This is a discussion for pros and cons for both Desktop and Laptop. I know this is quite a popular topic so lets share your own perspective with everyone else. I'm not pro in computers but at least I know some

An undeniable fact for laptop is the portablility, carry everywhere we want as long as there is a wireless connection However, from my own point of view, this portability increases theft cases a lot. Example like not only the owner's laptop got stolen, there is a posibility that his/her car window got smashed in the process of it. The owner might also got assaulted as well. There is also a limitation for hardware upgrades for laptops.

The desktop, as far as I know, is able to handle heavy duty workload given by the user. There is no limitation for upgrades as long as we have the money. Desktop, with similar specs, is cheaper compare to laptop(correct me if I'm wrong).Bad thing is that we can't just carry it anywhere we desire.

As mentioned above, I don't know much about computers so the things I said might not be true. Please correct me if I'm wrong. My aim is just to increase my general knowledge in this field

It depends on what users want to do.
Desktop for the price, performance and ruggedness. Laptop for portability.

Some low end laptops are priced the same as desktops with the same specs. But the same cannot be said about higher end laptops. It's much easier to build a gaming desktop than a gaming laptop. It would cost RM10,000+ to build a laptop the same specs as a RM4,000+ desktop.

But it isn't so simple these days. Some people buy laptop and then leave it at home. I think it's more of style and personal image.

Netbooks are a different species. People who only use computer for Internet and typing should get it because they don't need much processing power. I would buy a netbook if the performance is good enough. But not now.

I would like to have both. Laptops are no doubt very mobile. I don't really mind carrying one up and down the place, as long as it has juice and does its purpose.

Also, no doubt it 'attracts' attention of perticular people but if necessary precausions are taken, no worries. Even the world safest lock is not iron-cladded. If they want to take it, they will take it, no matter what. Hey, even people rob others just for some cash.

Desktop however, is more towards power and price. The ratio of performance to price is huge. You can get goodies nowadays at a cheap price. A 5k lappie can get you a power desktop at that same price, with extras.

However, desktops now have changed. Shuttle has revolutionized desktop system, making them portable, but downside, you need a keybooard, mouse and a screen to go with you. But if you're heading down for *** party (usually screens, keyboards and mouse including headsets are provided) competitions, then this miniture is portable at the same time, powerful.

It boils down usually to personal preferences, then price. Want a desktop, you have a set budget. Want a laptop, you have a different budget.

Just my 2 cents.

for me i wan both...

a desktop for hardcore gaming... storing stuff (movies, anime, datas, iso, etc.)

laptop for the go... on the road casual gaming.. but still have the performance and graphic.... watch movies, anime, work, studies... and stuff... basically for mobility..

agree with Ajay.

For me, decent gaming laptop is a love and hate situation.
You'll get a decent GPU with lower performance than its desktop counterpart (try comparing 8600M GT to 8600 GT). CPU is overly powerful, as expected from Intel. Price is not quite OK. Poor thermal management will haunt you. Considering the G84/86 fiasco that happened earlier I'm not in favour of any laptop with discrete GPU right now.
If NVIDIA could make its GeForce 9400M chipset cheap enough, then things could be different.

Laptop RULEs.... mobility is the top priority in my life

Desktop for me.

For both work and play, having only a laptop sounds ridiculous to me.

Let's look at it this way, for an entry level high end gaming system, you'll be looking at something like HD4870 or HD3870 x2 for older ones. To have that, you'll be looking at notebook like AlienWare's M17 or so, which cost an arm and a leg.

I could easily own a pc with the same spec at less price, and for the money i saved, easily purchase another laptop just enough muscle to do some work.

Now here's the catch: Some might say you lost the ability to game on the go. True, but that's exactly what I don't need, since work means work for me... gaming in the office will only get me fired =P

My requirement for a laptop (for work):
1. 6 hours battery life on one charge.
2. Bright LCD screen enough to even read under the sun
3. Light enough to hold with one hand and type with another.

Agree.
Now, where's that VIA Nano powered netbook...
AMD Turion laptops are inexpensive alternatives with better graphics processing. I'm not into freakish processor speed. Balanced specs is the thing that counts. Mainstream gaming laptops should be cheaper in the future with wider adoption of Hybrid SLI/Crossfire. But there can never be substitute to a desktop's price/performance superiority.

Laptop wise, I'll look into something very portable, say, Asus? Small but light and have good battery life not to mention good enough for internet surfing at some paperwork/typing on the small screen and keyboard. Rest of the real work, rather do it on a desktop.

I'll second Pip's idea since almost similar of what I am thinking of.

Casted a vote on laptop.

But my opinion, it's about the way you utilize your hardware. Nothing beats a desktop in performance or raw processing power, but when it boils down to versatility, there could be no comparison against the laptop.

A laptop is meant to be a mobile device that you take with you to any occasion that calls for it. No hassle with wiring or accessories. A good top-of-the-line model covers most aspects easily. Desktop could beat the crap out of laptops at a cheaper price, but how often do people sit down in front of a screen nowadays? Just think about the Swinburne students, they ever say - let's go home for my desktop?

Mobility and sufficient versatility. My final say, desktops - go full media centre! Laptop - invest as best you can, it's worth it! But to choose only one, hey, I already casted the vote for lappie!

I doubt Swinburne students would want to carry a laptop around unless necessary, especially Kuchingnites. And that 'necessary' time always come randomly. What to do? That's what our open labs are for. Students these days say, "Let's go to the open lab!".

I would advise against investing too much on laptop. It's not upgrade-friendly. It's easily spoilt by its own thermal output. It'll be easily outran by anything a year newer. Of course, there's the issue where laptop parts are ridiculously expensive and not interchangeable. There won't be any of the above issues with well-built desktop.

Unless, you're really in need of one, that's what our tech section is for. Mention your budget and we'll find the best laptop model for you! Some of us techies work in computer shops so no worry.

Laptop if I have the money. A friend showed me his XPS from Dell.... Sweet......... words can't express it's awesomeness.

Wiki Link

Both. Owning a Desktop and a laptop.

Laptop = since being in university sometimes there's lots of gaps in between classes. So like, if the open lab is full, but you want to do your assignments, it would be convenient to have a laptop

Desktop = For higher performance. Can get at lower price too. Easier to upgrade. Can get bigger screens at cheaper prices.

Votorx: yea, a friend of mine has XPS too. This is what he said after he got it: "XPS Premium service my a$$." :/