Using a laptop computer as a desktop, good idea or not?

Question

Hi, hubby and I bought a laptop and sold our old desktop computer. We have now found that we don't take it with us that much when we travel and wish we had a desktop back. However, I don't want to be out the money for another computer when this one is not even a year old yet. Plus it does everything we need it to do. I just hate dragging it out and having to use the laptop keyboard and not using a regular mouse.

So I have seen these stands that you can put your laptop on and then place it on a desk and get a keyboard and mouse and hook up the printer similar to a desktop. Is this a good alternative to buying a desktop? Will I need to purchase anything other than the stand, keyboard and mouse? What else would you recommend us doing instead of this option?

Thanks for any help you can give.

Answer 1

Yea, just make sure you have a stand for it, or something to vent it underneathe.  My hubby had a laptop on a wooden desk with no stand for it, and it got really hot and fried out! :x   Other than that, I know quite a few people who only have laptops as their primary computer.  Good luck with whatever you choose to do!  :o)

Answer 2

get a docking station. plug in all the peripherals like the monitor, mouse, and keyboard to it then plug the computer in. it will make your laptop act just like a desktop...  

Answer 3

I have been using my Dell laptop as a Desktop for about five years now.  I do not have one of those stands however as due to space constraints it has to be easily dismantled and put away.  I agree with you about the keyboard though, for any extended typing like a report or data input for work that I may be working on I borrow a USB "normal" keyboard from work and use that, I agree with you about the mouse as well but that is rather more of an issue so I never use the mousepad nor the funny nub type interfaces in the middle of the keyboard but a USB mouse at all times.  Laptops tend to be less powerful than Desktops but if your needs are light like mine are (no gaming nor watching of DVDs and not that much use for music or heavy downloads such as films) then you should be fine.  Those stands look a good idea and if your machine is going to be permanently sited then really good.

Answer 4

laptops memory only holds a little and doesn't have alot of space...so if you want to use a laptop as a desktop there might not be enough space and after awhile it might get really slow...

answer to your additional: you can't add more memory.. you buy it like it is.. if you're using a laotop as a desktop a good idea is getting a 4gb... but otherwise there's no way to add more memory

Answer 5

That is what do, however we do nothing more on our computer than surf the net, balance checkbook, ect. So we do not need a lot memory, it suits our needs just fine.  We also have the advantage of taking it with us when we want to, and using a real keyboard and mouse at home is easier for my younger kids.  You will not need to purchase anything else other than what you listed.

Answer 6

That's not a bad thing to do, but if you want to it compeltely look like a desktop I suppose you would have to also get a monitor as well. It isn't a perfect alternative to buying a desktop, considering that you can get more features cheaper in a desktop than in a laptop, but so long as you are happy with what you have it shouldn't be a problem.

Answer 7

It's fine to use a Laptop like a desktop. Just ensure that it has plenty of airflow and allow for a professional cleaning once every 4-6 months to prevent heat damage. Invest in an external drive as well for back up sake as Laptop Drives go out more frequently than desktop drives.

Answer 8

laptops-

http://ruggedlaptop.com/

Answer 9

it's a better idea than wasting your money for another desktop. Just get a cooling pad or a stand, and set it up to use as a desktop, and you can take your laptop with you whenever you need to.