to plug in when I'm at home, including a desktop printer, scanner, external hard disk, cable modem, and speakers with an amp. I know I'll probably need a dock as well."
On top of all that agony, the connectors will become intermittent with use causing mysterious problems.
Keep the desktop - it's much faster, way more reliable, and easier to use. With a desktop you'll be on the air before you can even begin to plug in all that paraphernalia.
No Problem
by imstig98 - 4/7/07 7:05 AM In reply to: Considering a move to a laptop full time, any advice? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have been using a laptop for everything for a number of years.
I have an external hard drive, an external 3.5" drive, and an external
DVD writer. I also have an external keyboard and mouse. They all plug into USB ports and they all work fine. I also have a hub and it works fine.
Sometimes I have to unplug the hub in order to boot up but I think that is because of the age of the laptop.
I got the laptop to take with me on business trips. I retired last summer and see no reason to buy a desktop.
I do recommend using the USB keyboard at home. Most laptops don't have a number pad and I really miss that. I also prefer a traditional mouse. Try using the laptop mouse and keyboard and if you can't adapt, or choose not to, you can easily get a plugin to replace it.
Enjoy your laptop!!
Michael D. Stiglitz
Transition to laptop as primary PC
by Haug_Dude - 4/7/07 7:07 AM In reply to: Considering a move to a laptop full time, any advice? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Did this about 2 years ago, using docking station and Fantom-drive USB for backup. Best decision ever, exept I kept the "old" desktop for legacy apps, and gaming since laptop I chose is slower due to lightweight and architecture issues. Never looked back, and the real benefit is not having the pesky syncro routine all the time. Just make sure you backup everything frequently since laptops are a juicy theft target these days.
GOING FROM DESKTOP TO LAPTOP ONLY
by cetos - 4/7/07 12:09 PM In reply to: Considering a move to a laptop full time, any advice? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I handle all those peripherals with a multi- port Belkin Hub, which has an electrical power source other than the computer itself. That is essential with so many power users to connect and run.
laptop features to look for
by kitcar - 4/7/07 12:46 PM In reply to: Considering a move to a laptop full time, any advice? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have a laptop that I use a lot. While a docking station will supply several needed items, when you're on the road, they won't help you. Also remember that most laptops historically haven't been "upgrade" friendly if you plan on keeping it a while.
Things that I like to see:
1. Video card. Is it good enough to run multimedia? While we're at it, shared memory or not? If you have to turn down the acceleration to watch videos all the time it gets to be a pain.
2. Ports, ports. I'd look for a Firewire (I had to get a PCMIA card), video out, microphone in, sound out for starters. And their positions on the unit too. Ergonomics can be important after a while. Wires hanging out all four corners while out and about can be a real pain.
Good luck with your new laptop!
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