Is a Labtop same as a desktop?

1188 Views 28 Replies 5 Participants Last post by LadyLisa, Dec 12, 2001

G

Discussion Starter · Dec 11, 2001

Hi, I'm new to puters and always wanted a laptop, but the thing is does it has the same power as it's Desktop brother??

I mean with the same stats// megahurtz and everything, does it work the same?? Or is the Desktop stronger because it is bigger??

thank you.

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RandyG

· #2 · Dec 11, 2001

Laptops are not going to be as current in specs as desktops, but they can be pretty powerful.

There are different aspects to a laptop, depending on what you want to use it for. There are slimline ones that are used for school and briefcases. There are mid range ones that have slightly larger screens ideal for the working guy on the go. Then there are desktop replacement laptops. Generally a little heavier than a standard laptop, but with 15" screens, DVD, etc, they are handy.

One thing I can say, having a laptop that is a little better in spec than a desktop, the desktop still outperforms it. I believe this has something to do with the size and heat generated from the laptop, but not sure. I can say that if I had a choice between a laptop and desktop of the same spec, I would choose the dersktop because it would be less expensive and easier to upgrade.

littlemar

· #3 · Dec 11, 2001

RandyG

I would choose the dersktop because it would be less expensive and easier to upgrade.

I have to agree with RandyG. Laptops are good for the mobile person that needs access to his programs no matter where he goes, school, work, etc.

The problem would be to upgrade it or if a card goes bad. Memory and network cards are the only easy things to get to everything else is inside and even I won't work on laptops if something goes down. Part of my job is to work on computers and I'll send it out to people that work on laptops. Really a pain to work on.

Dark Star

· #4 · Dec 11, 2001

littlemar,

"and I'll send it out to people that work on laptops. Really a pain to work on."

When you have the chance can I please get a PO# from you so that I can send this one in?
It just needs a new HD, and the one in it is about the size of a half of a Nestle's chocolate bar.

DS

littlemar

· #5 · Dec 11, 2001

DS

Use PO # 12345 and please don't hold your breath getting it back any time soon. And is that HD with or without a byte. See what happens when I get to work at 6 AM, I'm even stranger then usual

Dark Star

· #6 · Dec 11, 2001

littlemar,

"And is that HD with or without a byte?"....... LOL, hehe

It really is thin like as thick as a cassette tape (the thinest part)
I've no clue how they can cram 4Gb in it.

Randy,

You are right on the $ with the heat generated thing on a laptop.
They are a compromise at best. IMO

DS

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Gibble

· #7 · Dec 11, 2001

The biggest problem with laptops is the heat. Because of all the heat generated they are usually a generation behind a desktop as far as speed, but they are twice the price

Also since laptops are not worth upgrading you need to buy a new one every year or two. Adding to the costs.

When buying laptops, and all computers for that matter, you have to remember that MHz is only a small part of the actuall speed of the computer.

Basically unless you want a laptop because its portable and you plan to use it like a laptop, its not worth it. Get a desktop.

Dark Star

· #8 · Dec 11, 2001

Gibble,

Good mornin'....

"The biggest problem with laptops is the heat"

I'd bet the bank that is NO problem where you live at say 6:00AM OUTSIDE!!!!! LOL

DS

littlemar

· #9 · Dec 11, 2001

Hey DS
You're more then welcome to come to Wisconsin to check out the outside at 6 AM. The laptops aren't the only ones without a heat problem at that time of day. Except I'm personally looking for any type of heat problem for myself.

Dark Star

· #10 · Dec 11, 2001

littlemar,

"Except I'm personally looking for any type of heat problem for myself"

I'll bet you've no problem getting yourself in hot water when you want to...........maybe even when you don't want to as well. ?.......

Kinda hard to drink out of those "blubber" thingys when it's 10 below heh?

DS

littlemar

· #11 · Dec 11, 2001

I'll bet you've no problem getting yourself in hot water when you want to...........maybe even when you don't want to as well. ?.......

Hey, what can I say. But I can always talk my way out of anything.

As far as the bubbler - the only bad thing is when your tongue sticks to the faucet thingy.

Dark Star

· #12 · Dec 11, 2001

hamster,

I'm pretty sure you've gotten the answers to your questions, just get a nice PC with what it is that you want in system specs, you can tailor the thing to your liking later on as far as the factory preloaded software is concerned.

I've heard alot of good things about XP and how stable it is.....hmmmmm IMO. I'll wait a bit longer 98se is fine for me at this time.

Of course buying new you are most likely gonna wind up with XP unless you can find you a Dell or comparable without XP and now may be the time to do just that........Compare apple to apples whenever you are shopping, and do not get caught up with the price break promos that include ISP contract and rebates.....Don't walk away from it......RUN AWAY!

Laptops........Only if you have the spare $2500.00 laying around and burning a hole in your pocket .........Get a desktop first.

.........Now if you don't mind we're about to RUN with this thread and who knows where we end up so jump in if you've any other questions........

DS

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littlemar

· #13 · Dec 11, 2001

DS

I was just thinking along the same lines of suggesting what I thought would be better to start with. I also think the desktop would be the way to go.
Way to go partner.

Dark Star

· #14 · Dec 11, 2001

See there hamster, all this info and advice and not a word from you yet........

Please dont tell us you just signed up for 3 years with an ISP and got a "deal" on a no name lap top reg $1500.00 now $1100.00 with MSN rebate.

DS

G

Discussion Starter · #15 · Dec 12, 2001

Holy S............ Sugerplums!! eek!! I already have a 500 megahurtz computer but due to today standards it's slow. I only want a laptop cuz I also wanted that as a toy and not really to use it mainly as my source computer unit.

So I want a unit that's fast like 700 to 800 megahurtz, that should make me happy for a while, I mean there's only so much speed that you need!!

So I was just thinking If the power is the same as a regular Desktop. I always wanted a laptop as a TOY.

Its like sooo cool to have a high tech toy where I can lug it around!! But only if it has the same power as a regular desktop,

i like toys!! of course I only want to spend like 800 to 900 tops. There are deals times are tuff so I hope it drops some more!!

Dark Star

· #16 · Dec 12, 2001

hamster,

Did we give you too much info. We can do that sometimes you know?

So you wanna toy do you............well this is the facts and only the facts thread and the "I wanna" thread is here

http://forums.techguy.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=61131

That's for your Santa's wish list. hehehe

Now in your budget price range have you seen anything like what you want? I know I haven't and worst yet I do not see laptop prices wanting to drop sharply.
There is a link in here somewhere where you can get you a good deal I think it's called u-bid or something like that.

I'll look for it later and post the link for you so you can have a look see.

DS

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G

Discussion Starter · #17 · Dec 12, 2001

Yea, the prices are pretty high and is not jumping down, sucks...

I usually check out buy.com for the Price mistakes for the day and hope for a miracle... I seen ones for like 600 or so but the speed is pretty slow.

Everything eles is dropping besides this!!

I brought my playstation when it frist came out for $300!! The orginial and my dvd player for $300.

Now the prices are dropping crazy!! especially for dvd players!! You can get one for less than 100 dollars!!

Desktops are cheap as hell too!! You can get a 500 mz for $300, but you have to really look for that deal!!

I like my laptop so I can take it to the beach and do my work as I feel the soft ocean breeze hitting against my soft fur... ahhhh......

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Dark Star

· #18 · Dec 12, 2001

hamster,

"I usually check out buy.com for the Price mistakes for the day and hope for a miracle... I seen ones for like 600 or so but the speed is pretty slow."

Well my furry friend my duck feather instinct tells me you're looking in the right places wherein price is concerned........

" I seen ones for like 600 or so but the speed is pretty slow."

Patience is a virtue, just don't get caught up in the squierrel cage it will take you nowhere fast as you run.........although logically 900 should get you a faster one, but no faster to one. hehe

"Now the prices are dropping crazy!! especially for dvd players!! You can get one for less than 100 dollars!!

Thing is you can't take one of those to the beach

Nice pic. btw.......where was the photo op?

Take care and look out for the seagulls they've been "moody" as of late....... may have somethin to do with the oil spills and the crap humans keep trowing into the sewers and dumping into the oceans.

DS

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RandyG

· #19 · Dec 12, 2001

try http://www.pricewatch.com/ and click the notebooks link. There are some there that might be in your price range.

Also http://listings.ebay.com/aw/plistings/list/all/category3707/index.html has about 540 listings in the Laptop category.

Dark Star

· #20 · Dec 12, 2001

Hiya Randy,

Good mornin' fancy meeting you here, the links you posted are just what the Dr. ordered.

How is everything over yonder, I've not taken to flight in the transatlantic sence as of recenty?

Small talk only at this point, tryin to get to 1000 posts.......cheatin' I suppose, hangin' out waiting for Lady Lisa to get home from work 3 hours ahead in time zone from me in sunny So. Cal. 02:25 AM here what time is it there where you live?

DS

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