I need a new computer – should I get a desktop, a laptop or a netbook?

When looking at purchasing a new system, the most important thing to consider is what is it’s primary role? There are different tools for different jobs – and in technology, there’s no exceptions to that rule.

Netbooks have been growing in popularity the last couple of years. They’re sub-miniature laptops with smaller displays, smaller keyboards – and considerably reduced weight. This makes them ideal for people who need a computer of some sort, but don’t want to be carrying an oversized bag, or a satchel to place it in.

There are of course some pro’s and cons with netbooks.

Size: Smaller, which means easier to carry/ conceal also makes it harder to type longer emails / documents on.

Power: These units aren’t as powerful as a laptop. They’re ideal for web browsing, emailing, even using to present a slideshow on – but not powerful enough for gaming or intense video editing, or 3D applications (such as CAD drawings, or 3D animation).

Notebooks / Laptops (both refer to the same device) are handy for people who are on the go: whether for work, for school/university study or travelers. They can provide an excellent mobile platform for your computing needs. The amount you spend on your laptop will determine the ‘return on investment’ of it. ie. If you spend $800 on a laptop, it will most likely service your needs for the next 1 ~ 3 years (depending on what those needs are). If you spend $2000 on a laptop, it will most likely service your needs for between 3 ~ 6 years (at the most!). Laptops are highly condensed versions of desktops – and so, they’re more susceptible to heat problems, and components can fail in them more readily than in a desktop. This is due to the all-in-one, miniaturised nature of the system, which also makes them more difficult to repair

Many people are opting to buy laptops for home computers these days, because they ‘appear’ cheaper, and because it means that it can be moved from the study, to the kitchen, to sitting on the lounge whilst browsing the internet. This mobility factor, which is great for people on the go – is also a hazard in the home. We’ve found that often people can drop laptops, are handled ‘rougher’ by younger children / teens, or are more prone to accidents such as sharing tea or coffee with the device.

Unless you can think of a reason why ‘portability’ is critical in a home environment, we would recommend a desktop system at home.

Desktop systems are what we’re used to seeing in the home and office, and they’ve come a long way in the last 10 years, both in technology and price. Most desktops are able to do whatever you want them to these days; the sheer power available is incredible.

They are also able to be upgraded/repaired more easily than laptops, because the parts aren’t all combined into ‘one’ main system board. So, if you decide in a couple years you want to try doing something that is more graphically intensive, requiring a newer/better video card, you can easily get that upgraded in your system. Or if you find that the system isn’t performing ‘as well’ as it used to, it can have more memory put into it. Desktops can last longer than notebooks or netbooks, because they’re not usually subjected to unnatural force, and suit general ‘home requirements’ of browsing the internet, emailing, word processing, and even doing home work quite well.

Whichever option you look at, it’s important to remember what the computer’s key purpose in life is.

If you require assistance with purchasing a system, or information about how to overcome potential limitations, please contact the Tech Doctor Office: 1300 832 437

This entry was posted on Monday, March 15th, 2010 at 7:53 am and is filed under Blog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.