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If you compare the pros and cons of laptops vs. desktops, laptops win hands-down on the issue of "portability." Desktops win in every other category.

Here are the main advantages of desktops:

Value. A rough rule of thumb says that a laptop will usually cost about twice what a comparable desktop costs. So you'll either pay a lot more money for a laptop, or get a lot less performance.

Performance. Desktops generally have more disk space, more memory, and faster processors than laptops.

Flexibility. It's much easier, and cheaper, to swap out components in a desktop for better ones. Laptops usually have components like the video and sound cards built in, so you can't change them at all. Replacement drives, and additional memory, for laptops are usually harder to install, and cost more money

Nonetheless, it's hard to take a desktop with you on a plane or a train! So if you need portability, of course you'll go with a laptop--but you'll end up paying a steep price.

If you decide to buy a laptop, be sure to be clear about when, where, and why you'll be using it. If all you're doing away from the office is checking your e-mail or calendar, for example, a low-end laptop may suffice. You can then invest in a high-end desktop for high-performance applications.