Desktops are from Chrysler(tm), Laptops from Refrigadare(tm)

Author: Chancer Reese

So why would I compare a car manufacturer to an appliance maker? And what the heck does any of that have to do with your computer?

When people ask me to either upgrade or repair their laptop, I usually tell them to take it to an authorized dealer, wait 6 to 8 weeks and be prepared to take out a second mortgage. I'm just kidding, but only a little bit.

Of course you can replace parts in a laptop like you can any other PC, but the point I'm trying to make is that desktops and laptops are fundamentally different.

Ok, smarty-pants, we both know that laptops were designed to be ultimate, portable computing tool for road warriors, students and other mobile users. And desktops, on the other hand were made to be the stay-at-home workhorses.

The point I'm trying to make is that desktop computers (either a true "desktop" model or a floor-base "tower") are designed like cars and can be easily modified and upgraded with common after-market parts. This is called "open-source" since any hardware producer using standard sizes and configurations can sell their components and be assured that it will fit inside any industry standard computer.

Laptops are designed to be more like a household appliance than an automobile. Sure you can upgrade a laptop but all the parts are habitually proprietary or custom made for that laptop manufacturer to fit insidethat specific model. With the exception of the memory or RAM and the hard drive (which is still smaller than a typical desktop hard disk) often the only other "standardized" items are the connector ports on the back and sides for phone jacks, mice or printers.

Everything else, from the keyboard, pointer device and screen plus all that other nifty internal stuff is designed to either be smaller or lighter weight than the norm. Also laptops use "molded" high impact plastic cases that don't contain any easy, user-friendly screws or clips.

Like a television set or a refrigerator, laptop manufacturers don't really want you monkeying around inside their units. What you buy is pretty much what you get. Don't like your laptop's case color? Buy a new laptop! Is the screen too small? Buy a new laptop! Keyboard too clunky and you can't type comfortably? Buy a new laptop! Hate that tiny, little red pointer "dot" or can't get the hang of a glide point? Buy a new laptop!

Laptop replacement parts for the average Joe are expensive, hard to come by and tough to work with. Trust me on this. Imagine lots of itty-bitty screws and tiny plastic parts and that's just opening the case. Since you are not an authorized dealer you will spend hours online tracking down spec sheets, part numbers and used/new laptop components. The word "labor-intensive" is not applied lightly.

You get the picture. All those things could be easily modified or changed on a regular old desktop with a quick trip to your local electronic superstore. And I won't go in the short battery-life, slow processing speed and overheating issues some laptops have, the article is just too short for that.

Anyway, the TechDiva recommend's..

Unless you have to have one for work or study I would say why spend the cash? For the same amount of moo-la it would take to get an average laptop, you could have a superior new desktop or two older "legacy" machines (you know the ones, just one or two years old). But if you just like working on a computer while sitting in bed, or sitting in the living room, why buy it?

Part of the DIY mindset is learning to conserve your money for those important technology functions which push your business to greater productivity (i.e. profits), not just get a cool new toy or gadget to impress your pals.

About the Author:

Chancer Reese has been a computer technician and trainer for over ten years. She also has attained five certificates in various technology fields. Ms. Reese specializes in assisting small businesses in effectively utilizing and managing their computer systems. She can be contacted via her website http://www.technoweasel.com