Thinking about a new computer...

max76249 · 28 Apr 2011 at 18:38

Hi to all,

I haven't been on these forums for a while, but you were all great help last time around, so I thought where better than here. So I'm off to University in October, and I just can't decide what's best: A computer or a laptop

I've become so used to my computer sitting at my desk permanently, that I feel the small screen and lower capability of a laptop will frustrate me to death. I've been looking at mid-high range laptops (£1000-£1500) as it's definitely got to last me four years, but it just seems that what's on the market in laptops 2 years after I built my PC is not as good. I don't want to downgrade.

But does the practicality of a laptop at Univeristy outweigh the negatives?

The only compromise I could come up with was am upgrade to my current PC, with the leftovers going to a 'more-average' laptop. But then it seems as though I'd be left with two average machines, which is downgrading.

Most usage will obviously go towards work, I'm studying Maths and Physics so I think there're programs involved but nothing too strenuous. Gaming: Just a bit of COD, and a lot of WoW (not ashamed!). The odd bit of Photoshop but thats not important.

Just some thoughts of what you guys think would be great.

Thanks.

oliver2601 · 28 Apr 2011 at 18:43

You could build a small form PC if you need to save space and get a small netbook or something similar for taking notes etc.

This would mean you have a PC which is much more powerfull than a laptop and a netbook which you can use whenever you need to.

With desktops you can upgrade later on, but even in the small space of two years you might find your laptop outdated.

It would help if we knew more details about what the system is going to be used for.

Disco Boy · 28 Apr 2011 at 18:47

What do you use your pc for?

If it isn't demanding on hardware then use a laptop. If it is (aka gaming) then use a desktop.

Remember that with a laptop you can still use an external monitor and hard drives.

max76249 · 28 Apr 2011 at 18:52

Edited the orignial post with uses. Mostly work, a few games.

Reaper 392 · 28 Apr 2011 at 18:54

to be honest, a laptop in the lecture room is only a distraction. the only advantageous thing about having a laptop is that its easier to keep all of your notes organised. other than that, its very easy to just sit there playing games on it. use some old fashioned pen, paper and a file for your notes, and build yourself a nice gaming PC which will make everyone else jealous.

what would your budget be for a new computer, and when will you be wanting it?

max76249 · 28 Apr 2011 at 19:03

Budget of £1000-£1200 I think, including a monitor would be great. Will be needed for October time.

Trusty · 28 Apr 2011 at 19:08

Biggest benefit of a laptop is no game gorging, it's all good though if you have decent self control.

Reaper 392 · 28 Apr 2011 at 19:11

max76249 said:
Budget of £1000-£1200 I think, including a monitor would be great. Will be needed for October time.

your gonna get a lot more for your money if you wait till september/october before you get the computer. dont get me wrong, you can still get a hell of a gaming computer for £1200, but you'll always be able to get a better one if you wait

also, by september, AMD bulldozer processors will be out, and the ATI 7000 series graphics cards may be out too

max76249 · 28 Apr 2011 at 19:13

I do plan to wait. This wasn't so much of a "What PC should I get?" thread, rather a "What would you recommend in my poisiton?" thread.

Thanks for all the input. I'm thinking a nice computer with a smaller laptop for the common room and what-not.

jumoke · 28 Apr 2011 at 19:18

If your looking at laptops in the £1000-£1500 range, why not get a MacBook Pro?
Power and portability. Win - Win.

Reaper 392 · 28 Apr 2011 at 19:19

max76249 said:
I do plan to wait. This wasn't so much of a "What PC should I get?" thread, rather a "What would you recommend in my poisiton?" thread.

Thanks for all the input. I'm thinking a nice computer with a smaller laptop for the common room and what-not.

should be able to pick up a laptop for under £200 that will cope with what you need, leaving as much as possible for the main PC

Reaper 392 · 28 Apr 2011 at 19:21

jumoke said:
If your looking at laptops in the £1000-£1500 range, why not get a MacBook Pro?
Power and portability. Win - Win.

because a cheap laptop would cope with his university work, and a super gaming PC for his room would demolish the macbook

Disco Boy · 28 Apr 2011 at 19:54

My advice would be to take your existing pc to uni with you and wait until Christmas, that way you have a term to find out if a laptop would be better than a desktop.

oliver2601 · 28 Apr 2011 at 20:03

Disco Boy said:
My advice would be to take your existing pc to uni with you and wait until Christmas, that way you have a term to find out if a laptop would be better than a desktop.

This is good advice, no point in getting a laptop if you can use notes fast enough, and no point getting a new PC if you're not going to use it much or don't have much space...