Poll: Desktop or Laptop?

[IndomitableSam]

So... This isn't really an "I'm going to buy a computer soon and need advice" topic, because I'm not (not for probably close to a year) - but I'm still having trouble deciding which one is better. Laptops these days run games really well for under $1000, the cost difference isn't as big as it used to be. However, there is still quite a difference and they're still harder to upgrade for someone like me who has only ever added more RAM to things and might be able to change graphics cards.

So, in this siutuation, which would you suggest:

I have an HP Touchpad that I use for the internet/throw in my bag when, say, I go to visit my parents or go somewhere overnight.

We have a very good laptop (only a year old) that is my sister's which she uses for co-op games, but we plug into the TV for single player games (plays Skyrim with mods at max settings). I am allowed to take this with me as well, so travel/convenience is filled by this and my Touchpad.

We have a desktop that I use hooked up to the TV when we play co-op and my sister uses her laptop. ... It's about 6 years old and runs Vista. I figure it'll run Tochlight 2 just fine, but I'd like to replace it.

So, would you replace the old desktop with a new desktop (as whenever it's used it will be hooked up to the tv - we won't want to watch something in the background, or if only one of us are playing, we'll use the laptop we already have) or would you buy another laptop? Cost isn't an issue as this is more of a discussion instead of help.

Long story short:

When you have two people, a tablet, really good laptop, and a crappy desktop, should you buy a second laptop, or get a new desktop?

 

[Qitz]

I'd replace the Desktop myself but then I would get a lot more use out of that compared to a Laptop.

 

[dudycat1]

desktops may be less portable than laptops but a laptop of the same quality games running wise will cost about £100-£500 which is a rather significant amount.

 

[Supernova1138]

Definitely new desktop. While the laptop is mobile, they are for the most part not upgradeable, so you are stuck with what you buy. For high performance gaming you will probably pay double what you would for a midrange gaming desktop to get the same level of performance out of a laptop, if you build the desktop yourself, the price difference is less when compared to prebuilt systems, but it is still significant.

Only get a gaming laptop if mobility is absolutely essential eg. your career requires you to live out of hotel rooms most of the time and you are rarely home. If you don't really need the mobility, a desktop is always a better buy for gaming.

 

[Tuesday Night Fever]

I'd go with the desktop if you intend on gaming.

Before I left for university I bought myself a laptop for gaming, since I wouldn't be able to easily take a desktop home for vacations (traveled by air).

The moment I got home after graduation, I ditched the laptop for a new desktop, and I doubt I'll be doing the gaming laptop thing again.

You're pretty much tethered to a power outlet if you intend to play for more than 45 minutes on most laptops, so it's not like there's really as much freedom as I would have liked when it comes to mobility. Then there's the heat distribution problem. Laptops get real hot while gaming. Having a cooling pad works well enough to slow the problem, but it's not a real solution either. I had overheating problems from time to time, nothing particularly serious, but from what I've read it's a huge problem (like, laptop-killing level) if you aren't careful.

Then there's the issue that gaming laptops tend to be far more expensive than the equivalent gaming desktop, while also being much more finicky about upgrading parts.

I dunno. I did the gaming laptop thing for four years... and I'm in no rush to ever go back to it.

Captcha: good afternoon.

Good afternoon to you too, Captcha!

 

[Hoplon]

Yeah, I found decent gaming laptops noisy and always kind of under powered (not actually, just felt that way) I desk top it every time for games, is just a more pleasant experience.

 

[BloatedGuppy]

If you want to play games, desktop.

If you want to play Angry Birds and check your email while on the beach, cellphone.

 

[Volstag9]

Although I am ironically typing this from a Laptop I'd have to go with a Desktop as well.

It's upgradable and above all more "fixable" than a laptop. That is, if you know what your doing.

*Hint* I didn't know what I was doing.

 

[Vegosiux]

I use a laptop for one reason. I have to move around a lot, and mobility is simply necessary enough to outweigh the benefits of having a desktop system.

But since you already have one laptop between you two, I'd say go for a new desktop first.

 

[Aris Khandr]

How often do you go out? And, when you do, how often is gaming a priority? I've got a laptop, an iPad, a DS, and a desktop. The laptop sits at home unless I'm on an extended vacation (3+ days). The iPad usually goes with me, but mainly for short gaming/reading in between activities. I'm out of the house, so I am generally not worried about games. If I really need to game while out, the DS works fine.

Obviously, this is just my situation. If you're out of the house a lot, and need to game while doing so, a laptop would work best. Of course, staying home on your desktop would work even better, as I am unsure how you can game much and still be doing whatever it is you've left the house to do. But that's up to you.

In summary: Figure out what you need based on your situation.