Need computer selection help

**mommy4ever** · 08-17-2011, 12:41 AM

We are up for a new computer. I'm currently slowly watching my computer die(I have everything backed up on external drive). But I'm not too savvy in regards to comparing.

Some days, it takes a few tries to get it to start, updates are nearly the kiss of death.

So, here is the situation, i cashed in some points and have a $500 gift card.(so free)

I use the computer for homeschooling, pictures, photo editing, book keeping, internet, writing. I'm not a gamer beyond puzzles, but I am hard on memory with all the ebooks, pictures, etc. I like the portability of a laptop, but I'm home, so I don't need a laptop. I like it's compactness, but I don't like the keyboard, if I have to add a keyboard, it takes as much desktop as a new monitor and keyboard would or more. I've always had a desktop, I like that I can go in and replace parts if it carps out. I have replace power source, dvd, upgraded ram.... Lap tops not so much. I've wanted a laptop for years, but now.... A desktop can do alot more other than be portable..lol.

here are the options.

Laptop - Toshiba 4gig ram, 750 Gig hard drive, Intel Core i3 processor. $439 + tax

Desktop - HP Pavilion, P7-1019 with intel processor G620 4Gig SDDR3 Ram, 1T hard drive, DVD burner, Windows Home Premium, 20" LED monitor $499

Is one really better than the other?

**shoiji** · 08-17-2011, 11:06 AM

I remember deciding between a laptop or desktop when I was looking for a new computer. I decided on a desktop because I could do more and that hopefully it would last longer since my computing needs is very basic.

I told myself I would by a netbook if I wanted to but 3 years later I still just have my desktop.

Other than that I do not know if one computer is better than the other.

Hope you get more feedback to help with your decision.

**rudypoo98** · 08-19-2011, 11:06 AM

I would get the HP desktop but since you say you are hard on memory I saw that HP has some with 6 gig instead of 4.I would get the 6 gig it's what I would like to have cause I'm hard on memory also.

**Spirit Deer** · 08-19-2011, 12:44 PM

If you can use flash drives and other hardware to expand memory, then that might help you if that's the deciding factor.

Good luck. I hate buying new computers.

**mfedor** · 08-20-2011, 07:52 AM

Good morning. Speaking personally - I spent several years with the same delimma. One of the most defining factors for me was how I planned to use it. I ended up getting a laptop because the amount of time I spent outside of the house waiting for activities to complete allowed me to take advantage of getting things done and take advantage of free wifi. Really take some time to evaluate how you plan to use it. Our schedules are getting crazy and I leave all the admistrative stuff go until I am taking kids to activities and then I catch up on email, craigslist, bills etc.

Good luck. I know you will be happy with what ever you choose.

**peanut** · 08-22-2011, 03:34 PM

We've had this same struggle, and have decided to keep a desktop 'for the house' to run our wireless sound through, and to use laptops individually.

I use a lot of memory for photos and I'd highly recommend the biggest memory you can afford. I have been held back by lack of memory before, and it isn't fun.

**mommy4ever** · 09-03-2011, 12:49 AM

I found a 3rd option.

The cost of the desktop went down, howeverI would need to buy a new monitor, the other is a dinosaur and dying.

I opted for a laptop, it is 6Gig ram, 750 gig harddrive. The desktop was 4 gig Ram, 1T hard Drive. I felt the space saving of the laptop was worth the lower gig hard drive. The computer table will be able to double as a dinner table at holiday time easily, as all computers are portable. Being my current computer had 40gig hard drive and I had to use an external hard drive for everything, this is huge for me.

Now to get used to a different style keyboard...lol

**sinopa27** · 09-03-2011, 01:04 AM

now that you have decided of which one to get, is it possible that you can get the old computer wiped clean and see if it can be restored to factory settings?? Then it will be like a new computer.

**mommy4ever** · 09-03-2011, 01:21 AM

I have some software on there that won't run on windows 7 for my embroidery machine, so I'm going to pare everything down, and keep it just for embroidery. It isn't worth anything to sell, but that software will save me $$ if I don't need to buy some new.

**sinopa27** · 09-03-2011, 01:55 AM

that will be cool then. Maybe you can clean out everything you won't need. Never know.....it might last a little longer. I would still try to restore it to original factory settings and then add that embroidery software.

**KennySoward** · 09-07-2011, 08:07 PM

I think the laptop was a good choice. It is the same thing I'm trying to talk my parents into. Having to get the extra keyboard is a pain, but the space you save not having the "brain box" collecting dust somewhere is great.

And I don't miss that most desktops are noisy as heck...even the ones that aren't supposed to be.

I also recommend completely destroying your hard drive if you are going to get rid of your desktop. There are companies out there that wipe data, and some videos on YouTube about how to do this. Just formatting your hard drive is not enough.