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

by Lee.Koo Oct 8, 2010 5:36AM PDT

Question:

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

I am 69 years old and about to retire on a small pension. I have been shopping for "my final computer," with a budget around $2,000. I fancied the aesthetics of an "all-in-one" desktop replacement, but these seem to me to be poor value for the money and not as well-specified as laptop alternatives. I am not keen on the tower replacement with wires everywhere. I am a keen novice photographer/videographer with good equipment and lots of digital pictures and HD video files. I would like to do some editing in my retirement.

My concern with the laptop would be that its life span might be quite limited because of the heat generated in the confined spaces. I am not that familiar with the technical aspects of CPUs, graphic cards, and the latest Intel chips. I wonder if I were to compromise on specifications and go for the aesthetics of the 'all-in-one,' what specifications would your members suggest to meet my photographic and video-editing requirements, without the need for overkill and yet not keep me waiting for ages while the computer is processing large files? Best wishes and thank you!

--Submitted by: Brian C. of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Here are some featured member answers to get you started, but
please read all the advice and suggestions that our
members have contributed to this question.

Laptops are convenient but... --Submitted by: philb1701
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-7586_102-5004925.html

It all depends... --Submitted by: estefan202
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-7586_102-5005130.html

Last computer? --Submitted by: happy2000usa
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-7586_102-5004974.html

You've put yourself between a rock and a hard space --Submitted by: charleswsheets
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-7586_102-5005006.html

Thank you to all who contributed!

If you have any additional feedback, opinions, or suggestions for Brian, please click on the reply link below and submit away. Please be as detailed as possible in your answers. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Get a monitor when you buy

by brainkanif Nov 9, 2010 1:43AM PST

Thanks for excellent advice. I agree with your thinking about the importance of a large monitor. I hope that I too will be enjoying my photography and computer at age 79. Best wishes. Brian

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Final computer

by brainkanif Nov 9, 2010 1:51AM PST

Thanks for advice. I like the HP products. I am focussing in on Desktop plus large high quality monitor. Brian

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Between a rock and a hard place

by brainkanif Nov 9, 2010 2:02AM PST

Thanks a lot for your excellent advice. I keep coming back to your suggestions and feel very comfortable with all your recommendations. I haven't bought yet but will do so before Christmas. Best wishes, Brian

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Last computer

by brainkanif Nov 9, 2010 2:05AM PST

Thanks for practical advice. I am inclined to agree with all your sentiments. brian

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budget for replacement

by brainkanif Nov 9, 2010 2:13AM PST

Thanks for excellent and practical advice. You make some good points about travel,hospital etc and while I was thinking desktop only now I am thinking of splitting my budget and going for two machines. Best wishes Brian

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Final Computer

by brainkanif Nov 9, 2010 2:35AM PST

Thanks for excellent and practical suggestions. You have made me rethink. Brian

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Last Mac

by graydoog Nov 20, 2010 7:34AM PST

I'm 74 and just bought my last computer...the same brand as the last 4...Mac. This one is a Macbook Pro with 1TB HD. It is the only computer with a trackpad I could use as easy as using a mouse. I love it.

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

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