View Poll Results: Laptop or Desktop for Uni

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  • Laptop

    9 40.91%
  • Desktop

    9 40.91%
  • Something else (shuttle?)

    4 18.18%
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Thread: Laptop or Desktop

  1. #1
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    Laptop or Desktop

    Going to Bristol Uni next term/year thing. Not sure if I should be getting a laptop or desktop.
    So if anyone at Uni is aware of the advantages (the disadvantages being that I can't build it myself and lower performance for price?) of having a laptop over desktop please post

    Cheers, Olie
    Last edited by krazy_olie; 17-07-2006 at 01:27 AM.

  2. #2
    Does he need a reason? Funkstar's Avatar
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    I don't own a desktop now and haven't used one as my main PC for over 3 years now. The killer reason for me is being able to sit on my sofa or in bed and traul forums etc

  3. #3
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    If you want to be playing games and doing pretty powerful stuff, a desktop is going to be your best bet. A gaming-capable notebook is going to be a huge expense, which you don't really want just starting Uni.

    That said, a notebook does have some advantages, namely being able to take it home with you easily, as well as to other people's houses, or to Uni, and that sort of thing. That latter situation doesn't really happen often though - the Uni will always have plenty of PCs to use if you need them (with direct connections to the net), so you're not hugely likely to be using your notebook at Uni much.

    Personally I have both - had my PC before I started Uni and just upgraded it (motherboard, graphics, monitor etc) just before I went. I find a desktop far more comfortable to use, as well as much quicker - I've got more storage space on my desktop than I ever could on a notebook, plus I play PC games.

    I got the notebook just before Summer. Been using it since I came home for the holdays (my PC is in Wycombe in storage, because home is at the other end of the country) and, while it's been a really nice machine to use, it'll never be as fast as my PC. It's also more uncomfortable to sit at because you can't really spread out. The monitor being low down doesn't help either.

    It really all depends on what your wants and needs are from the machine you're buying. I could personally never be one to switch solely to a notebook because I just don't like the limitations (and there's just something about having my big silver tower that's so cool!). I'm just glad that I'm fortunate enough to have both.

  4. #4
    rae
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    Well, it all really depends on what you want to use it for. If the laptop will be for only general usage (eg web browsing and word) then that's the way to go. You also have to consider the cost involved, the majority of students dont really have very think wallets, laptops are generally quite a bit more expensive than a desktop for what you're doing.

    At the end of the day, it's personal preferance. How will you use the laptop or Desktop. Will it sit in your room or would you like to take it around with you.

  5. #5
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    ive just finished uni and never needed a laptop (my girlfriends one has been sitting in my room for the last 2 years), ive had a desktop which is good for everything and comfortable to work with for long sits and if i ever needed to work at uni i could go to the library, where again its so much more comfortable to work at a desktop

    since about a year ago theyve had a remote login system where you can connect to your uni account from home through a second desktop so theres no extra hassle involved with disks/sticks/emails trying to transfer your work either

  6. #6
    lazy student nvening's Avatar
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    Dont forget that you can build your own laptop but you are somewhat limited by the choice of barbones you use.
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  7. #7
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    iv had 2 laptops now both for uni, the first got nicked and then i replaced it with another and that broke after 14 months, just 2 after the warrenty ended, so now its desktops all the way

  8. #8
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    I'm definately leaning to desktop now, in truth I don't see where I would be taking a laptop.

    nvening do you mean something like this http://komplett.co.uk/k/ki.asp?sku=313521&view=detailed

    Is it like a case with built in motherboard?

  9. #9
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    • alcor's system
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    Ive had a laptop in my first 2 years at uni, but im now switching to a desktop for the remaining 2.

    I found the laptop useful for taking into the department for plotting data as i went in labs, apart from that it sat on my desk in my room. It was also a help as i have to fly from London to Edinburgh for holidays.

    So if you are doing a course where there is either alot of lab work and you think you will need a computer, in obscure places, then laptop all the way.

    If you go to uni a long way from home (eg have to fly because its too far to drive) get a laptop.

    Otherwise get a desktop, there are computers everywhere you look at uni, and they are perfectly adequate for all you will need them for. You will save yourself a large expence.

    I also find desktops more reliable than laptops.

  10. #10
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    What will you use it for at Uni? Just generally things? e.g. typing stuff up?

    If so, best bet is probably a laptop. Mainly because it's portable, but also you could pick one up new for around £300 to do the job. Or you could get an uber gaming laptop for a grand.


    Either way, if I was you I'd go for the laptop.

  11. #11
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    Cheers for replies.
    What I think I will do is get a desktop and if the need for portable computing is great then I will get a cheapo laptop out of funds intended for bass guitar.

  12. #12
    lazy student nvening's Avatar
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    This is what i mean: http://www.savastore.com/ariespc/desktops/diy/

    But what you linked to is a SFF (shuttle) pc which i think would be the perfect compromise.
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  13. #13
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    Never knew you could buy something like that, I will consider it.

  14. #14
    Senior Member pr0p4g4nd4's Avatar
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    I'd go with a lappy and I'm sure you'll be happy

  15. #15
    lazy student nvening's Avatar
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  16. #16
    Banhammer in peace PeterB kalniel's Avatar
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    I'd go with shuttle if you can afford it.

    Laptops are no more expensive than desktops these days, all things considered and if you're not wanting a specifically gaming one. But the main problem at uni is security - laptops can and do dissappear very easily.

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