Buying advice for my final computer: laptop, all-in-one desktop, or what?

While I'd love to give you The best computer advice ever, I'm probably not the best qualified. I would like to say that I hope this won't really be your last computer. You could easily live decade(s) longer, and no computer - however advanced - will be good that far out. Your brain will thank you for your mental activity as you advance in years too.

I would certainly not get a Mac, if this is your last computer. Reason being that they are harder and more limited to upgrade.

Longevity will always be best in a desktop. I would go with an intel core processor since you don't mention any 3d gaming or anything. A moderate video card would help you out with photo and video. Of course, a 64-bit computer with 4, 6, or even more ddr3 ram will be benificial.

When choosing the specific processor, get the best you can afford and consider whether or not your software applications support threading and how much. And if you will be upgrading this software.

Listen to common sense here, and expect a long life... One that will certainly outlive your next computer.

25 years ago I helped my Dad buy his "last computer." He just turned 92 and celebrated by buying another one.

There are two cardinal rules in buying a computer. Rule 1: The day you buy it it will be obsolete because of the daily technical advances. Rule 2: Even if you buy a powerful machine, software programmers will work very hard to make you need more RAM, chip speed or a larger hard drive.

You are correct in your concern about laptop cooling, though multi-core processors do seem to run cooler. You can buy a cooling pad to help. (Or, as my son the computer engineer does, keep some large books in the freezer on which to set the laptop.) Most cooling pads run on AC or USB, so you have some portability when away from an electrical outlet.

The biggest problem with a laptop is you have limited expansion options. Since you don't like wires, you'll not care for the external hard drive you'll probably need for your photography. Also, since we're the same age, I imagine you'll wan a large monitor to supplement you laptop screen.

When I bought my last computer, I went through the same dilemma. I did not seriously consider an all-in-one because of the limited expansion, though I was intrigued by the laptop configuration with a detachable screen. Instead, with the price of decent machines being so reasonable, I opted for a desktop as my primary machine along with a laptop to take with me when traveling.

The modern processors are quad core and I'd opt for that, as well a 4GB of DDR3 RAM. (Hopefully the machine has expansion slots should you need more.) I bought a reasonably basic desktop that had open bays and room for expansion. To this I added a second hard drive and a better video card.

My best investment was to upgrade to a 24 inch LCD monitor that's easier on my aged eyes. I didn't throw away my old 21" monitor, but installed it as a second display. Sharing your love of wiring, I also installed a PCI wireless card that, through my wireless router, gives me access to both the internet and my printer.

The wireless card also gives me access, though a home LAN, to the laptop. That way I can transfer files from the laptop to my large desktop hard drive. When I'm traveling, There are several programs available to access my home computer from the laptop to transfer files, but I generally use a USB memory stick or online storage to keep my laptop storage at a reasonable level. (My son uses a 2.5 inch portable hard drive that runs with USB power to back up his laptop files.)

Conclusion: You can go, as I did, with two separate machines. (I got a discount buying them from the same company.) ...Or, if you want a single machine, I'd stick with the desktop and expand it with wireless, more hard drive and a really good monitor.

I'm 72 and facing the same questions. I'm looking at the HP Touchscreen 23" with the "works" all built into the screen unit. Terrific Idea! Touchscreen offers access to info, entertainment and social networks.
From the HP website: "With an HP TouchSmart 600-1050, you can zoom in or out on your photos and videos, plus edit them with the touch of a finger. Enjoy DVDs on a large, high-definition display in clear, crisp sound, and video chat using the integrated webcam and microphone".
And that pretty well describes it. I saw it demonstrated on a shopping network here in the US and know it will handle all my photos now and for as long as I can still click the shutter. We have two HP laptops in the family now and I am only going to wait to see what Christmas deals are offered before I make my final decision. Good Luck.
JimE, Wisconsin, USA.

Hello Brian,

You present a good question for many people in your situation. I've been working with computers for 34 years and still do consulting.

There are two things to consider when buying the computer. One is: am I going to travel and what size screen do I need. The laptops on the market now have a good life span. You may need to replace the battery before replacing the machine. You can get both at a good price (watch for sales) and brands. After 30 years I found that both Emachine and Gateway are poor quality in both forms. Stay with a brand name like HP, Compaq, Dell etc. Laptop screen sizes go to 17" but with the desk top you can go way up. I'm 58 and I find that my 22 in works great for me.

Everyone is different when buy computers, its your preference but I get paid to consult. Happy hunting.

Brian,

I recently retired and after using PC's for years, switched to MacBook Pro. After 1-1/2 years, I am still convinced this is the best for me. I have lot's of digital pictures and love to edit. I also dabble in video editing. iPhoto and iMovie, which come the standard load on the MacBook Pro, are very easy to use and offer power to handle most editing and video development, plus make slideshows a breeze. They couple very well with iTunes. I am previous user of Adobe Photoshop (full version) and Adobe Premiere (full version), but have not had much reason to use them on the Mac, since iPhoto and iMovie handle most of my needs. However, both Adobe products are available for the Apple Mac.

Apple support is the best.

Good luck.

Paul

Currently I have an old 2003 Windows XP3 desktop, 1.6 ghz processor (slow) with an 80 g hardrive (external hardrive of 80 G).My free space is limited to 27 gb (is this a function of OS or clutter on HD?) Also an amateur yet avid photographer strong on photo editing. Not retiring yet, but at 55 I'm not as computer savvy with all the new terms.

I am confused over the "all in one" vs stand alone desktops,laptops and Windows vs Mac. I am also overwhelmed with terms:dual processors, Intel i3 vs Intel i7. Is Windows 7 a better alternative, on a desktop version (portability not important).

My concern with all in one desktops and laptops is upgrading...how do you upgrade an iMac, without more expensive add ons. I have upgraded my current desktop by physicall installing more RAM, Hard drive.

My budget is lower, ie...$700.00 because I wish to upgrade my camera (digital to SLR). However... I love the iMac with it's larger monitor...ease of use, but can I endure the transition from Windows to Mac? If a Mac is so much better, then why is it double the price of Windows 7? (Authorized retailer says it is because of the superior quality...is it actually superior? and is Windows 7 a real benefit over XP)?
I do know that I want at least 4 G Ram and and at least 2 g HD.
I will follow this thread with interest.

I'd get an iMac--get the fastest 27" that fits your budget. It's great for photographs and if you get a laptop, you'll want a big screen to work on. If you travel a lot, then go ahead and go with a Macbook. You can then add the keyboard and monitor that stays put. Good luck.

If you are secure in your manhood, blow your $2000 on a 11" or 13" screen on a Macbook AKA Apple when we were young, and a bunch more $$ on software.
I'm 60 years old, and I need the biggest screen on a laptop because I'm going 'blinder' each year. I would buy a Dell 17" screen unless you can swing a bigger screen, an Intel I-core 5 at the 2.2 Mhz range. Buy 4 gigs memory minimum. If you are not doing video editing, you don't need the 1 gig video card. Get the photoshop software, and you will still be on budget. I just bought the I-core 3 @ 2.26 Mhz. I think that processor could last 12 years at 15.6" screen is too small for video editing. Enjoy retirement.

I have one so I know . . . . ALIENWARE M15X. If you need long battery time consider the M11X. Either will work well for all of your needs and you can build one @ alienware.com
GO get em! Lights, Camera, Action . . . Literally!
You'll see whe you get one. Let me know back here how you like it when you get one.
All the best,
Brandon S.
Nashville, TN

Hi Brian,

Your question brings up some interesting issues about buying your "Last Computer". Your conundrum is challenging but I think the answer is not too difficult. I agree with your assessment of the "All in One" desktop replacements. The biggest difficulty with them is getting them serviced, and if and when you do need service, you lose your entire computing capability until they fix it. They are also not upgradable with regard to RAM or Graphics capabilities. I don't recommend them.

Unless you have a specific need to be mobile with your computer, I wouldn't recommend a laptop either. There are a number of laptops out there in your price range, but you may be disappointed at the Graphics handling capabilities of even the Higher End models. It's been my experience with "High End" laptop repair that the first thing to go is the $350 video card. And you'll need a well trained repairman like me to fix it and I'm not cheap either.

On the other hand, I think you can easily find a well equipped desktop that will fulfill your needs in full measure and within your budget. If you shop carefully you should be able to find a vendor who will fill a nice Lion Li case with an Intel I7 motherboard and CPU like the Intel I7-875K, about 8GB of Memory, a GTX470 Graphics Card (Very nice for the Video Editing), and a 750W Power Supply. Top it off with a 1TB HDD and Windows 7 Pro and your almost there.

I understand your aversion to the wires everywhere problem. I'd recommend you look at some of the new high end wireless Keyboard/Mouse options. Logitech makes the MX550 Revolution, which is a slick wireless setup good for about 30' from your computer. Throw in a 24" monitor and a wireless N card and you'll have about used up your $2,000 budget. The only wires you'll have to deal with are a power cord and HDMI cord from your monitor to your PC. Everything else will be wireless.

Of course there are many options available out there for you. As you examine them remember these important Tips:

1. Will the system meet my needs for video editing? You'll need powerful graphics and RAM to fit this requirement.

2. If something stops working (Display, power supply, motherboard, etc.) how long will I be without my computer? and How much does that matter?

3. Since this is your "Last Computer", is it going to meet your needs for now, and in the Future? Remember that RAM, CPU's, Displays, and Video Cards are much more easily upgraded in a Desktop than an All in One or a Laptop.

I wish you well in your quest for choosing the "Last Computer" you'll ever buy. I'm sure this forum will have plenty of info for you to think about, and I hope this has helped you in your thought process.

Best of Luck

I have had multiple computers over the years and recently purchased a Windows 7 Acer laptop pc. I own an all in one imac desktop but wanted to get a new machine with Windows 7. Well I am sorry I did. After about five months it will not start up. I turn it on it says updating files... loading windows, and then just goes blank with a mouse cursor. I tried loading to a repair disc, can't do it, I tried starting in safe mode, can't do it, I tried booting from cd-rom can't do it... etc. I called Acer they want like $200.00 for support, I called Microsoft and they will not help without paying for support. I know it is a Windows problem, just as I have had similar problems with other versions of windows through the years. I had my imac now for about 3 years,I have never had one problem with anything, including the OS. I gave Windows one more shot with 7, but they blew it. Never again, Sincerely Ralph Iorio,Brooklyn, NY

Before I received my laptop , I bought the platform to keep it cool. It has 2 settings. My laptop is from 9/2005 and still runs beautifully. To keep the screen cooler, I sit the laptop slightly forward so the fans are blowing right on the screen. Hope this helps someone.

Hello Brian
Suggest you to buy large display 18.4 inch lap-top,such as HP dv8 or Toshiba 18.4 inch lap-top with independent graphics GDDR3 memory of atleast 512 MB which would give good resolution for photo-editing work.
Heating may not be that critical a problem.Moreover, sound quality, display,LAN,WLAN,Web-cam etc all inclusive features renders the unit truly " Versatile " for daily work and especially suitable for photo composing work etc.Also suggest,wireless Mouse and Key-board combo to go with.
This should serve the purpose.
Ramesh Goradia.
Mumbai - India

+as a photographer focus on a high longevity board+cpu LGA1156 desktop and add storage as you need it. save money for later upgrades. I have 6 TB on five HD and it gets cheaper every year

for your requirement you can get Toshiba satllite L655 laptop with CORE i 7 processor ...it is the latest I'm working in a trading office ,I may help you to buy one for whole sale price..send me your email , I'll send you the configeration with image of the laptop then you get a quotation from your domestic shop let see what can I do for you..I think Ican get it for 550 usd CIF t you..

The Apple macbook pro will be the one cause i bought my 15' macbook pro in March this year and i think I should have started with macbook earlier. Just go to Apple store and try it out or take a look at apple.com. Based on your budget, i think you can only get the 13' but it's up to you to work out which one make more value to you.