Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Chet Wautlands]

Hey guys,

I was just wondering if anyone can either answer this question for me or point me to a relevant web page.

Why have not all desktop computers been replaced by laptops?

I realize that desktop computers are cheaper and generally more powerful, but why is there such a price difference? Why are desktops more powerful, in general? Can't all the hardware from a desktop PC be put into a laptop?

I started wondering about this today when I realized that my Ipod touch can do a lot of the things I use my laptop for. I use my Ipod touch to study Korean, surf the net, listen to music, watch videos, etc. I rely on my laptop for things like torrents... but more and more it seems like my year old laptop is a throwback to times gone by. I can't even imagine having a computer that I would have to take apart to move from one room to another.

Any, why are desktops still around?

I should note that this isn't me trying to put down desktop PCs. I'm genuinely interested. Thanks.

[eamo]

1. Desktops are cheaper than laptops.

2. Desktops can be upgraded easily by the user. Every component. Your laptop have 1200GB of hard drive? My desktop does.

3. Desktops can be fixed by the user. One part breaks? Take it out and put in a new one.

4. Desktops can be used for overclocking. Try installing water-cooling pipes in a laptop!!

5. Laptops are incredibly boring. There's no fun with a laptop. They're very useful, of course, if you have to move a lot. Maybe a travelling businessman or young ESL teacher.....

6. Desktops do what the power user requires from a computer. I run SETI@home, which means my PC's CPU is at 100% power usage 24/7.....try that on a laptop! You'll get serious heat issues.


Basically, if you're at all serious about computers and computing.......or even if you just want to save a lot of money and have lots of HDD space......desktops are the only choice.

I don't even think a top-of-the-range laptop, which would be nearly 3 million won in Korea, would come close to the specs of a 1 million won desktop. There's a big price to pay for that minaturisation.

Remember, we don't all just surf the web and download 700mb movies now and then.

[Chet Wautlands]

Thanks!

So, why can't laptops be upgraded? I understand that they are built that way, but why are they built that way? And why does this make them so much more expensive?

While I obviously am not a computer guru, I'd imagine that designers would try to move towards a setup that has both the portability of laptops with the customization and power of a desktop PC.

Is it just that we aren't there yet? Or, is there something about the physical setup of a desktop PC that, regardless of power and price, makes it preferable to some users?

I realize that these questions could be asked on a tech board, but I prefer asking those whose names I recognize a bit.

Thanks again.

[Chet Wautlands]

Never mind, I didn't read your post thoroughly enough. Clearly the downfall of a laptop is that because it is miniaturized it suffers from a lot of problems. Cooling, repair, etc.

I should have read more carefully.

Next question, how can I run SETI@home on my IPod Touch?

[ddeubel]

Good response.

I'll just add that this discussion reminded me of my old Mac Duo circa 1994. I'd get home and slide it into the desktop! Bingo!

Ah those memories. It is still working, I wonder what they'd fetch as an antique on ebay??? I actually have it mounted on the wall back home as a work of art.

DD
http://eflclassroom.ning.com

[Chet Wautlands]

A pretty cool little app I have on my IPod Touch is an entire dump of Wikipedia. I can access it offline at any time. Surprisingly, it's only 2gigs. When I realized that no matter where I am, I can access information on just about anything, it made me feel like mobile PCs are the "wave of the future". Too bad it doesn't have a built in camera or mic...