Desktop or laptop?

macscrapz · 09-07-2006, 09:27 PM

Hi, everyone!

I'm considering getting a new computer. I need one for lots of resons, but I'll only talk about the digital scrapbooking part here. I'm using PSE 4.0 and need a minimum of 521 MB of RAM. My current desktop only has 256 MB, so I encounter a lot of problems.

I'm thinking about getting a laptop. Are any of you doing your digital scrapbooking on a laptop? I'd love to hear from anybody with some real-life experience.

Thanks!
Mary Ann

valeri · 09-07-2006, 09:32 PM

I use both. I prefer my desktop, but I am so glad to have the laptop too. Depends on your needs and budget I guess. You will get more bang for your buck with the desktop, but the laptop is so convienent. I am glad I have both, but if you can only get one, I think I would go for the laptop

MommySpice · 09-07-2006, 09:34 PM

I do all my scrapbooking on my laptop. In fact, I do EVERYTHING on my laptop. Someday I want a Tablet PC so I can do my own doodles as well!

bethliz · 09-07-2006, 10:01 PM

I have both too..and boy do I appreciate my laptop and the fact that i am sooo lucky to have both...my desktop of pc as i call it is old and clunky and barely makes the grade when i scrap on it...it is slow but i still love it...the lap top on the other hand has a gb of ram and a 120gb hard drive where as my pc has only 512mb ram and 40gb hard drive...so i really favour my laptop over my pc when stuffing around with masks and such...much faster too and convenient to move about the house or wherever i go...i can't go anywhere without my scrappin and computer...i feel like i have lost an arm or a leg with out it!!...addictions are such a handicap....oh well that is my opinion on things...hope i have helped...even if a little bit... Cheers Liz

Kristen · 09-07-2006, 10:28 PM

Generally, you can get more (power, memory, hard drive space) on a desktop than a laptop for the same money. I've worked on laptops at various times, and I find they feel cramped to me (then again, I've never had the pleasure of working on a wide-screen laptop...) It's size versus portability - either one can make a great scrapping computer.

4guysandme · 09-07-2006, 11:03 PM

I have both. I like both. I prefer my desktop but that's becuase it has a 21" monitor and more RAM. I use both almost daily.

Biffylady · 09-08-2006, 11:36 AM

I have both. The desktop is nice because I can more easily connect my external HD to it. The laptop is more convenient, as I can take it on vacations or trips and scrap on the road/in the motel. More and more laptops are coming with 1 gig memory and 100+ gig HD, same as desktops. We've been looking into getting our yougest a new computer for HS graduation and are looking at both, as well.

I suppose the bottom line is which do you prefer...convenience (laptop), or durability (desktop).

inababes · 09-08-2006, 12:01 PM

I have both. I gave my laptop to my mom, since I'm hoping to get her hooked on digital scrapbooking, too. My desktop is a lot faster and more powerful though, so unless you really need the portability of a laptop, a desktop will give you more bang for your buck. I'd suggest you get at least 1G of RAM, even with PSE.

Hattitudes · 09-09-2006, 12:49 PM

laptop=portable, little upgradablities, more expensive for the money

desktop= much more upgradeable for the future, faster for the money, more reliable.

If you don't need portability, then desktop is a much more future thinking choice.

hope this helps

debra8898 · 09-23-2006, 11:19 AM

Love my laptop!!

macscrapz · 09-24-2006, 09:18 PM

Thanks to all. I think that I'm going to get a laptop and network it with my existing desktop. I'll migrate all my "fun" stuff (digiscrapping, PSE, photos, etc.) over to the laptop and leave all my work stuff on the desktop. My work programs are touchy about IP addresses, and I don't want to even try to set that all up again. Besides, if my work stuff's not on the laptop, nobody will expect me to be working when I'm away from home.

Having a laptop will also enable me to FINALLY get copies of DH's childhood photos. I can take my laptop and scanner to my MIL's house and scan away. No more whining, wheedling, and cajoling to try to get some of his photos!

meddlingkidd · 09-24-2006, 10:37 PM

Sounds like you've made your decision but I wanted to give one more vote to the Laptop side. I had to replace my ANCIENT desktop last year and decided to get a laptop instead. I LOVE my laptop! I started digiscrapping when I got it and I can bring my laptop to work to use during my one hour lunches (I used to have a half hour lunch and didn't know what to do with my time). We have a tiny townhouse and the computer desk for the computer desk was taking up lots of room. I LOVE the portability of the laptop and wouldn't trade it for anything. Good luck shopping for something new! Have fun

!