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I historically much prefer a desktop computer as well. Despite this, I've exclusively used laptops now for nearly a decade. The reasoning is simple: When com

I historically much prefer a desktop computer as well. Despite this, I've exclusively used laptops now for nearly a decade. The reasoning is simple: When combined with a docking station and external peripherals and input devices, a laptop is just a desktop with an integrated battery backup and screen that can become a mobile computing device on demand. I've fully adjusted to this way of working, and the real crossover point for me was when laptops became available with enough RAM and graphics capabilities that I no longer felt I needed a desktop to do some of my work. I can run two external displays off my laptop with it as the center screen using ergo monitor stands, and run my external mechanical keyboard, ergo mouse, and my headphone stack, boom microphone, external camera, and wired networking all from a docking station with sufficient bandwidth to not be problematic in 2022. I no longer need or want a desktop.

tragictrash 5y ago
I fully agree with this. I am a desktop holdout as well moving to my first laptop in decades in 2022
gigaflop 5y ago
One other bonus for laptops is that it's way easier for an IT department to manage. It's got all the guts, all the connectivity, some version of all the major peripherals, and all of that under one SKU. Support and warranty work is simplified when you only have 4 or 5 models of computer in your org, and can reference a spreadsheet to see exactly what a given user has in front of them. I still prefer a desktop PC for my personal use, because I play videogames, and a desktop is what's historically best for that. A side benefit of having a personal desktop means that I can reuse whatever peripherals, furniture, etc between either my 'work' or 'home' desk configuration. If I wanted to go full-circle optimized for my next PC build, which I may as well think about, I could plug all of my peripherals into the same thunderbolt dock, and only worry about that one cable, instead of the (potentially) 4 USB devices I'd be switching back and forth.
- tristor 5y ago
  > If I wanted to go full-circle optimized for my next PC build, which I may as well think about, I could plug all of my peripherals into the same thunderbolt dock, and only worry about that one cable, instead of the (potentially) 4 USB devices I'd be switching back and forth. This is what I do with my laptop today. I am considering building a SFF desktop in the future just to have, but before I do so I'd like to find a robust and performant solution for TB4 switching, at which point I'd use the same set of peripherals and input devices for both systems.
  - endemic 5y ago
    I have a Dell monitor (U3419W) that switches USB output based on video input. So all the peripherals (mouse, keyboard, webcam) go to my desktop when the monitor gets an HDMI signal, and to my (work) laptop when it gets a DP signal. Works pretty well.
  - gigaflop 5y ago
    My next PC build will be SFF, too. I've currently got a small-ish desktop, but want more space on my actual desk, and don't want to move it off because I'd have to deal with variable cable lengths(sit-stand desk). Going down to mini-ITX motherboard size means I'm going to probably be low on ports and expansion options, so having a dock will be an important part of the setup, and will also help reduce cable clutter/cable shuffling. One other thing I might look into is an audio switcher. I don't have an 'audio stack', but usually can't stand the electric whine on most basic onboard audio. If I can keep my headphones on, and just flip a switch to change the channel they receive from, I'd be thrilled.
- zrm 5y ago
  > Support and warranty work is simplified when you only have 4 or 5 models of computer in your org, and can reference a spreadsheet to see exactly what a given user has in front of them. In theory you could treat desktops the same way. Any hardware problem? Discard entire machine. This is obviously wasteful compared to replacing only the component which is broken. But it's hard sell to label that as a disadvantage.
SapporoChris 5y ago
Since I've been traveling extensively I have started using a laptop also. The downsides are the obvious extra cost for the laptop. Less obvious is the maintenance. Every few years I will spill a drink on my keyboard. If it's an external keyboard I can repair it or replace it easily. If it's a laptop it could be catastrophic failure. Yes I know I can attach keyboard to laptop. Then there's the laptop screen, it is easily damaged when traveling. Sometimes the damage is minor. My laptop screen recently started having problems, sometimes it works, sometimes it flickers, sometimes it's just a black screen. External monitor is currently attached, but that's a poor mobile solution. Replacing an external monitor is cheap. So, I found a website that can sell me the replacement monitor. I have to decide is it worth repairing or should I get a new one. Cost of repairing is about 1/3rd the cost of a brand new equivalent laptop.
- f1refly 5y ago
  Sounds like you need a thinkpad. New screens for my x220 are 40 bucks on aliexpress, a new keyboard is like 15. In addition, the keyboard has drainage holes, I use it routinely with dripping wet hands and the keyboard survived a coke spill + cleaning with flowing water.
- laxmin 5y ago
  Add to your list, Flexgate. Macbooks have become notorious for industrial design faults that come up late in the lifetime of a laptop.
- falcolas 5y ago
  Two more downsides I'd like to add to your list: - A laptop will never have greater compute power and heat dissipation than a similar tier desktop. - Current laptop models will often consume more power than can be provided by their included power supplies (one culprit is USB-C's 100 watt limit, the other is simply cost). Thus, their compute endurance is hampered by the battery. I see this when merely running Google Meet.
  - Moru 5y ago
    My first run-in with this was a customer that complained that their computer was slow. When I had a look at it, it was an HP laptop about 10 years ago. While booting I noticed a funny message in the direction of "For full capacity please buy this external power supply from HP". Looked at the power lump and it was about 60 W and the computer had a bad battery so could not keep up at all. They sell expensive laptops and expect you to throw away the power supply and buy a new one?
zrm 5y ago
The main advantage of a desktop that you can't get from a laptop with a dock is that they can be a lot faster. There isn't any laptop that gets anywhere close to a 64-core Threadripper on threaded workloads. There are some that are competitive with 8-core desktop processors, but then they cost ~twice as much. But this only matters if you care about more than single thread performance.
- dragontamer 5y ago
  > There isn't any laptop that gets anywhere close to a 64-core Threadripper on threaded workloads. Challenge accepted. https://www.mediaworkstations.net/systems/portable-amd-workstations/a-xp/ https://www.mediaworkstations.net/systems/portable-amd-works...
  - zrm 5y ago
    "30-45 lbs"
    - kwertyoowiyop 5y ago
      If it needs wheels, it probably isn't a laptop!
    - dragontamer 5y ago
      > Some men see things as they are and ask why, I dream things that never were and ask why not -- George Bernard Shaw
  - Moru 5y ago
    It's also much easier and cheaper to build and repair a desktop in a normal tower with normal parts that you can get in the neighbour store when it breaks down at the worst possible moment (last week for example when the harddrive broke together... or the week before when the memory gave up and computer started crashing... Or last year when one of the other computers graphics card fan gave up) Open up, replace part, boot up and test. Back to work.
p0nce 5y ago
This is how I do it, can't work without the external mouse, keyboard, and laptop stand. Haven't owned a desktop since 7 years.
rendaw 5y ago
If I understand correctly, your argument is laptops are better because they can do everything a desktop can and can be mobile? I can't follow this at all. Mobility is a negative: so now your company can ask you to carry your laptop with you when you're on holiday, or ask you to complete work at the airport when traveling to the Denver office. And I feel like you missed GPs point about ergonomics -- you won't get any of that when moving. If you feel like mobile is a benefit WRT ergonomics you simply don't care about ergonomics. The laptop form factor takes up extra desk space, and laptops are sill significantly more expensive for similar desktop performance.
- manuelmoreale 5y ago
  Or maybe his work/life situation is different than you imagine? I’ve been working as a solo freelancer for the past 10 years and for the majority of that time I used a laptop connected to external monitor as my primary machine. You get all the benefits of a desktop environment plus the convenience of being able to work remotely and carry your machine with you when needed. I don’t have a company telling me to work from an airport. And as for ergonomics, you don’t get those with a desktop machine either when moving so I don’t see what different does that make. A laptop offers you options. That’s why for some people is appealing.

tragictrash 5y ago

I fully agree with this. I am a desktop holdout as well moving to my first laptop in decades in 2022

gigaflop 5y ago

One other bonus for laptops is that it's way easier for an IT department to manage. It's got all the guts, all the connectivity, some version of all the major peripherals, and all of that under one SKU. Support and warranty work is simplified when you only have 4 or 5 models of computer in your org, and can reference a spreadsheet to see exactly what a given user has in front of them. I still prefer a desktop PC for my personal use, because I play videogames, and a desktop is what's historically best for that. A side benefit of having a personal desktop means that I can reuse whatever peripherals, furniture, etc between either my 'work' or 'home' desk configuration. If I wanted to go full-circle optimized for my next PC build, which I may as well think about, I could plug all of my peripherals into the same thunderbolt dock, and only worry about that one cable, instead of the (potentially) 4 USB devices I'd be switching back and forth.

tristor 5y ago
> If I wanted to go full-circle optimized for my next PC build, which I may as well think about, I could plug all of my peripherals into the same thunderbolt dock, and only worry about that one cable, instead of the (potentially) 4 USB devices I'd be switching back and forth. This is what I do with my laptop today. I am considering building a SFF desktop in the future just to have, but before I do so I'd like to find a robust and performant solution for TB4 switching, at which point I'd use the same set of peripherals and input devices for both systems.
- endemic 5y ago
  I have a Dell monitor (U3419W) that switches USB output based on video input. So all the peripherals (mouse, keyboard, webcam) go to my desktop when the monitor gets an HDMI signal, and to my (work) laptop when it gets a DP signal. Works pretty well.
- gigaflop 5y ago
  My next PC build will be SFF, too. I've currently got a small-ish desktop, but want more space on my actual desk, and don't want to move it off because I'd have to deal with variable cable lengths(sit-stand desk). Going down to mini-ITX motherboard size means I'm going to probably be low on ports and expansion options, so having a dock will be an important part of the setup, and will also help reduce cable clutter/cable shuffling. One other thing I might look into is an audio switcher. I don't have an 'audio stack', but usually can't stand the electric whine on most basic onboard audio. If I can keep my headphones on, and just flip a switch to change the channel they receive from, I'd be thrilled.
zrm 5y ago
> Support and warranty work is simplified when you only have 4 or 5 models of computer in your org, and can reference a spreadsheet to see exactly what a given user has in front of them. In theory you could treat desktops the same way. Any hardware problem? Discard entire machine. This is obviously wasteful compared to replacing only the component which is broken. But it's hard sell to label that as a disadvantage.

SapporoChris 5y ago

Since I've been traveling extensively I have started using a laptop also. The downsides are the obvious extra cost for the laptop. Less obvious is the maintenance. Every few years I will spill a drink on my keyboard. If it's an external keyboard I can repair it or replace it easily. If it's a laptop it could be catastrophic failure. Yes I know I can attach keyboard to laptop. Then there's the laptop screen, it is easily damaged when traveling. Sometimes the damage is minor. My laptop screen recently started having problems, sometimes it works, sometimes it flickers, sometimes it's just a black screen. External monitor is currently attached, but that's a poor mobile solution. Replacing an external monitor is cheap. So, I found a website that can sell me the replacement monitor. I have to decide is it worth repairing or should I get a new one. Cost of repairing is about 1/3rd the cost of a brand new equivalent laptop.

f1refly 5y ago
Sounds like you need a thinkpad. New screens for my x220 are 40 bucks on aliexpress, a new keyboard is like 15. In addition, the keyboard has drainage holes, I use it routinely with dripping wet hands and the keyboard survived a coke spill + cleaning with flowing water.
laxmin 5y ago
Add to your list, Flexgate. Macbooks have become notorious for industrial design faults that come up late in the lifetime of a laptop.
falcolas 5y ago
Two more downsides I'd like to add to your list: - A laptop will never have greater compute power and heat dissipation than a similar tier desktop. - Current laptop models will often consume more power than can be provided by their included power supplies (one culprit is USB-C's 100 watt limit, the other is simply cost). Thus, their compute endurance is hampered by the battery. I see this when merely running Google Meet.
- Moru 5y ago
  My first run-in with this was a customer that complained that their computer was slow. When I had a look at it, it was an HP laptop about 10 years ago. While booting I noticed a funny message in the direction of "For full capacity please buy this external power supply from HP". Looked at the power lump and it was about 60 W and the computer had a bad battery so could not keep up at all. They sell expensive laptops and expect you to throw away the power supply and buy a new one?

zrm 5y ago

The main advantage of a desktop that you can't get from a laptop with a dock is that they can be a lot faster. There isn't any laptop that gets anywhere close to a 64-core Threadripper on threaded workloads. There are some that are competitive with 8-core desktop processors, but then they cost ~twice as much. But this only matters if you care about more than single thread performance.

dragontamer 5y ago
> There isn't any laptop that gets anywhere close to a 64-core Threadripper on threaded workloads. Challenge accepted. https://www.mediaworkstations.net/systems/portable-amd-workstations/a-xp/ https://www.mediaworkstations.net/systems/portable-amd-works...
- zrm 5y ago
  "30-45 lbs"
  - kwertyoowiyop 5y ago
    If it needs wheels, it probably isn't a laptop!
  - dragontamer 5y ago
    > Some men see things as they are and ask why, I dream things that never were and ask why not -- George Bernard Shaw
- Moru 5y ago
  It's also much easier and cheaper to build and repair a desktop in a normal tower with normal parts that you can get in the neighbour store when it breaks down at the worst possible moment (last week for example when the harddrive broke together... or the week before when the memory gave up and computer started crashing... Or last year when one of the other computers graphics card fan gave up) Open up, replace part, boot up and test. Back to work.

p0nce 5y ago

This is how I do it, can't work without the external mouse, keyboard, and laptop stand. Haven't owned a desktop since 7 years.

rendaw 5y ago

If I understand correctly, your argument is laptops are better because they can do everything a desktop can and can be mobile? I can't follow this at all. Mobility is a negative: so now your company can ask you to carry your laptop with you when you're on holiday, or ask you to complete work at the airport when traveling to the Denver office. And I feel like you missed GPs point about ergonomics -- you won't get any of that when moving. If you feel like mobile is a benefit WRT ergonomics you simply don't care about ergonomics. The laptop form factor takes up extra desk space, and laptops are sill significantly more expensive for similar desktop performance.

manuelmoreale 5y ago
Or maybe his work/life situation is different than you imagine? I’ve been working as a solo freelancer for the past 10 years and for the majority of that time I used a laptop connected to external monitor as my primary machine. You get all the benefits of a desktop environment plus the convenience of being able to work remotely and carry your machine with you when needed. I don’t have a company telling me to work from an airport. And as for ergonomics, you don’t get those with a desktop machine either when moving so I don’t see what different does that make. A laptop offers you options. That’s why for some people is appealing.