Desktop or Laptop?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

Published

In the next few weeks I'll be purchasing a computer for myself to put in my study. (Can you say - mine, mine, all mine?? lol) I'm torn as to whether I should get a desktop or a laptop. Any suggestions? I have at least 2 years of pre-reqs to finish before I can apply to the nursing program itself. I don't need at laptop right now, but can I anticipate needing one in the future? What about shelf-life? If I needed a laptop in the future (plausible if the school I get into is a moderate distance away), would it be wise to get one now or wait for new technology? My head's just going in circles around this issue. Thanks in advance for any advice you might be able to provide.

Specializes in NICU.

I am definitely all for the laptop. I rarely use a desktop, especially for school work. I just finished all my pre-reqs, and used my laptop for everything. Sure, it is a year and a half old, but it isn't that outdated yet, I plan on using it for the last two and a half years. It is very convienent, I can take it to study groups or anywhere for that matter. Like many have already said, the only real disadvantage is how expensive laptops are, so if you have the extra to spend, go for the laptop, but if you can't afford the extra, get more for your money and buy a desktop. Hope this helps. :nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Laptop.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

We have two desktops, but I bought a laptop for school last year. It wins, hands down! I use it all the time...when its time to upgrade, I'll get another one. Its portable and the wireless is great. My husband keeps threatening to take it over because his desktop is obsolete.

If he does, I'll just get another one....bigger and better! :rotfl:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I love my laptop. I would not go back to desktop. I can take it with wherever I go. My opinion, get a laptop........you can use it at home and other places.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Surgical Oncology.

Definately go laptop, I've had both and trust me a desktop is not the way to go. Its huge a bulky and you cant bring it places to study. However, make sure u do ur research before you buy. That way u know what u want. It also depends what u want to use the computer for? Since i've bought my laptop i would have to say i def prefer it. Good luck, oh i have a toshiba...its been great to me...lol

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med surg, icu.

I'm a control freak when it comes to computers... that being said, I like desktops because I prefer being able to build and upgrade them whenever I feel like it. If something goes bad, it's usually easy for me to fix (I should add that I ran a network/technical control workcenter and help desk for the past few years, so I know my way fairly decently around computers). ;p

Well... that and I also use my computer for HEAVY gaming where even a second or so or lag makes the difference between kill and be killed. I have a sff computer and a good flatscreen so it's easy for me to lug it around to LAN parties every once in awhile. ;p

BUT... if you're just using it for work, and if portability is important to you, then you can simply invest in a low-end laptop, since they don't cost a whole lot these days.

As far as basic word processing goes, you don't need to get Microsoft Word... Open Office works fine for your basic word processing needs... and best of all, it's FREE:

http://www.openoffice.org/

And compatible with MS Word.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med surg, icu.

BTW... there are two stores I trust wholeheartedly with online orders:

1. New Egg

http://www.newegg.com

They ROCK.. especially if you simply want to order parts and put together a system yourself. They ship quickly, and they have great customer service. I usually buy stuff from them, even if the competition sells what I want for a lower price.

2. Monarch Computer

http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv

These guys are awesome, and I've never heard a complaint or a story about bad service about them. They test the heck out of the computers they build for you. If you're willing to pay a little extra for good service, these are great guys to go to.

(Sorry.. I tend to be anti-Dell... after dealing with their customer service for a couple of years because while I was in the military, we could only buy computers from certain merchants, Dell being one of them.)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Endocrine (Diabetes), Pediatric Psych.

My vote's in for the laptop, lol! I have a Dell Inspiron 8600, bought it refurbished from Dell in 2004 for $700, and it's my baby, it's doing great! It's a 15.4" widescreen, so it's not too big, but not little at all, so it's portable, and it can serve as a diehard "desktop" when I need it to. As for outdating, as long as you keep updating the software, you'll be fine. A few things that help me out:

- You can never have enough space (in my case, I love listening to classical music while I study, so I have tons of music on my computer, and therefore, a 60GB hard drive)

- If you have the option, for the portability, if you have the option of a regular or long life battery, get the long life one (15.4" screen, and a long battery life of 6 hours straight isn't too shabby, lol)

- Get Office if not already loaded (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.)

- If you plan on typing a lot, get a full size keyboard, your hands will thank you! (Laptop keybords tend to be smaller, especially if it's a small screen size)

- Get a wireless card - everyone has wireless these days, so you can connect to the Internet while you study w/o having to stay in one place.

Can you tell I'm laptop biased, lol? Seriously, though, because I move around and study in different places, it just isn't possible w/a desktop.

~Adria

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i like both the laptop so it can be portable but i also like the desktop because its always plugged in and you have to charge the battery. but if your looking for a brand name go for the dell because they have had great reviews and also you can customeize it how ever you want if its a desktop or a laptop.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

I would definitely recommend data doctors for buying a computer. Get it custom built without all that extra crap that is useless (that you get with Toshiba, Sony, etc). They will also transfer all your information, pictures, documents, etc. that is on your computer now onto the new computer that they build for you. Great prices too. http://www.datadoctors.com/services/newsystems/

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC/Skilled Care/Rehab.

I personally don't like laptops. I usually do my studying and stuff at home, so I don't really need a computer that is portable. My husband has a laptop that I use once in a while, but it is uncomfortable for me to use. The screen is much smaller and I don't like the button mouse (hurts my fingers) and it harder to type since the keyboard is much smaller. When I do use it, I connect a regular mouse to it since I think they are easier to use. If you really think that you will need to take the computer with you, then I would go for the laptop. If not then I think I would go with the desktop. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Child/Adolescent Mental Health.

I love my laptop. I haven't had a desktop in years although I think there are a total of 5 computers in this house. I suppose if I ever needed a desktop I could use one of those.

My son just bought a laptop and it's called a "desktop replacement". It is very powerful so he can play games on it. He is also a computer major so I guess he needs the additional power for that as well. Let me tell you though, you cannot sit his laptop on your lap because it gets so hot.

I say go with the laptop if you can. I love mine and I have become very accustomed to using the mousepad vs the mouse. Actually, I feel very awkward whenever I use a regular mouse these days.

Good Luck and have fun:wink2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment