Desktop or Laptop

[Ankur]

Hi, I have been asking question about this over here for quite a while but now I am gone thinking which would again be more useful.

I need a PC for heavy gaming, studies, Internet, maybe video editing.
I'm confused over to build a desktop(Budget 1k USD) or purchase a laptop(Budget 2k USD).

I'm actually pursuing Computer Engineering and am currently in 2nd year of the 4 year course. Will I need a laptop? or should I go forward to build a desktop.

Please suggest me parts, if you think desktop is better.

 

[CrayonMuncher]

i hate to say this as it seems a bit obvious

if you want to spend 1k on desktop or 2k on a laptop why no get a 1k desktop and a 1k laptop? an 1k laptop will still be pretty good and handle most everything you throw at it.

 

[TrainTrackHack]

I would build a desktop and buy a proper but small laptop (not a netbook).

DO NOT BUY A 17 INCH LAPTOP IF YOU INTEND TO CARRY IT AROUND. Trust me. You'll regret it. I spent $1.2k on a Studio 17 so that I would have a powerhouse that I could take anywhere, but while it does perform adequately, it's a pain in the ass to lug around. It's so big I had to buy a hideous bag just so that I could carry it around, and it barely fits (consequently it is a chore to take out and put back in).

The only real use I can see for a 17" lappy is some kinda portable desktop, not something that you use on the go but something that's fairly easy to pack up and take with you if you, say, live on the campus but go to your parents' for weekends or LAN parties or whatever. Buying one for its portability is like buying a F650 for doing groceries - yes, it will go anywhere and haul anything, but doing what you actually bought it for will be a major pain.

 

[fastdude]

Build your own desktop. A 1k desktop machine will easily beat a 2k laptop for performance, to complement the desktop get a cheap laptop that's portable and you can bring anywhere (netbook anyone?)

 

[Twinbird24]

I will agree with the other posts and say build a desktop and purchase a laptop (maybe a netbook, but I find netbooks are too small, I'd rather get a normal sized latptop). It may be hard to take notes in class using the small keyboard of a netbook (although you could always bring your own full sized keyboard with you and plug that into the netbook).