New Computer or new laptop?

[corporate_gamer]

This probably comes up a lot but i want to get a new computer. I have a laptop at the moment however i don't really used it anywhere but on my desk. I have narrowed down my choices too these two:

touchscreen all-in one Pc
http://www.johnlewis.com/230493775/Product.aspx
(i want the latest one but thats only available in america and the exchange rate is killing me)

or
shiny toshiba laptop
http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.com/innovation/series/Satellite-A300D-series/150075/

I can't decide whether to go with a permenant desktop feature that i can essentially use a my tv, audio and computing hub. Or go for the laptop which isnt as versatile but can be moved around when i need it too be. Also they are both very very pretty.

 

[TOGSolid]

If you don't actually take your laptop anywhere, I'd just go with a desktop. Considering the specs on that thing, you can get a desktop for a lot cheaper than the one you were looking at. You're forking out a lot of extra dough for the touch screen so dare I ask what you need it for?

 

[poleboy]

I can't see any reason to get a laptop if you don't intend to remove it from your desk. The hardware is more expensive compared to a desktop. Its one defining feature is mobility. If you don't need that... well, I don't see the purpose.

 

[Dom541]

computer hands down i say

 

[corporate_gamer]

If you don't actually take your laptop anywhere, I'd just go with a desktop. Considering the specs on that thing, you can get a desktop for a lot cheaper than the one you were looking at. You're forking out a lot of extra dough for the touch screen so dare I ask what you need it for?

Need is such a harsh word. its not just the touch screen, its an all in one pc and it looks really nice and it takes up no space at all (which is good cos my desk is messy) and the screen is really quite big and HD.

And while for the majority of the time i keep the laptop on desk occasionally i have taken it on trips, just very rarely so i don't know if worth getting a laptop for these times.

 

[TheCheryl]

If that laptop stays on the desk, Desktop. For the reasons above AND because I don't recall laptops being all that upgradable. My desktop starts lagging in the tech specs I just by the part needed and install it to make it good as new. Laptops are handy in that they are portable but they usually find themselves lacking in the gaming department.

Oh and one extra bonus advice piece: when buying your first computer look around everywhere and not just at the shiny name brands. You can get what you want and more sometimes for heck of a lot cheaper by either building it up yourself piece by piece or looking at places that deal in refurbs. Fancy Alienware for example can cost 5000 USD easy, for anywhere between 800-1000 I can get the same thing that runs identical and only less fancy looking by going to the computer parts shop and getting a refurbished piece.

 

[Zrahni]

Go for desktop. Just fully custom built for your needs.

 

[smallharmlesskitten]

Imagine playing counterstrike with that touchscreen..

*poke* *poke* *poke* *poke* x 100

 

[dukethepcdr]

Neither one is good for gaming. Both those all-in-one models of desktops and laptops are real pains in the neck to upgrade (which becomes a necessity if you want to be able to play the next generation of PC games). They also both overheat easliy when you game for long periods of time.

For gaming, nothing beats a full-size or mid-size tower desktop PC. Your best bet is to go to a store that sells custom built PCs so you get only what you need for gaming and none of the other junk. There are stores all over the place like that, both brick and mortar and internet. Id recommend brick and mortar so you can see the computers first hand and have an actual human to talk to. In Vegas where I live, there is a store called PC Laptops that builds awesome looking PCs for a decent price.

Alternatively, you can build one yourself. The hardest part is putting the processor in the motherboard as you can ruin one of the two or both if you do it wrong. Other than that, putting them together is not very hard. Researching to get the right parts at good prices takes the longest. If you do an in depth job of it, it can take a couple of weeks, but it's worth it when you end up with great parts at low prices. The actual assembly can be done in one or two days if you have most of the day to work on it or a few evenings. Plus, you have the satisfaction of being able to say "that's my PC that I built myself". It's kind of like it is with the guys who modify and build those custom kit cars and take them to auto shows. It takes gaming as a hobby to the next level.

 

[corporate_gamer]

I don't really use the computer for gaming. at least not new games, just aoe2 and shogun total war. Mostly used for watching films internet and playing around making little programs. although i hadn't thought of the touch-screen benefits in games. Could be sweet.

My job is actually in a universitys IS department, so i spent all day playing with the tower desktop and what i really don't want is on of those standard boxes, my computer needs some prettyness to it. And i'm pretty sure i will be able to upgrade either of these, rebuilding PC is kinda of part of my job so its not really the getting the best specs for my money but something that i would like have sitting on my desk for at least a few years.

 

[corporate_gamer]

I just don't know why computers have to be so unattractive to look at. Not that im a fanboy but Apple computers have had the aesthetic side of things down. So yeah i want something that looks nice, just like my TV has too look nice as well as be fully functioning, like my clothes have to look nice as well as keep me warm, like the house i live in has to be attractive as well as functional.

And yes all in one desktops are a pain in the arse to upgrade, RMone's are the bane of my existance. However, IT CAN BE DONE and more importantly i have pretty much all day to do it in at work.

 

[OneHP]

the screen is really quite big and HD.

Pretty much all computer screens 17"+ are "HD".

 

[corporate_gamer]

right. had a look at your 'attractive towers' and there not. obviously i didnt look though all of them, but each and everyone i saw was a box with some flashy lights on. I would compare them to the idiots who buy a vauxhall corsa and put a stupid spoiler or big shiny rims on it to make it look good, it doesn't, it looks stupid and not at all stylish.

particullary the so called yummy one.

 

[SunoffaBeach]

If you own a 360 or PS3: Buy a laptop.
If you dont: Buy a desktop.

 

[reaper_2k9]

I'd go with a desktop and keep your laptop in case you do need to take it with you

 

[mr mcshiznit]

I really like toshiba labby's so i guess i'd say i'm partial(?) to that choice.

 

[Zephirius]

Apparently you made this thread to have people say 'the touchscreen' or 'the laptop', in accordance with the two options you supplied above. As you seem to think that anything else is ugly, and you don't seem to actually want a useful computer, I suppose you should go with the touchscreen, because it's a nice gimmick I'm sure you'll have fun with. For a week, maybe two, that is. Personally I don't trust computers that don't look like mini-monoliths with a screen next to it to be capable of anything.

 

[corporate_gamer]

right. had a look at your 'attractive towers' and there not. obviously i didnt look though all of them, but each and everyone i saw was a box with some flashy lights on. I would compare them to the idiots who buy a vauxhall corsa and put a stupid spoiler or big shiny rims on it to make it look good, it doesn't, it looks stupid and not at all stylish.

particullary the so called yummy one.

You could mod it to your liking, for example i would cover the glass and get the case in black.
But fine, don't take our advice, go on and buy that shiney new touchscreen which will be outdated in 1 year (or less in fact) and then pay big bucks to either try to upgrade it or buy a new one.

Remember, gimmicks die quick.

Look at the Wii! (NO NO NO, THOU SHALT NOT ANGER FANBOYS!)

To be honest i'm siding with the laptop, i really like the hp all in one but i agree the touchscreen is a bit gimmicky. Im open to other suggestions but i won't be getting a tower, ever. I just don't like them.

 

[Ronwue]

Well... I had the same question a while back (and by I had I mean my father asked me or I would have not had the question).

I made a pretty good 1.5k euro pc and my father asked, wouldn't you like a laptop instead of that one? I thought for a half a second before I answered no fucking way.

If you want a good gaming rig, desktop is the way to go. It performs way better than a laptop at the same price, reasons are obvious as daylight.

If you want a mobile thing, you don't need to spend the money of a desktop on a laptop, because truthfully, you're going to get ***** slapped by cheaper desktop.

If you want both... hmmm.. I'd say go for a good Desktop, wait a bit for laptop prices to drop and buy something affordable for mobility.

Finally, only spend shitloads of money on a laptop in case you want to have a hard time playing.

 

[ElArabDeMagnifico]

Imagine playing counterstrike with that touchscreen..

*poke* *poke* *poke* *poke* x 100

Imagine playing RTS with that touch-screen!