Scott Mueller's Upgrading and Repairing Forum

Which is the most reliable ?

Generally speaking, a properly built desktop would be more reliable than a laptop.

Actually, I'd say that given exactly equal environments (meaning the laptop remained in one place all the time, just like the desktop), a laptop would be more reliable than a desktop. Aside from that, it all depends on how the systems are treated, and their environments. Scott.

On the other hand, if it was a desktop I built, using a high quality PSU, a motherboard with solid caps, a medium to low speed CPU, a fanless graphics card, and low-speed ball bearing cooling fans, I'd say that desktops were more reliable. Scott.

I recommend a desktop for the reason that its 99% stationary. A laptop could be used as a stationary unit also, but chances are you will be taking it around increasing the chances of it getting dropped or something else happening to it. ect.

I would consider your needs also if you have not already. I always ask clients that are debating a laptop vs desktop if they need to be mobile? if they so no I recommend the desktop visa versa.

In today's smaller and smaller houses, people are buying mostly Laptops. Indeed Laptop sales have overtaken Desktop sales in recent years.

I recommend SFF Desktops for people who need more space, so that at least not the entire machine has to be changed in case of failure of major component.

Also I recommend Desktop (under monitor design) cases as these take less room normally more convenient (Ports and optical drives are right in front of you) and intake less dust (off the floor)

Also if people require gaming or other intensive Computer tasks, for me a desktop is the only way to go.

Well, the real answer is that either can be more reliable, so both answers are correct. <g> Scott.

http://hcss.webs.com/laptopordesktop.htm

Hope this helps.

That's nice but it doesn't answer the question. <g> Scott.

I've got the answer to the question:

Mine is the most reliable! <g>

Did Scott build your system? <g>

-Evan

We have drifted off this somewhat subjective topic, but I am compelled to put my two cents in on here.

As sexy as SFFs can be (if you like mini) they almost always have low power output and poor quality PSUs, that are proprietary or low volume form factors that either require expensive replacement directly from the manufacturer or an online manufacturer of dubious reputation.

Invariably the owner wants to add a (low profile only) video card to their SFF down the road that exceeds the claimed Wattage output (and 12V+ Amp requirements) of a now old PSU.

mildred, just in case you were wondering what "SFF" is, it is an acronym for Small Form Factor. That "roughly" means a desktop machine that will take up about the same amount of room (or "foot print") as a laptop machine.

As FascistNation said, we have drifted off somewhat.

-Evan

Agreed in principle, if you want a powerful PC you do need Full-ATX and high quality PSU. SFF are for people who don't have (or want to use) the space a Full desktop consumes.

At least with a SFF the disks and memory are normally industry standard and are not as vulnerable as laptops (constant plugging and unplugging) dropped machines worn hinges etc etc)

Also SFF cases (normally) have better heat management than Laptops.

Don't forget there are lots of different types of SFF and some are better than others.

I disagree, I'd stack up a ThinkPad against just about any SFF system, especially if kept in the same environment. The ThinkPad external power supplies are more reliable than internal SFF PSUs, they have integral UPS power protection, the drives are shock mounted (and feature shock sensors for instant parking while running), the keyboards are spill resistant, and thermals are far lower (mobile CPUs draw significantly less power), and heat is far better managed. Bottom line: I often recommend ThinkPads for home use instead of SFF systems. Scott.

I see there is alot of things to be considered here! Laptops are all you see in the commercials now! Even when the wife is fixing dinner there will be one by the stove!!. They are really in!!

I've been using laptops as my primary work systems since 1996. I have desktop systems for other uses, but the system I normally sit in front of, and depend on day in and day out for doing my real work, is a laptop (ThinkPad). Scott.

What type of LCD panel is in the ThinkPads you recommend?

Good non-glare ones. <g> Scott.

Is there an IPS panel option for those Thinkpad LCD's or are they all TN?

If anyone is not familiar with these lcd types, there is a good primer here:
http://www.pchardwarehelp.com/guides/lc ... -types.php

I tend to agree about a laptop being an excellent workstation but the laptop's achille's heel is usually the low-quality lcd's that they use and you are stuck with for the life of the laptop. I have heard of Thinkpads with better screens but never had much luck in researching them. Though Scott might know for sure since you are a big fan of the Thinkpads.

Sorry take this off topic but since the original question has already been answered..

Have any laptops ever had IPS panels? That would add at least $500 to the cost of a laptop. I kind of doubt it.

I have to say the past five years I have been stunned that almost all of my work is not [edit: that should have been "now," and not "not"] done from a laptop unless I need serious computing power for video rendering.

Considerations. Keyboard...many laptop keyboards are less than full sized so your fingers have to get used to keys closer together. Keys tend to be less than optimal feel and response, and they are cheaper than a good keyboard on a desktop so they wear out after a few years. No separate number keypad either. But a lot of cool control keys worth learning on a laptop.

Monitor: Like any monitor, if you are going to spend a lot of time in front of it you might as well pay for a good one if you have a choice. See Scott's recommendation on dpi --- I wish I had before purchase...would have saved my eyes and a bit of money.

I really like the feel of the Thinkpad keyboards and I LOVE the trackpoint. I even have an external USB Thinkpad keyboard that I use for desktops. For number crunching, I use a USB numeric keypad.



Yes, dpi is very important. I went from a 15" 1400x1050 (116dpi) to a 15.4" 1280x800 (100dpi) display for easier reading. I miss the real estate of the 1400x1050 display but have 22" 1680x1050 (90dpi) displays, one on each side of my laptop. Since I do most of my work at the desk the laptop display works okay when I'm away from the desk.

desktops are more reliable, their internal and external components,
are easy to replace, so become more reliable,

it does not take a (ROCKET SCIENTIST) to build a home pc,
pc components also last longer, as the electronics do
not get as hot as laptops,

plugging in a new lcd screen rather than ordering circuitry and
installing it into a laptop,is easier and cheaper,

i agree with (mike) a properly built desktop is the most reliable,
and (scott) ! a lenovo thinkpad costs more initially,but the user
reaps the benefits. in the long run karl

If I had the room I would pick a High end desktop that I can rebuild. Lower cost in the long run. But due to the fact I dont have that room I have a Laptop and I have to upgrade every few years.

I would add that, if you don't wish to constantly have to sit at a desk when using your computer, then look into a laptop. I love being about to kick back on the couch, my laptop going strong as I surf the Web, check e-mail, etc.

However, having said that, whether you buy a desktop, laptop or even a netbook, be sure to fully research the brand and model you're interested in before buying. Check customer reviews, etc.

Good hunting!