Death of the desktop? I don't think so!

[watercooled]

I was reading a magazine column where the writer was suggesting that, since laptops are becoming cheaper and because Nvidia have released a new mobile graphics chipset, that the desktop will soon be obsolete. He also goes on to say that enthusiasts only buy desktops because they're cheaper - that's not the way I see it. Enthusiasts like to modify their systems and high end parts simply don't appear in laptops. It seems to me like he's read that laptop sales are increasing, Nvidia have entered the mobile market and come to the conclusion that 2009 will see the fall of the desktop? What about all the system builders? Just because some people are going with a laptop rather than a low-end PC, it doesn't mean that no-one is going to buy/build a desktop any more - if you want anything above low-medium spec, a desktop is the way to go!
What do you think?

[mediaboy]

I'm amazed

Any chance of a link to the article, if you can find it online, or could you say which magazine column it is?

I'd want to read the article carefully before I actually judge the content.

On the surface, however, I would argue that desktops are better. Laptops only provide mobility. I have several of both, to be totally honest, but I only ever use laptop for word processing. I don't even use the internet on it.

Desktops are still good.. quality comes with a pricetag.

[TAKTAK]

Me likes my desktop, you can't fit a GTX260 in a lappy yet

Lappys, generally have cut down features compared to a similarly priced desktop... so unless you need portability then desktops are better value for money...

edit:

And i can't see anyone wanting to lug a 24" laptop around

edit2:

You can't game properly on a laptop, without buying lots of extras...

edit3:

desktops are easier/more upgradeable and keep upto date with tech

[sleepyhead]

I'd hazard a guess the article is centred around the portability and useability of a laptop over a desktop in a working/educational environment.

Either way, I like my Dell Studio 15 and I like my desktop so win win for me

Would like to read that article though....

[watercooled]

It was a PCPro article. I get the feeling this magazine is aimed more towards the word processor than the GPU. I think I'm going to stick with CustomPC in future. I don't think the article is available on the net yet but I'll check...

Edit: I can't find it on the website but it's at the start of the reviews section in the mag - p34 in issue 173.

[MadduckUK]

well its nothing if not an original train of thought anyway

[Funkstar]

I don't agree with desktops becoming obsolite, but laptop sales will eventually outnumber them by a huge margin. The majority of people just don't need a big desktop PC. if you want more screen realestate, then get an external monitor. More storage? external USB drive, or even a NAS box. Casual gaming can be handled by laptops very well now too.

Saying desktops will become obsolite is just a typical exadurated article in an outdated dead tree publication.

[MadduckUK]

Saying desktops will become obsolite is just a typical exadurated article in an outdated dead tree publication.

this. although sites on the internets are guilty too, i guess some people get paid by the article and they just have to type type type

[staffsMike]

In fairness to them, I see their point (from what you say).

I have my desktops kicking about for myself, gf and family to use and obviously I enjoy the building aspect of it but in general use I barely switch on "my system" any more and not just because it doesn't have a PSU right now lol

I use my M1330 for almost everything, even gaming to some extent. It's hooked into my monitor and keyboard etc.. and for the most part I can't tell the difference.

It's also superbly quiet and probably uses a lot less power too

[ACiD303]

Desktops will die eventually, computing is moving outward all the time and won't be confined to display/keyboard/mouse forever. But it's not going to happen anytime soon, and certainly not in 2009.

Moderate-Heavy users of PCs will find laptops and desktops compliment each other, depending on location. My laptop is every bit capable of the 3D/Video work I do compared to the desktop, so I'm comfortable in the knowledge I can rely on it when I have it, but the desktop renders a lot faster and has a much more comfortable workspace. I do have a laptop which was considered a "desktop replacement", but you can't really beat the real thing.

For everyday people who use PCs for everyday normal activities, there is perhaps no requirement for a desktop in this day and age. The laptop adds another factor - personability. How is the PC a 'personal' computer, other than through ownership? I know quite a few households now that no longer have a desktop for the whole family to use - each have a laptop (or the oldies share one). And they're not particular well off families, but it saves space, and allows each person to have their own computer, be responsible for their own computer and data, and be mobile if they choose.

For many (and I don't include technology enthusiasts because most people aren't) the desktop is an unsightly thing and can add to visual clutter/pollution. They've got better in design and colour (I still have beige units, but I care only about functionality, not looks), but a laptop is much more discreet, and can hardly ever look out of place, or awkward.

[staffsMike]

I agree with the desktop replacement comment to a point but there are some (see the XPS derthballs is selling) which get very close and would probably outpace a lot of desktops.

That said they are very expensive and as such are a niche market in themselves. Rule out graphics performance as a requirement however and PC's are at the mercy of mobile CPU's which can perform within a reasonable degree of their desktop counterparts.

Desktops will probably never be dead to enthusiasts but for everyday average Joe consumers there isn't a big market for them any more.

The introduction of netbooks and nettops has certainly put another nail in their coffin.

[watercooled]

I think the desktop will remain firmly in the market. For example, custom builders / modders like to build their PC, upgrade it and be sometimes like to be able to see inside it. A desktop is much better for all of this.

[staffsMike]

I think the desktop will remain firmly in the market. For example, custom builders / modders like to build their PC, upgrade it and be sometimes like to be able to see inside it. A desktop is much better for all of this.

And we as enthusiasts are very much a minority. There's money to be made out of us sure, but not as much as the consumer market.

[watercooled]

but enthusiasts are pretty much the only people who buy high end components anyway so more people buying laptops is unlikely to affect this market. It also suggests that the high end component developments will cease - I can't see that happening!

[staffsMike]

And high end components make up two tenths of naff all in the overall market lol

I agree with you they have their place and as long as they are making them we will buy them, but thats us.. and we're those weird people who like building their own pc's..

[mac124]

The day i can't build my own pc is the day i give up on pc's altogether. Personally i have no need / use for a laptop.