| Author |
Message |
    
mtierney
Citizen
Username: Mtierney
Post Number: 887
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 11:46 am: |     |
I'm intending to upgrade my IMac 9.0 desk top. This computer will be relegated to my small home office business (no spreadsheets) word processing stuff, replacing an even older Performa Mac!
I do not travel for business - is that really the most important reason to get a laptop?
I am considering the G5 Imac for internet, email and photo copying and mostly fun stuff. I use Comcast cable. How would a laptop function in various places in the house?
I am a touch typist (all 10 fingers). The laptop keyboards I've looked at seem cramped?
From my questions, you can tell I am a technically challenged person.
Any suggestions? |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 2075
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 11:54 am: | |
For at home use, there are two main reasons to get a laptop vs a desktop - one is space, and the other is portability. A laptop will typically take up less space. However a desktop can be hidden away in a cabinet, under a desk, etc. And with a wireless keyboard and mouse, and an LCD monitor, desk space could actually be better than a laptop.
A laptop with a wireless network connection can be wonderful. I typically use my laptop throughout the house. I'd be embarrassed to tell you what room I'm in right now... On nice days, you might be able to work outside, and if you're sick, you can work from your bed (just what you want to do when you're sick). Performance will depend on the equipment you get, and the construction of your house. Metal studs or lots of metal lathe could case problems, but for the most part, you should be ok.
As for keyboard space, take a look at the 17" wide screen laptops. They typically have a lot more room for the keyboards. Not necessarily full-sized, but pretty close. |
Brick Pig
Citizen
Username: Brick_pig
Post Number: 49
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 1:55 pm: | |
My wife and I have two Mac laptops, and I can't think of any reason we'd ever get a desktop again. Both iBooks are outfitted with a wireless card, and we have one centrally-located Airport Express unit that is more than enough to give us signal throughout our house and on our deck out back. It also enables us to print wirelessly from anywhere in the house. The only thing sitting out in the open is a printer and an external backup drive, but we plan to hide both in a cabinet sometime when we find one we like. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 11630
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 2:54 pm: | |
Laptops run off battery power. When you connect your power cord, you are charging the battery, but the computer is still running off the battery. So if the power dips or even drops out for an hour or so, your laptop stays up.
Laptops consume less power than desktops. And they produce less noise and heat. However, the new iMac (desktop computer) is amazingly quiet, usually silent. It produces more heat than a typical laptop, but not much more.
Most laptop keyboards seem fine. I was skeptical, too, but I like most of them.
|
JMF
Citizen
Username: Jmf
Post Number: 210
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 3:16 pm: | |
It is a fairly easy question to answer.
If you want the computer to be portable for any reason whatsoever in the foreseeable future... get a laptop.
Laptops are so incredibly convenient. Mine died recently and I am on the computer much less now that I have to be using my desktop. (maybe that i a good thing though)
In any case... wait 2 weeks before you buy anything. Apple is about to intriduce the new Mac's with Intel.
I may be buying a new iBook as well at that point |
Eric
Citizen
Username: Ericactive
Post Number: 80
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 7:27 pm: | |
One big disadvantage to laptops: If you spill something on the keyboard you need to fix more than just your keyboard.
I was ready to switch to using my kids sippy cups after I knocked O.J. into my PowerBook.
Otherwise it's laptops all the way.
|
ril
Citizen
Username: Ril
Post Number: 442
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 7:42 pm: | |
I have a co-worker who finds the keys on his laptop too small--he uses a regular-size USB keyboard with his. Would that work for a Mac? |
Bailey
Citizen
Username: Baileymac
Post Number: 126
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 8:05 pm: | |
I have a Mac Powerbook, love the flexibility of a laptop. I've set up a wifi network with one airport express as a base unit, and a second airport express which extends the network, and connects my usb printer for wireless printing.
One nice option too, is the laptop can be closed and connected to a usb keyboard and mouse and a monitor, and becomes a "desktop", should you want that.
The laptop works pretty much anywhere in my house, and it's easy to extend the network if I need to. |
kmk
Supporter
Username: Kmk
Post Number: 875
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 2, 2006 - 3:52 pm: | |
My mother is thrilled that my dad has "come out" of his office!
They bought a laptop and installed a cheap wireless router. Now she actually sees my father as he tap, taps away on his sudoko puzzles etc. |
mtierney
Citizen
Username: Mtierney
Post Number: 888
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 2, 2006 - 6:00 pm: | |
Thanks for all the info - I'll probably wait to see what the Intel introduction is all about.
I find the idea of the laptop more appealing. But, I'll wait and see a bit.
By the way, could someone explain how a wireless network works? How do you determine what you need? Does Comcast help set you up? |
JMF
Citizen
Username: Jmf
Post Number: 211
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Monday, January 2, 2006 - 7:41 pm: | |
Wirelss is very easy.
ibooks hve build in airport cards, so all you need is a wireless router to hook up to your modem.
I am sure this board will walk you through setting it up after you decide if you are getting a Laptop or not. |
Bailey
Citizen
Username: Baileymac
Post Number: 130
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Monday, January 2, 2006 - 9:15 pm: | |
Many laptops have wireless built-in or available as an option - make sure before you buy. (Apple's now all have wi-fi and bluetooth built-in)
Comcast provides the cable modem. You have to buy a wireless router, around 100.00 or less.
The router connects to the cable modem and maintains the internet connection. You'll open your laptop and it will automatically connect to the internet. VERY easy, very quick. |
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