Desktop vs laptop

Nursing Students General Students

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Specializes in Adult M/S.

Hi all. I'll be starting first year nursing classes in Aug. and will need to buy a computer. I was wondering how many of you have desktops and how many have laptops? If you have a desktop do you really wish you had a laptop? What are the draw backs to a laptop besides cost and potential for leaving it on the bus?:eek:

Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.

Makes you wonder how we survived without these puters..

Anyone still remember besides me how to use a sliderule

We have a desktop and a laptop. My hubby uses the desktop and I use the laptop. We also have DSL so we can both be online at the same time. Anyways, I would use my laptop over his desktop anytime. They actually have the same memory, speed, everything. I think the laptop is more convenient though. Everything is right in one place and it is easy to plug things in the back without having to crawl under the desk with a flashlight. Also, I can take it with me wherever I need to take it. I definately recommend a laptop.

i have both. during nursing school, i used the desktop maybe 10 times. the other 720 days, i used the laptop.

pros of desktop: can't think of any that can't be accomplished with a laptop

cons of desktop: you are limited to when you can work on the computer because you obviously canNOT tote the destop to the park or dr. office if needed.

pros of laptop: in addition to everything a computer will do, it's portable. you can work in the bedroom if everyone at home is getting on your nerves. you can take the puter to school and work in the hallways between classes. if you forget to take your homework with you to school, chances are that you have it stored on your computer somewhere.

cons of laptop: compared to the weight of your nursing textbooks the added weight of a computer can be a bit much. but a nice backpack on wheels takes care of much of this. they are a little more expensive than a desktop IF you get top of the line stuff. there are laptops that sell for around $900 from dell that are great for students. another, printing. if you don't have a small portable printer, you will find that it's hard to find a compatable printer. (i countered this by taking my laptop to the IT dept at school and they installed everything i would need to print on the schools printers. all i needed was a cable that i already had.)

so the long and short of it, get a laptop. it's much nicer surfing allnurses.com from the recliner rather than sitting in a stiff backed office chair in the computer room. :chuckle

Originally posted by teeituptom

Makes you wonder how we survived without these puters..

Anyone still remember besides me how to use a sliderule

what's a sliderule?:confused:

j/k tom ;)

Specializes in Adult M/S.

Sliderule- don't lock your knees when coming down the slide:D

I've had both. Currently I have a desktop and don't really miss my laptop, but there are certain advantages like the posts above say. I have had no probs with my desktop...I wish I could say that for my laptops. You do have to be careful with a laptop. I also find that now that I sit at a desk and work I get things done a little more efficently, I'm not sitting in front of the TV trying to write a paper. Plus my desk top comp is fast and the screen is huge and I have a printer/scanner. It's really about what you perfer. If you think you'll have the computer at a desk in one spot and prob won't take it out, then I say save the money and get a desktop.

I'm sure this didn't help you a bit!!!:) I think I just confused myself!

Specializes in Telemetry, Stepdown.

It depends on what you'll need it for. I have a desktop and love it! I'll probally buy a laptop sometime after I finish school, since they're very expensive.

Specializes in MS Home Health.

I had a laptop for five years and just went back to a desktop and I love it. Bigger screen.

renerian

Specializes in Adult Med-Surg, Rehab, and Ambulatory Care.
Originally posted by Gampopa

Sliderule- don't lock your knees when coming down the slide:D

:chuckle

Or "Don't go down headfirst upside down."

Back on the subject, there have been times when I wished I had a laptop, but only so I could go curl up on the couch or in bed instead of sitting here at my desk. I have 3 desktops in the house. My family is full of geeks. :)

Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

I have a desktop and a laptop and they are both good. I dont prefer one over the other really. I do like the bigger screen of my desktop monitor better though. I guess it just depends on how "moble" you need to be.

One thing to, *everything* about a laptop is more expensive as well. Just something to think about when comparing.

Marilyn

I have a desktop, but I would really like a laptop for those times when I'm sitting outside of the classroom (early mornings) and the computer lab isn't open. My husband says that I can't have one, that I wouldn't know what to do with a laptop...He has dumbass tatood across the top of his forehead. (he's reading this...so I had to post it! :) rotfl :roll:

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