Desktop vs Laptop
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I'm going to finally buy a new machine for myself, but am stuck trying to decide whether to get a desktop or laptop. I want to get a machine with Vista on it, a lot of RAM (preferably 4GB), a high-end graphics card, etc. I want those things mostly for my WPF development. Buying a desktop is definitely cheaper (especially since I already have a nice monitor). But, I'm leaving my current employer soon and will no longer have the laptop they let me use. So if I buy a desktop I won't have the sweet freedom to write my "leisure time" code away from the desk in my apartment. The only solution, though costly, is to buy a top-shelf laptop and then plug my monitor and keyboard into it when at home. I'm concerned that using a "docked" laptop as my regular home PC will be bad for the machine. Is this true? Does running a laptop with the lid closed for hours/days on end cause the machine to get really hot and deteriorate faster? Thanks for any info on this.
:josh: My WPF Blog[^]
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit. - Aristotle -
Shog9 wrote:
Why not a nice desktop and a dirt-cheap laptop?
I would hate the laptop and regret buying it. Since my pleasure programming is in WPF, I need high-end hardware to enjoy it.
Shog9 wrote:
FWIW, often i use my work laptop docked. But i don't shut the lid. Why give up another screen...
Now there's something I had not considered! Excellent point!! :cool:
:josh: My WPF Blog[^]
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit. - AristotleMy display is sometimes open for the same reason and I will frequently use it as a fourth monitor. Laptops extend what you can do and are a great tool.
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I have a desktop replacement laptop now (Alienware Aurora, bought last July) and it rocks. My main concern was noise, especially fan noise, and the laptop is so much quieter than any of my previous home-built desktop machines. It does generate some heat, though, so when I use it at home I leave the lid opened up slightly. I also don't leave it plugged in all the time, which I was afraid would damage the battery. So in the morning, I run on the battery, then once it starts to run low I plug it in for the rest of the day, then unplug it and shut it down when I'm done working at night.
--Mike-- Visual C++ MVP :cool: LINKS~! Ericahist | PimpFish | CP SearchBar v3.0 | C++ Forum FAQ Ford, what's this fish doing in my ear?
Michael Dunn wrote:
So in the morning, I run on the battery, then once it starts to run low I plug it in for the rest of the day, then unplug it and shut it down when I'm done working at night.
That's the type of thing I'm concerned about. You see, I currently just have a desktop that stays on for weeks (prbly months) at a time. Having to be concerned about overheating a laptop is not something I want to introduce into my life.
:josh: My WPF Blog[^]
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit. - Aristotle -
I'm going to finally buy a new machine for myself, but am stuck trying to decide whether to get a desktop or laptop. I want to get a machine with Vista on it, a lot of RAM (preferably 4GB), a high-end graphics card, etc. I want those things mostly for my WPF development. Buying a desktop is definitely cheaper (especially since I already have a nice monitor). But, I'm leaving my current employer soon and will no longer have the laptop they let me use. So if I buy a desktop I won't have the sweet freedom to write my "leisure time" code away from the desk in my apartment. The only solution, though costly, is to buy a top-shelf laptop and then plug my monitor and keyboard into it when at home. I'm concerned that using a "docked" laptop as my regular home PC will be bad for the machine. Is this true? Does running a laptop with the lid closed for hours/days on end cause the machine to get really hot and deteriorate faster? Thanks for any info on this.
:josh: My WPF Blog[^]
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit. - AristotleMy laptop is a HP ze4000 series with Semprom 3000(I realy like AMD). It's a weak specification, but is perfect to job what I use it: writing. To programming, nothing how the power of the desktop. But remote desktop is a good option too. If you will invest in a laptop, invest too in wireless network (if you have not yet), then you will really will feel the freedom of the laptop :)
:sigh: Still searching for a good resource to LEARN English grammar ... :~
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.(John 3:16) :badger: -
In no way shape or form am I putting my skills or abilities at your level. But I think you and I are like minded. Our passion is software, it's part of us, it extends who we are and it manifests itself in different ways. There are days where we could be in the most beautiful place we have ever seen and think, "I never want to see a computer again. I just want to stay here." 2 days later in the same place we would say, "WoW! The code this place would inspire would be unreal. I could sit and code here for hours." Acceptance of either statement now wouldn't preclude the acceptance of the other statement later. It would merely depend on where we were at in our creative cycles and the mental construction/assembly process we have when we undertake something we have passion for. Let's just say that I share some of your own love for what you do.:rose: One day you and I could meet, speak briefly and sit down and work separately at a coffee shop as if we had been friends for years and not need to say much. Another day we might be (with laptops present) leave the bags zipped, closed and setting at our feet and talk for hours about everything. It would simply depend on our moods and our level of inspiration at the time. Kind of scary isn't it? A person you have never met has just described you within about 80% accuracy (or maybe more) and the only common denominator is programming and the lounge at codeproject. Don't you think that Chris hoped this would happen when he launched this site way back when? Kind of cool eh?:-D
code-frog wrote:
Don't you think that Chris hoped this would happen when he launched this site way back when? Kind of cool eh?
Yes indeed. :rose:
:josh: My WPF Blog[^]
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit. - Aristotle -
Michael Dunn wrote:
So in the morning, I run on the battery, then once it starts to run low I plug it in for the rest of the day, then unplug it and shut it down when I'm done working at night.
That's the type of thing I'm concerned about. You see, I currently just have a desktop that stays on for weeks (prbly months) at a time. Having to be concerned about overheating a laptop is not something I want to introduce into my life.
:josh: My WPF Blog[^]
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit. - AristotleI suppose you could remove the battery and always run on AC power.
--Mike-- Visual C++ MVP :cool: LINKS~! Ericahist | PimpFish | CP SearchBar v3.0 | C++ Forum FAQ Ford, what's this fish doing in my ear?
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Cant you get a docking station thingy for some laptops that include extra fans and ports for attaching keyboards, mice etc?
System.IO.Path.IsPathRooted() does not behave as I would expect
Josh Gray wrote:
Cant you get a docking station thingy for some laptops that include extra fans and ports for attaching keyboards, mice etc?
Yeah, that's what I have in mind if I go the laptop route. I just wanted to get some feedback from folks regarding my concerns of the machine overheating if the lid is closed for weeks on end. But, as Shog9 pointed out, if I leave the lid open, then it won't overheat and I'll have an extra monitor! :-D
:josh: My WPF Blog[^]
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit. - Aristotle -
My laptop is a HP ze4000 series with Semprom 3000(I realy like AMD). It's a weak specification, but is perfect to job what I use it: writing. To programming, nothing how the power of the desktop. But remote desktop is a good option too. If you will invest in a laptop, invest too in wireless network (if you have not yet), then you will really will feel the freedom of the laptop :)
:sigh: Still searching for a good resource to LEARN English grammar ... :~
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.(John 3:16) :badger:Clickok wrote:
If you will invest in a laptop, invest too in wireless network (if you have not yet), then you will really will feel the freedom of the laptop
Absolutely.
:josh: My WPF Blog[^]
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit. - Aristotle -
Cant you get a docking station thingy for some laptops that include extra fans and ports for attaching keyboards, mice etc?
System.IO.Path.IsPathRooted() does not behave as I would expect
That depends entirely on the model of laptop. Usually it's the compact models that have docking stations with extra ports. Desktop replacements have lots of ports on them already and don't need more in a docking station.
--Mike-- Visual C++ MVP :cool: LINKS~! Ericahist | PimpFish | CP SearchBar v3.0 | C++ Forum FAQ Ford, what's this fish doing in my ear?
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Shog9 wrote:
You can skimp on processor / video
On a development machine that will be running WPF and/or Vista? No way.
--Mike-- Visual C++ MVP :cool: LINKS~! Ericahist | PimpFish | CP SearchBar v3.0 | C++ Forum FAQ Ford, what's this fish doing in my ear?
Ah yes, i'd forgotten about those beasties... :-O After installing Vista on a desktop a while back, i've gradually stopped using it for... anything. I'm sure it'll be great in a few years, after folk like you and Josh churn out enough software that actually knows how to behave... but right now, it's surprises vs. frustrations. :sigh:
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I suppose you could remove the battery and always run on AC power.
--Mike-- Visual C++ MVP :cool: LINKS~! Ericahist | PimpFish | CP SearchBar v3.0 | C++ Forum FAQ Ford, what's this fish doing in my ear?
Michael Dunn wrote:
I suppose you could remove the battery and always run on AC power.
Great idea! Thanks.
:josh: My WPF Blog[^]
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit. - Aristotle -
Michael Dunn wrote:
I suppose you could remove the battery and always run on AC power.
Great idea! Thanks.
:josh: My WPF Blog[^]
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit. - AristotleBetter for your battery to.
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Better for your battery to.
I have my laptop for months and nobody (including hp customer care) told me this info... I always maintain the battery in the laptop, then if have some "blackout" the battery works like a "no-break". My battery is always charged, because I use it AND I maintain connected in AC. My question: The most correct procedure is remove the battery from laptop?
:sigh: Still searching for a good resource to LEARN English grammar ... :~
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.(John 3:16) :badger: -
I have my laptop for months and nobody (including hp customer care) told me this info... I always maintain the battery in the laptop, then if have some "blackout" the battery works like a "no-break". My battery is always charged, because I use it AND I maintain connected in AC. My question: The most correct procedure is remove the battery from laptop?
:sigh: Still searching for a good resource to LEARN English grammar ... :~
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.(John 3:16) :badger:I have my laptop plugged into a UPS and I don't leave the battery in to just max-charge. I pull it. Let the UPS take the abuse and use my battery as I need it. I have no idea if this is good or bad. It's worked for me. I have a 3+ year old battery that works like it did when it was new.
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I'm going to finally buy a new machine for myself, but am stuck trying to decide whether to get a desktop or laptop. I want to get a machine with Vista on it, a lot of RAM (preferably 4GB), a high-end graphics card, etc. I want those things mostly for my WPF development. Buying a desktop is definitely cheaper (especially since I already have a nice monitor). But, I'm leaving my current employer soon and will no longer have the laptop they let me use. So if I buy a desktop I won't have the sweet freedom to write my "leisure time" code away from the desk in my apartment. The only solution, though costly, is to buy a top-shelf laptop and then plug my monitor and keyboard into it when at home. I'm concerned that using a "docked" laptop as my regular home PC will be bad for the machine. Is this true? Does running a laptop with the lid closed for hours/days on end cause the machine to get really hot and deteriorate faster? Thanks for any info on this.
:josh: My WPF Blog[^]
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit. - AristotleJosh Smith wrote:
Does running a laptop with the lid closed for hours/days on end cause the machine to get really hot and deteriorate faster?
Why not run it with the lid open and take advantage of dual monitors. I've had mine here, an IBM ThinkPad, running for a few weeks. No problems. I would recommend the high-end laptop. ------------------------- This statement is false.
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I'm going to finally buy a new machine for myself, but am stuck trying to decide whether to get a desktop or laptop. I want to get a machine with Vista on it, a lot of RAM (preferably 4GB), a high-end graphics card, etc. I want those things mostly for my WPF development. Buying a desktop is definitely cheaper (especially since I already have a nice monitor). But, I'm leaving my current employer soon and will no longer have the laptop they let me use. So if I buy a desktop I won't have the sweet freedom to write my "leisure time" code away from the desk in my apartment. The only solution, though costly, is to buy a top-shelf laptop and then plug my monitor and keyboard into it when at home. I'm concerned that using a "docked" laptop as my regular home PC will be bad for the machine. Is this true? Does running a laptop with the lid closed for hours/days on end cause the machine to get really hot and deteriorate faster? Thanks for any info on this.
:josh: My WPF Blog[^]
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit. - AristotleIn every case I've ever seen, a laptop gives a dismal performance compared to a much cheaper desktop computer. They are at best a make-do solution. But there are times when they are indispensible. Running a laptop, if that you must have, on a docking station does not cause any damage or degradation that I've ever been able to detect. My boss uses a Dell Latitude as his only computer - on the road and in the office, docked - and it has lasted for years. It's still a lousy computer, compared to what he could have for a lot less money, but it serves his needs very well with no signs of expiring early. Buy what meets your needs functionally and don't worry about hurting the little tyke by parking it.
"...a photo album is like Life, but flat and stuck to pages." - Shog9
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I'm going to finally buy a new machine for myself, but am stuck trying to decide whether to get a desktop or laptop. I want to get a machine with Vista on it, a lot of RAM (preferably 4GB), a high-end graphics card, etc. I want those things mostly for my WPF development. Buying a desktop is definitely cheaper (especially since I already have a nice monitor). But, I'm leaving my current employer soon and will no longer have the laptop they let me use. So if I buy a desktop I won't have the sweet freedom to write my "leisure time" code away from the desk in my apartment. The only solution, though costly, is to buy a top-shelf laptop and then plug my monitor and keyboard into it when at home. I'm concerned that using a "docked" laptop as my regular home PC will be bad for the machine. Is this true? Does running a laptop with the lid closed for hours/days on end cause the machine to get really hot and deteriorate faster? Thanks for any info on this.
:josh: My WPF Blog[^]
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit. - Aristotlewell, I love my laptop. But it won't hold the soundcard I prefer. So I use a laptop for dev, and fight the family for the desktop for piano practice.
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I have my laptop for months and nobody (including hp customer care) told me this info... I always maintain the battery in the laptop, then if have some "blackout" the battery works like a "no-break". My battery is always charged, because I use it AND I maintain connected in AC. My question: The most correct procedure is remove the battery from laptop?
:sigh: Still searching for a good resource to LEARN English grammar ... :~
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.(John 3:16) :badger:This has hopefully changed in recent years, but with some older rechargeables I've had, leaving them on the charger constantly would eventually destroy them (like, after a few days). And not doing a full charge-drain-charge cycle every so often would make the battery develop memory, which means it can no longer hold a full charge.
--Mike-- Visual C++ MVP :cool: LINKS~! Ericahist | PimpFish | CP SearchBar v3.0 | C++ Forum FAQ Ford, what's this fish doing in my ear?
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In every case I've ever seen, a laptop gives a dismal performance compared to a much cheaper desktop computer. They are at best a make-do solution. But there are times when they are indispensible. Running a laptop, if that you must have, on a docking station does not cause any damage or degradation that I've ever been able to detect. My boss uses a Dell Latitude as his only computer - on the road and in the office, docked - and it has lasted for years. It's still a lousy computer, compared to what he could have for a lot less money, but it serves his needs very well with no signs of expiring early. Buy what meets your needs functionally and don't worry about hurting the little tyke by parking it.
"...a photo album is like Life, but flat and stuck to pages." - Shog9
It's true that a laptop costs more than a desktop with similar hardware. It's just one of those things you have to accept with a laptop. For me, portability and less noise were worth the added cost.
--Mike-- Visual C++ MVP :cool: LINKS~! Ericahist | PimpFish | CP SearchBar v3.0 | C++ Forum FAQ Ford, what's this fish doing in my ear?
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I'm going to finally buy a new machine for myself, but am stuck trying to decide whether to get a desktop or laptop. I want to get a machine with Vista on it, a lot of RAM (preferably 4GB), a high-end graphics card, etc. I want those things mostly for my WPF development. Buying a desktop is definitely cheaper (especially since I already have a nice monitor). But, I'm leaving my current employer soon and will no longer have the laptop they let me use. So if I buy a desktop I won't have the sweet freedom to write my "leisure time" code away from the desk in my apartment. The only solution, though costly, is to buy a top-shelf laptop and then plug my monitor and keyboard into it when at home. I'm concerned that using a "docked" laptop as my regular home PC will be bad for the machine. Is this true? Does running a laptop with the lid closed for hours/days on end cause the machine to get really hot and deteriorate faster? Thanks for any info on this.
:josh: My WPF Blog[^]
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit. - AristotleI know others have already weighed in, but I've been using laptops pretty much exclusively for the last 6 years for work. I just moved from an Alienware Area 51m desktop replacement to a Dell Inspiron 9400[^] a few months ago. I couldn't be happier. The screen is huge, the notebook is light. I've got a 2GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB of RAM, 100GB 7200 RPM HDD, and the 256MB nVidia 7900 GS and a 17" UXGA display at 1900x1200. I've been running Vista on it for months now and it looks gorgeous. Sure, it cost more. Is it worth it that I can work from home, the office, Starbucks, school, the beach, and a friend's house on the same exact machine? Absolutely. And it's not like I don't have the horsepower to do just about everything I want with that Core 2 in there. (Which will run 64 bit Vista if you like.) Everybody thinks the laptop is big, but you already said you could handle a heavy laptop...and to be honest, it's not that big. They just haven't used an Alienware before. ;P I never use it docked. And the only peripheral I plug into it regularly is my wired Intellimouse (still going strong after 6 years...love that thing). My advice: get a notebook. I couldn't imagine being tied to a desktop, and based on your comments, I don't think that's the type of person you are either. :)