Computer

<p>Should I bring a laptop or a desktop to college? I want to bring a laptop outside and to class and be mobile, but on the other hand I know that desktops are better. Desktops also allow me to play computer games, like cs. What should I do?</p>

<p>This has been discussed a million times before but if you want a blunt answer:</p>

<p>Most people prefer to have laptops for the times when they want to study on their bed, in someone elses room, or whatever. However, many people that have laptops leave them on their desk all the time.</p>

<p>Laptops are usually not necessary but they are convenient. Some people that want the power of a desktop and the portability of a laptop bring both.</p>

<p>There is not much space in dorms. I could bring my desktop and I am going to school which is an hour away from my city, but I will buy a laptop.</p>

<p>I had a desktop my first two years.. and then I got a laptop my third year.. and i had both that year (i got my laptop in mid year) and my fourth year I just took my laptop. it worked out really good especially since i had a lot of group projects where we would sign out a group study room at the library and take my laptop in there for our group to work on our projects.. i also used to take it to my friends houses to work on homework over there.. i spent countless all nighters at friends houses on my laptop..</p>

<p>Ya I figured a laptop would be great for all of that. I also picture myself lying down on the grass outside and doing stuff on it. On the other hand my dad told me that I'm really used to a desktop and I might be suprised at the laptops capabilties (in a negative way).</p>

<p>Laptops are awesome. You can take it almost anywhere, and they are powerful enough for most common tasks, and then some. Usually the low end laptop is equivalent to a mid-range model from two years earlier in terms of speed, often a bit quicker.</p>

<p>If you've used desktops your whole life, and especially if you grew up with an IBM Model M (clicky) keyboard, the laptop keyboards will take some adjustment. I found I type quicker on a laptop, but I've used laptops for most of my heavy typing from 2000 on up. The trackpad is also nice if you get used to it, since you can avoid taking your hands off the keyboard area. However, I insist on using a mouse for web surfing or other non-keyboard tasks, so if you've never used a trackpad (or eraserhead, on some models) get a USB mouse.</p>

<p>Wireless internet is another great feature. I've got an AirPort in my house, and I can surf anywhere...even on the front porch. If you live on campus chances are you've got some sort of wireless internet there, but if you're at home the AirPort is worth the cost.</p>

<p>Don't get a portable printer, though. They're not worth it. Stick with a reliable full size one like the HP LaserJet 1022...I got this last July and it's been a solid workhorse since. Lasers are worth it because you won't have to buy ink every time you print a term paper. Mine's black and white, but unless you print photos (and I have an Epson inkjet for that), you won't need color.</p>

<p>if one had already decided on a laptop, would I be better off getting a larger, more powerful desktop replacement which would be less portable, or a more portable, but less powerful standard size laptop.</p>

<p>So my dad is trying to convince me to get a desktop because of the amount it can hold, the size of the screen, the video card, the speed, the price, etc...</p>

<p>some schools require laptops, so make sure you check on that. That's what made my decision because the two colleges I was condsidering at UF both require laptop computers instead of desktops.</p>