Mini Tower or Laptop?

At some point I plan to move to smaller living quarters. I am trying to decide if the next computer purchase should be a mini tower or a laptop. In this case the laptop will not be used out of my apartment really -- just considering it since it is smaller than a full size tower.

After my recent visit to Circuit City, it looks to me like laptops in general are going to cost more than a mini tower, with all other factors being equal.

Is there any really negative aspect to a mini tower? Would it heat up faster?

Also, trying to see what the most cost effective, nearly generic brands are out there for mini towers.

 

Some negative aspects of a mini pc in my opinion could be less expansion slots on the motherboard, and you may not be able to upgrade compnents due to space limitations. Personally, I HATE working in a small case, but that is just me.

If I can ever find the right size desk, I am going to build my pc in a desk drawer. The laptop might be a good choice also. Maybe not the best gameing machine, but the portability is nice.

E

 

unless you have a need or use for the portability of a laptop, you'll just be wasting money on one.

You can easily build a small desktop machine for hundreds less than a comparably performing laptop. The only issue is working in the small space when building the machine, but once you're finished, thats it.

 

Laptop has the advantage of all-in-one build.
Screen, keyboard, etc., in one bundle. Disadvantages are they usually cost more than equivalent specced desktops.

Also unless you get a 17" screen model, there is usually NO separate numeric keypad, although you can get a USB add-on keypad.

Separate keypad comes in handy for entering special characters, and speedier numeric entering.

As stated earlier, mini towers may be hotter than full sized towers, but laptops also run hotter than desktops, but newest ones are pretty good in relation to heat generated.

Major disadvantage of laptops is that usually only RAM and Hard drives can be updated easily. Most of the rest are proprietary and you are usually tied into the manufacturer and their prices. :cry

Get an extended Warranty if you go the laptop route. :major

I've used laptops for over 20 years (desktops as well) and prefer laptops but I move around a bit. Bazza