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December 2, 2011
 
 
Lee Koo Lee Koo
 Community manager
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Time for a new PC, desktop or laptop?

Dear CNET members,

Happy Friday! If any of you are stuck trying to make a decision between buying a desktop or buying a laptop for your main computer, then this week's discussion is for you. Our members came through in a big way, and offer up a bunch of buying advice, suggestions, and recommendations. Many explained the pros and cons of laptops versus desktops, and the limitations of both in detail. One idea to highlight: if you decide to go the laptop route, keep in mind that along with portability, also comes the chance you might drop it, spill your drink into it, lose it, or get it stolen.

I have selected a few answers in the Q&A section to get you started. There are really no wrong answers here--only great advice--so give all our members' recommendations a read. Everyone who participated deserves a pat on the back for a job well done. I'm sure by the time you get through all the advice that making a sound buying decision will be a snap! Thanks everyone, and have a safe and happy weekend.

Cheers!
-Lee

 
  Got suggestions? Send me an e-mail: messageboards@cnet.com  
   TOPIC OF THE WEEK
  Q: Time for a new PC, desktop or laptop?
It is time to replace my 7-and-a-half year old desktop PC, which is running XP. It has been having some weird hardware issues recently, like crashing (blue screen of death) every time I close my CD tray. I just don't have the expertise to figure out what's wrong, nor do I think it worth the investment to have a professional look into it.

My question is this: Is there any clear advantage to replacing it with a desktop instead of laptop? What are the advantages to having a laptop versus a desktop or vice versa? I'm a part-time college instructor (retired from my real job) and am not into gaming, so I don't require a lot of horsepower, but I do work with several applications open simultaneously. Thank you.

   -- Submitted by: John H.
  A: Featured member solutions
 
• "It's a Matter of Choice or Rather The Right Fit For You"
-- Submitted by: ajtrek
• "Desktop vs. Laptop"
-- Submitted by: thomasterrible
• "It depends on your needs/wishes "
-- Submitted by: Dysalot
• "There are pros and cons on both fronts..."
-- Submitted by: Wolfie2k5
• "Laptop vs. Desktop "
-- Submitted by: High Desert Charlie
 
Read all member contributions
  Thanks to all who contributed!
  PREVIOUS COMMUNITY NEWSLETTERS
 
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  NEXT WEEK'S QUESTION
  Q: Buy a new digital camera or just go with a smartphone with camera?
I've had my digital camera for more than 4 years and I'm ready to upgrade. It seems like cameras in smartphones are just as good now as what I have in my old point-and-shoot--probably better. I've seen great photos from my friends that were taken on their phones. The photos I take are family events and vacations. I don't do any high-end photography. Is it better to upgrade to a smartphone for pictures or buy a separate camera? Are smartphones going to make the point-and-shoot camera extinct? Your advice is appreciated.

   -- Submitted by: Carol S.
If you have an answer to this question, click here and click the "reply" to submit your advice, suggestions, opinions, or tips.
  
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Community Quick Poll
On average, how often do you replace your home computer?
Please click on button to vote
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