In the next couple months, I'm going to be purchasing a new computer. The only problem is, I can't decide between desktop and laptop.
I am looking to buy a computer that will last me through college; allow me to play a limited number of games (so far the only one that's grabbed my attention is WoW, and probably Civ IV...for non-strategy games I will have the 360).
My primary use of the computer will be word processing, email/Internet, perhaps some light photo-editing (and, if I got my hands on a decent camcorder, video editing for fun, but not much). I like the idea of having a laptop for its mobility - taking it to classes, accessing the internet at the cafes, stores, hotspots wirelessly. However, at the same time I wonder how often I will actually use that feature - probably a fair bit, if they are set up competently.
OTOH, I'm wondering if the laptop size I'd prefer for mobility (12-14'') would be unbearably small when at my apartment; I'm used to 19-20'' displays, which makes me lean towards the 17'' iMac G5.
So anyway, I guess what I'm wanting to hear is any experience other students and laptop users have had, esp. WRT using a laptop for college classes, etc. Also, do you have both a desktop and laptop? Anyone choose to go exclusively laptop, with perhaps an external display for home? I'm not keen on the idea of forking out a couple hundred more dollars for a display - I'd really only want to get a wireless mouse so I don't wear out the touchpad. Perhaps I should go for a laptop, and just fork out the money down the road to buy a nice display?
Anyway, would love to hear what college students especially decided on WRT this decision, what they felt was the best for college use.
I am looking to buy a computer that will last me through college; allow me to play a limited number of games (so far the only one that's grabbed my attention is WoW, and probably Civ IV...for non-strategy games I will have the 360).
My primary use of the computer will be word processing, email/Internet, perhaps some light photo-editing (and, if I got my hands on a decent camcorder, video editing for fun, but not much). I like the idea of having a laptop for its mobility - taking it to classes, accessing the internet at the cafes, stores, hotspots wirelessly. However, at the same time I wonder how often I will actually use that feature - probably a fair bit, if they are set up competently.
OTOH, I'm wondering if the laptop size I'd prefer for mobility (12-14'') would be unbearably small when at my apartment; I'm used to 19-20'' displays, which makes me lean towards the 17'' iMac G5.
So anyway, I guess what I'm wanting to hear is any experience other students and laptop users have had, esp. WRT using a laptop for college classes, etc. Also, do you have both a desktop and laptop? Anyone choose to go exclusively laptop, with perhaps an external display for home? I'm not keen on the idea of forking out a couple hundred more dollars for a display - I'd really only want to get a wireless mouse so I don't wear out the touchpad. Perhaps I should go for a laptop, and just fork out the money down the road to buy a nice display?
Anyway, would love to hear what college students especially decided on WRT this decision, what they felt was the best for college use.
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