What kind of computer do you use?

[wesbed]

I was getting something from the closet of my extra bedroom/computer room. I noticed my desktop computer sitting there, all alone and covered in a thin layer of dust. I used to always use my desktop computer. I liked the 'big' components. I enjoyed the 19" Sony monitor, the full-sized keyboard, and the better-quality speaker system. I used to play online games (such as Unreal Tournament).

About two years ago, I decided a laptop computer might be for me. I purchased a laptop computer for the fun of it. As a result, I have nearly quit using my desktop computer.

I discovered the laptop computer can go everywhere with me. All my friends and family have broadband internet connections. I take my computer when I go a-visiting, plug it into their systems, and have instant internet access. I keep my laptop computer sitting on the sofa cushion when I'm on the couch. I keep my laptop computer sitting on the kitchen counter when I'm eating breakfast & lunch.

I know you've seen the pictures of my laptop computer sitting on my bed. B)

When I want to listen to music, I turn on my 'real' stereo (rather than the speakers on my desktop computer), grab my laptop computer, and sit between my 'real' stereo speakers. The laptop computer has become so much more personal. It seemed odd, when looking at the desktop computer, knowing that if I used it, I'd be 'stuck' in that same postion, in that same room. The computer has so many components and can't be easily moved. To be fair, the deskop computer is much more sturdy, the monitor is crisper & brighter. However, the laptop computer has become my computer of choice.

[catesta]

I have both, or at least I did, the laptop just took a dump.

I prefer the desktop at work, and only use the laptop while at home.

[brownie]

I have both, or at least I did, the laptop just took a dump.

I prefer the desktop at work, and only use the laptop while at home.

Same here. Prefer the desktop at work. My laptop is still OK.

[7/4]

I haven't used my laptop in months.

[Quincy]

My desktop PC collects dust now too. About the only thing I use it for is burning discs and as I've been doing less trading and buying more music it just doesn't get as much use. I used it for doing taxes as the software is cheaper for it than my iBook and as I have CoolEdit on it I'll use it when I have to do some editing, but otherwise it sits there.

Yeah, I guess in my case I have operating system factors as well as computer form.

But that said, more than anything I like being able to use the laptop in the same room as the "real" stereo. And it is a very rare thing when the fan kicks in. I love how quiet the laptop is. Sometimes using the desktop feels like being in the seat next to the jet engine on an airliner.

As someone who can use a 10 key pad I thought I'd miss not having that on my laptop keyboard but I adapted. I even like the feel of the keyboard, which on an iBook looks a little funny if all you've ever used is a standard keyboard.

Like you I bought the laptop for fun (I was curious about OS X) and it ended up becoming my main computer.

[jack]

Desktop. Both home and work.

[wesbed]

And it is a very rare thing when the fan kicks in. I love how quiet the laptop is. Sometimes using the desktop feels like being in the seat next to the jet engine on an airliner.

Yes, yes... I forgot about the fan. The laptop's fan runs only when necessary (which is not often). Other than those times, the laptop is silent. Another positive to using the laptop computer.

Edited April 23, 2004 by wesbed

[Christiern]

I have 4 desktops and 1 laptop, all of which I use with some regularity. I also have 2 older Macs (I use Macs exclusively), but they are here strictly for software that is outdated yet still useful, or fun.

I generally only use my laptop (iBook) when I travel or do outside research. My main monitor is a 22" Cinema, so small screens feel a bit cramped. I bought my first computer in 1979, so I can really appreciate today's machines. Anyone remember running cassette-based software? Getting excited at the mere thought of acquiring a 32 K memory card? Looking forward to "true descenders" and lines exceeding 40 characters?

[7/4]

I have 4 desktops and 1 laptop, all of which I use with some regularity. I also have 2 older Macs (I use Macs exclusively), but they are here strictly for software that is outdated yet still useful, or fun.

I generally only use my laptop (iBook) when I travel or do outside research. My main monitor is a 22" Cinema, so small screens feel a bit cramped. I bought my first computer in 1979, so I can really appreciate today's machines. Anyone remember running cassette-based software? Getting excited at the mere thought of acquiring a 32 K memory card? Looking forward to "true descenders" and lines exceeding 40 characters?

22"!!! Wow.

I use a 17" LCD.

[Claude]

I have three computers at home, an old desktop PC working as an internet gateway, a desktop PC and a laptop connected with wireless LAN. They are between 3 and 6 years old (333, 1000, 400 MHz), but I've not felt the need to upgrade, except install bigger hard drives and more RAM, get flat LCD screens and a USB 2.0 card to connect my MP3 player.

I have optimized the two desktop PCs to run as silently as possible, which is easier with slower CPUs. I use the workstation PC as a recording machine for radio broadcasts and LP-to-CD transfers. But for internet browsing and E-book reading, I mainly use the laptop.

My next PC-related purchase will probably be a DVD burner and a video capture card, to transfer VHS tapes to DVD-R.

[vibes]

We need a "both" choice. I use both. I much prefer to use my desktop, but my wife complains that I'm "hiding from her" when I do, so I usually just hang out with her and use my laptop, connected to the internet via a wireless LAN.

[Chuck Nessa]

One Gateway machine, running windows 95 on a dial-up. I'm in the jazz business, unlike most of you.

I'm not complaining, I be doin' alright.

[Tjazz]

Laptops with a wireless connection are the wave of the future.

[wesbed]

vibes: I agree. I probably should have added an option for 'both.' There was a time when I used both. I, like you, have my laptop connected through a wireless connection to the internet. The laptop is all I use lately.

Tjazz: Yes. I believe that portable computers with a wireless internet connection will be the future. I don't like being stuck in a single location with my computer anymore.

[GregK]

I was looking for the voting option of "very slow computer that crashes all the time, even when running XP"

[A Lark Ascending]

Mainly a desktop. The one I bought last year I'm very happy with.

I have a laptop issued by the school where I work. It is connected to the network via a wireless system. This allows me to do things like pull up class registers each lesson...except that it frequently 'can't find my roaming profile' [i assume that's something like an aborigine's spirit!] and regularly tells me there's a 'timeout'. This means I waste valuable minutes trying to pull up a register instead of teaching. Very frustrating!