Step1
**Know your purpose**
Before you decide to go computer shopping, I suggest knowing what you plan on using the machine for. This will help you make the right purchase and not overspend on things you don't need.
For instance, if you want something that will allow you to write letters, surf the net, and check e-mail, then you don't need the fastest and most modern computer. You could get away with an older machine with Windows 98 on it. On the other hand, if you want a machine for gaming purposes, you may require a faster processor and more memory.
So I strongly suggest knowing what you plan on using the machine for today and possibly in the future. This way, you'll be able to get one that meets your current and future needs.
Step2
**Laptops cost more**
Generally-speaking, you'll pay more for a laptop. Why? Because you're paying for the portability!
In other words, if you were to stack 2 equal machines up against each other--one being a desktop and the other being a laptop--the laptop will cost you more money.
If you don't need to transport your computer from place to place, as a student or business professional might, then a laptop may be too costly for your needs. The same goes if you have plenty of room to put your computer. Here, space-saving isn't an issue. But if you have more limited space available for the computer, then a laptop may be better.
How much more will laptops cost? Well that varies, but generally it can be several hundred dollars!
Step3
**Upgradeability**
With laptops, you have more limited expandability and upgradeability. So what it comes with is what you'll have to live with. In other words, most people don't upgrade their laptop's CPU (processor). Why? Because they don't know how or don't want to spend money to pay somebody to do it.
But with a desktop, it's much easier to upgrade your CPU, add memory, etc. Why? Because you have more room to work with. For example, with most desktops, you have some expansion bays that can hold additional devices, such as video and sound cards. So replacing one with another is much easier. This means desktops may outlast laptops because they're more easily upgraded as newer stuff comes out.
So if you're looking for a machine that can be upgraded more easily, or just like playing with the latest in technology, then a desktop may be the better way to go.
Step4
**Laptop expandability**
Depending on which brand and model laptop you get, it may be somewhat upgradeable. For example, you may have 1 or 2 PCMCIA slots to add additional devices or swap an older one for a newer one. And yes, you may be able to add memory. But if you stack a laptop up against a desktop, the desktop is considered the more upgradeable because it has more room to add things.
Now one thing I feel is important to mention is that some laptops will allow you to upgrade by connecting it to a dock. This is an external connector that has ports allowing you to connect other devices to it. This makes the laptop more expandable, but adds more "bulk and weight."
Some docks are big and bulky, while others are slimmer and more compact. But not every brand and model laptop can use one of these docks. If you're not sure, ask the salesperson or surf the net for more info on that particular model.
For example, my Toshiba laptop doesn't allow for connection to an external dock. But my older Compaq did. So it does vary from model to model. This means that if you see a Sony that doesn't allow for connection to a dock, not all Sonys may be this way! It could be that particular model.
Step5
**Speed and memory**
Both laptops and desktops can offer tremendous speed and memory today. But as I said before, a desktop's memory and processor can be expanded and upgraded more easily and perhaps further than a laptop.
For example, a laptop may have a maximum memory capacity of 2 gigs. A desktop may go up to 4 gigs. Most laptops have 2 memory slots, while desktops generally have 4.
Another thing you should consider is that desktop memory isn't as proprietary as laptop. In other words, most desktops don't have a problem with generic brand memory, but laptops can be more fickle.
TIP: If you're upgrading from an older machine, you may be able to use your older memory in the newer machine.
With desktops, so long as the two machines use the same type of memory, you will most likely be able to install add them to your newer machine. For example, if my older Pentium 133 uses PC-100 and I upgrade to a Pentium 700, I may be able to move the memory from the older 133 machine into the newer 700.
With laptops, it may not be that easy. Depends on the model and brand of laptop and memory. So desktop memory tends to be more compatible with other machines than laptop memory.
Step6
**Laptop pros & cons**
The biggest advantage of a laptop is portability. It's very easy to transport from place to place. Today's models have gotten much ligher than ones from years ago. But even the heavier ones aren't super heavy when compared to desktops.
Another advantage of a laptop is that they come with everything built right in. This means you won't have to have a separate screen (monitor), keyboard, mouse, etc. And many have high quality speakers, sound, and video cards built in. So you've got a traveling movie studio with you.
But on the downside, you will spend more money for this! And how much you can expand the laptop is more limited than a desktop. Repairs also cost more.
Step7
**Desktop pros & cons**
The biggest advantages to a desktop is they cost less than laptops and are more easily upgraded and repaired. That's because they're bigger and roomier on the inside.
But on the downside, they're not as easily transported from place to place. And can't run on batteries, which means you'll have to plug it into an AC outlet. And things like your keyboard, mouse, monitor, and speakers will all be separate.
Step8
**In conclusion**
What all this means is that you'll have to weigh the higher costs for portability against the lower costs for something bigger and bulkier. The most important thing is to get a machine that's right for you! So think long and hard before making any final decision.
I suggest taking a pad and paper so you can write down what it each machine comes with and if it meets your needs. Brand name isnt' really an issue because it's what is inside the machine that matters. And they all use similar processors, memory, etc.
In other words, you're getting a machine with other company's parts inside. So all that really differs is which company put all those parts together. Whether Sony or HP put that Pentium or AMD processor inside the box doesn't really matter. What matters is that it has a Pentium or AMD processor in it.
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