New Desktop Or Laptop ?

[INTJ]

Hi,

My trusty IBM Thinkpad R31 is approaching the end of its duty cycle, and has been an absolutely fabulous machine, been switched on almost continuously for 4 years with no significant problems. It spends nearly if not all of its time on the desk running on AC.

Issues such as no USB2, no wifi, no DVD/R, only 248 RAM and a 40G HDD mean its about had its day.

I have only had 2 computers in my life, a Thinkpad 380Z bought in '99, this one bought in 2003 and would very much like to have continued the tradition as I have been nothing short of delighted with both machines. I was looking a the latest line of Thinkpads (no longer IBM, made by Lenovo, some Chinese outfit), and the entry model R series is around 32,000. I've also read some disturbing stories about quality going down the tube of late, although how true this is I don't know. Also, the Acers look *very* cheap on paper, but loads of horror stories there too.

http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/24/lenovos...aked-due-in-may

Which got me thinking - do I really need a laptop ? The answer is no. I do like the look and occasional portability of thr notebook, but the fact is it spends nearly all its time pretending to be a desktop.

I would be interested to know what kind of spec desktop I could get for around the 20-30K mark, or rather, what minimum specs should I be looking at to try to "future proof" the machine as much as possible? I would add that I don't play any games and have no intention of doing so.

A friend of mine bought one of these "cobbled together" machines and seems to be having constant problems. I would like it to be made of good quality components.

One thing I would like is a big LCD monitor (maybe 19" ?)

Thanks,

INTJ.

.

Edited June 24, 2007 by INTJ

[Gary A]

Hi,

My trusty IBM Thinkpad R31 is approaching the end of its duty cycle, and has been an absolutely fabulous machine, been switched on almost continuously for 4 years with no significant problems. It spends nearly if not all of its time on the desk running on AC.

Issues such as no USB2, no wifi, no DVD/R, only 248 RAM and a 40G HDD mean its about had its day.

I have only had 2 computers in my life, a Thinkpad 380Z bought in '99, this one bought in 2003 and would very much like to have continued the tradition as I have been nothing short of delighted with both machines. I was looking a the latest line of Thinkpads (no longer IBM, made by Lenovo, some Chinese outfit), and the entry model R series is around 32,000. I've also read some disturbing stories about quality going down the tube of late, although how true this is I don't know. Also, the Acers look *very* cheap on paper, but loads of horror stories there too.

http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/24/lenovos...aked-due-in-may

Which got me thinking - do I really need a laptop ? The answer is no. I do like the look and occasional portability of thr notebook, but the fact is it spends nearly all its time pretending to be a desktop.

I would be interested to know what kind of spec desktop I could get for around the 20-30K mark, or rather, what minimum specs should I be looking at to try to "future proof" the machine as much as possible? I would add that I don't play any games and have no intention of doing so.

A friend of mine bought one of these "cobbled together" machines and seems to be having constant problems. I would like it to be made of good quality components.

One thing I would like is a big LCD monitor (maybe 19" ?)

Thanks,

INTJ.

.

I have a Lenovo Thinkpad T43p with all the bells and whistles and I think the quality is just fine. It's a fine little machine. That said, if you have room for a desktop you will save some money plus upgrades or repairs, if needed are MUCH cheaper and easier. As far as a monitor, I used a friend's 19 inch for a while and found out I hated it. Try one before you buy a big one. It felt to me like I was sitting on the floor in front of a TV. I just couldn't seem to see everything at once.

[Firefoxx]

"Cobbled together" can give you problems if you cobble together bad parts. 30k will give you a fairly poor performing machine with good quality parts, or a good performing machine with poor quality parts. Some very simple examples:

1. The case. You can spend either 1000 baht on a case, or 3000+. The difference? Quality, air flow, expandability, etc.

2. The PSU. You can spend either 500 baht on it, or 2500+. The difference? More reliable power, doesn't die within a year, actually outputs rated wattage, etc.

3. The monitor. You can spend either 3000 baht or 10,000+.

The list goes on and on. People will *want* their computer to work well, yet set a very low budget and expect miracles to happen. They tend to say "hey, the shops can sell a set for 10k, so 30k is way too much!". The reason they can sell it that cheap is because you get the most basic of parts, for the most basic of needs. A lot of it is third rate components that's 4 or 5 generations old, and they were poor performers even when they were current. If you want quality, be prepared to pay for it. But once you pay good, you don't have to keep paying (for repairs/upgrades, etc).

Big LCD screens are a matter of preference. I have a 22", and I *still* want 24" or more. Too bad they cost way too much here.

[britmaveric]

For the most part equipment is rather inexpensive these days and 3yr is normally max for use without upgrades or replacements. I like notebooks - researched it extensively and decided go with Asus G1.

-high speed HD (7200+) with least 100GB space, lots of RAM - min 2GB, dedicated Video memory 512MB and Core 2 Duo processor

[Jamie]

I've always used desktops...not as expensive as laptops was the main reason. I recently bought a new laptop because I am moving and I really did not want to have to ship my desktop...that and when I am away on meetings for work, I can take the laptop with me. I love the portability. Although you said you use your laptop mainly as a "desktop" I would still suggest getting a laptop. If you have wifi in your place you don't have to be nailed to your desk to use it.

[higgy88]

I am not a computer expert, nor do I pretend to be. I have just been a computer user for about the last 40 years and I think I can offer you some advice from that perspective, which at times has been a bit different from the very knowledgeable computer gurus here on TV. For me, computers have just been another tool that I was able to use to do my job, and I had never even considered buying my own as I really didn't want to bring my work home with me. After retiring and moving to Thailand, I bought my first computer which was to be used as an entertainment and communication tool. It is a Compaq Presario which came preinstalled with Windows 98 (legal), it is celebrating it's 10th birthday, and it is still being used. With all of the trials and tribulations I had the first year I owned it, I came to the conclusion that there were just no competent computer techs anywhere here and I was just going to have to figure out how to keep this computer running myself. I taught myself, and most of my knowledge came from brainstorming with other friends here in the same boat, some very good information from reading the Thai Visa and other forums, and just plain trial and error. After seeing the problems my friends had with their cobbled up computers, I decided I would only buy good brand name computers. I am not confident enough to build my own computer, and if I trusted the computer shops more than maybe I would consider having someone here cobble one up for me. But I just don't trust any of the shops here when it comes to computers. I bought my second computer about 3 years ago, an HP Pavilion with Windows XP preinstalled and legal, and with the knowledge I had gained I have never had to go back to the store where I bought it since. Actually I would just love to never have to go back to any computer shop here for the rest of my life. I have no plans on buying a third computer at this time, but it would be wonderful if I could just buy one online like you can do in the US with Dell. I would probably end up buying my next one at a place like Tesco if I can find a good brand there. Even though I have never owned a laptop and have no experience with them, I think desktops would be much easier to take care of and keep running good than laptops. If you are just going to keep it on your desk, than I think a desktop would be just fine for you. I would not consider a laptop since I don't plan on going anywhere with it and don't mind being tied to my entertainment and communication center. If you are the same as me, don't bother with a laptop and learn how to take care of it yourself. You can get lot's of very good help from some of the good people of TV. But as far as what to buy, everyone here has their own requirements and sees things from their own perspective. I just thought I'd get my 2 cents in. I think I've been entertained enough for now and my fingers need a break. Good luck on your new computer.

[astral]

It is horses for courses.

If your travel then you need a laptop.

If you are home based and want power and future proofing then you should go for a desktop.

There is very little in between.

PS A desktop costs about half the price of the equivalent laptop