Do I need to / Should I take a Laptop to University? (Laptop vs. Desktop)

Posted by David | Filed under University Life

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The answer to this question is NO! Many people when they come to university feel the need to buy a new laptop. Personally I do not think this is necessary and while there are many advantages to having a laptop, the advantages of having a desktop in many cases can outweigh them.

The many advantage of having a laptop is portability. If you are struggling for car space, or you are unable to drive/get your parents to drop you off at university then perhaps a laptop is the more appropriate investment. It is a myth that people use laptops in lectures, while in theory you could almost know one does, and this is one of the major reasons people buy them! The portability of a laptop does mean you can take it onto campus or use it outside, something a desktop cannot do!

Laptop vs Desktop

Apart from the initial physical set up of the desktop, they are for more beneficial for numerous reasons. Firstly they are less likely to go wrong, and if they do replacing components is easier. Secondly they cost much less and you get a better machine for your money. If you spill something on a desktop keyboard its much cheaper to replace than the keyboard on a laptop! Perhaps one of the most important reasons is security. It is much easier for someone to walk into your hall room and steal a laptop and casually walk out with it as if it is their own, stealing a desktop would require a good 10 minutes and people would notice someone walking to and from your room several times. Especially if you enjoy gaming or do a course that requires a high processing or graphics driven computer for many applications then their is no alternative than to use a desktop!

Update (12/07/2009) : One thing I failed to mention when initially writing this article is the insurance costs! Insuring a laptop will cost you significantly more on your student insurance, a desktop is normally included in the initial sum you pay.

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Microsoft® Office Ultimate 2007 - Buy Now!

Permalink | Comments (1) | Tuesday, 23rd Jun 2009

One Response to “Do I need to / Should I take a Laptop to University? (Laptop vs. Desktop)”

  1. delvin Says:
    November 24th, 2009 at 10:53 pm

    Also, desktops are more ergonomic. You will find it easier to use a keyboard and mouse supplied with a desktop than with the laptop trackball and suprresed keyboard. You will argue that yo ucould buy a external peripheral, but it will neveer feel the same.

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