<p>It’s gotten very easy to access mail on different computers. In fact, for folks whose travel takes them places with a computer (hotel lobby, friends house) then a laptop is not needed for simple email and internet checks. Of course, a smartphone could serve same purpose. </p>
<p>The grief with multiple computers is only for people who maintain documents and spreadsheets. It is simple to email them back and forth, if you can keep track of which is the newest. </p>
<p>You can get more power for less money with a desktop. But I’m thinking most people (who are not gamers) could get along fine with the power of a laptop. I just bought an HP with 17" monitor for my Dad at Best Buy for $449. He has not has a computer for mannnnnny years, and he was hung up about the hardware stats. But really these days I think most choices are reasonable for the average user. It’s a matter of personal preference of features. (He will use the laptop mostly at home, so 17" made sense. If OP decides to buy 2 computers, a smaller laptop would make more sense).</p>
<p>For laptops being used for home and road, a Docking station and external monitor would be good. (Most folks use extrernal keyboard too. My odd mode of operation for my job is laptop using onboard keyboard, onboard monitor, and windows dual monitor feature with 2nd external monitor so I can have more screens open. ) </p>
<p>Docking stations - eliminates need to unplug/replug cables.
<a href=“http://www.shopping.hp.com/can/computer/categories/docking_solutions/1/accessories[/url]”>http://www.shopping.hp.com/can/computer/categories/docking_solutions/1/accessories</a></p>