OT Lap Top vs. Desk Top | Arthritis Information

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Yikes I have terrible computer problems and I think I need to purchase a new one.
Not sure if I want a Lap Top or a Desk Top. If I get a Lap Top I will definitely need a wireless keyboard and mouse as I do not care for the keyboard positioning or scrolling with my finger.

Does anyone have any recommendations for brands or styles? No disclaimers needed- I won't hold you responsible.

I really only need it to support a small business using QuickBooks and I have a Microsoft Home/Student software with my word, excel, powerpoint applications. I don't play games or watch TV or movies on it... My current desk top has so many features I never even touched and I spent way too much because of that. Now cash is tight so I want to be conservative.

Any suggestions welcomed.
Toshiba makes some nice laptops.  Dell is also a pretty decent choice.  I tend to stay away from HP stuff since I've had several bad experiences with their printers and scanners.  My wife actually got a very nice 17" Toshiba laptop at a local Wal-Mart for 0 during a back to school sale in september.  It's pretty darn nice and well equipped for what she paid for it.  I have a 00 custom built Alienware laptop that I use for everything. (I'm typing this from it)  It's a monster of a pc but it's also for hardcore gamers only.

 
If you want a desktop I always suggest that people just build their own.  It's sometimes a little more expensive in the long run but you get what YOU want in it and not what the manufacturer wants to put in.  Also you control what software is installed and get what you need only.  I still use Windows XP pro because I think it's the best, most functionally reliable version of windows to date.  I just don't care for Vista or 7 at all.  Too many bells and whistles that I just don't need. 
 
Good luck.
Bob
any new computer will come with windows 7....Personally I think a laptop gives you way more flexibility than a desktop does...but I use a computer mainly for pleasure and my genealogy research and information.
 
I have a Dell laptop and haven't had any performance issues BUT the battery failed at 13 months...batteries are not covered in an extended warrenty and are only covered for a year.  I've discovered since that this is a major problem with Dell laptops>  My nieces HP works and looks great.  At worked I always used IBM laptops and never had any issues but they are also at the expensive end of the spectrum
I have a Dell E1505 laptop.  I've had it for several years.  I've never had any problems with it at all.  My mom has an HP and its terrible.  I wouldn't recommend that brand at all.  I've also heard that Toshiba's were good but don't have any personal experience with those.Laptop, laptop, laptop.  Easier to move around. Also, Iuse wireless keyboards and mice.
 
As far as brands - only Dell. Won't consider anything else. I only use the Dell professional grade laptops which might be more than you need or want to spend. Using the Dell D830 currently.  Friend of mine who also has the same model accidentally rolled his SUV over it. Made a tiny crack in the casing but like a Timex watch, it kept on ticking. I've stuck to Dells for the last 10 or so years. Prior to that I had HP and Toshibas and sorely lived to regret it.
 
Stay away from Vista.
I think it's like cars....some people swear by one make and have had nothing but problems with another make.
My husband has been in the IT business (plus has his own computer business)for many yrs and whenever a customer asks what computer he would recommend, he always tells them to stay away from Dell.  He's seen way too many problems with them.  He prefers HP. 
I've had nothing but trouble with Dell laptops - had to use them at my last two jobs.  At home, I only buy HP laptops.  Never had a problem with one.  They hold up well to the abuse from kids.  We've had several now over the past several years.  I usually pass on the older ones to high school kids, and two of those laptops (5+ years old) are still going strong. I have a Dell Inspirion.  Honestly, the only reason why I chose a Dell is that is what the county schools use.  I have one issued by the school, but I am very limited at to what I can do with it.  Nathan uses computers in Kindergarten, so I wanted one that I could load software for him as well.  I am good friends with the IT person at school, and all the trouble shooting software that she has is for Dells.  So I have a free repair person if needed!
 
 
My first thought was "what sort of troubles are you having and can it be fixed" wantto.......We've had four Dell laptops in our family..three of them had the battery issue mentioned above...  we just bought  new batteries on Ebay....  several times for one of them.
I have had a HP (it was compaq then!! LOL) and loved it... we have also had Toshibas..they performed great.  Now, I have a relatively inexpensive lenovo (IBM)  for any day to day postings..emails..  and forums.... It has covered all my needs with programs we loaded up (Excel and windows, PP, quicken, etc.)

I love my HP laptop!Well, I'm an old fuddy-duddy. I can't see the point of having a laptop only to have to equip it with a mouse and a separate keyboard. Might as well have a desktop.My sister and father both use a mouse with a laptop...For me I like the fact that it is portable and equipment free.
 
I sort of feel the same about standard transmission VS Automatic Transmission....I can drive both but why bother with all the extra work. Maybe, if everyone was busy driving a standard they wouldn't be talking and texting while driving. IDK
 
As far as my HP experiance. I chose my recent HP, becausee my last laptop lasted 6 years, I had zero problems with it...until it got sick and I had to put it down.  =)
Initially with my laptop I preferred a separate wireless mouse... but I became more comfortable  w/ the mouse pad on my LT with time.. It's just a matter of getting use to it. ..now the IBM tracking ball used was not something I could ever get use to.  Thanks for all the input! Wow- like kelstav said it really is like people's car preferences some have great luck with a model and others may get a lemon.
 
Stephen- I backed everything up and did a system restore returning my factory installed OS to it.  It worked for about a day and then started it's old tricks. Shutting itself down completely or going to a black screen and staying on. Screen freezes. Sometimes get a blue screen with a message before it goes black but it flashes so quickly I can't read what it says- something about checking hardware. So yesterday I saw windows had updates and I installed them. I had a good day yesterday- it stayed powered up.
WTB,
 
Mine acted funny like that once and then all of a sudden it wouldn't come on at all.  It ended up just being a loose memory chip.  If your laptop is fairly new and you are satisfied with the amount of memory and storage space, I'd see if I could repair it.  Computers can be really expensive.
 

Have you tried just reformatting the hard drive and doing a clean install of windows as a fix?  I had to do that not long ago.  Just make sure you have backed up anything you don't want to lose as this will wipe out everything and make the computer "like new" again. 

If you're running windows xp then you should have the system restore disks that came with the pc.  If you are running vista or windows 7 then if you didn't do it, you need to make your own system restore disks.  Be careful though as this is a one time shot with making them so you need to remember where you put them after burning them. 
 
Personally I'd go with a laptop as I love the portability of them.  But they are very limited in upgrade potential.  Hard drive and system RAM is usually all that can be user changed other than system software configuration that is.
 
Bob
Hi wannabe!
 
Toshiba's RULE!!
I think I did what you said Bob (or my son did) I have Vista but I did have a restore disk that came with this computer. It's a desk top. WTB,
 
Duh,  I don't know why I thought you had a laptop.  Sorry. 
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