Interesting thread. I've got a Mac desktop computer that is now 9 years old, and I will cry when it poos out. Trying to think ahead, as to what I will do when it gives up it's life. I've been thinking of a laptop as a future replacement, just because of the cost difference, but not sure if I really want one. I wouldn't be traveling around with it anywhere ... it would sit where the desktop sits. .. I just know for sure, that I will go with another Mac, because I don't want to deal with Windows operating systems anymore. And paying that difference is worth it to me.
The longevity is about the same on a Mac, I think. My 2008 MacBook is doing great and, unlike PCs that I have owned, it always upgrades to the latest versions of the OS without difficulty. I have had my iMac since 2011 or 2012 and, while I won't say that I've had no problems with it, I don't think they're related to the longevity of the machine. With PCs, I think it has more to do with the quality of the machine that you buy than whether it is a laptop or a desktop. They make some very cheap laptops these days that probably won't last very long, given that you can buy them new for a two or three hundred dollars. There, I think it's a matter of getting what you pay for. Mac only makes quality products, as far as I am aware. With PCs, I think the problem is one of planned obsolescence because, sooner or later, you run into an OS upgrade that the machine won't handle. I haven't seen that with a Mac.
Thanks for the info Ken. I agree with that for sure. I don't intend to do anything until my hand is forced into a move. Just not having to deal with virus problems keeps me going with the Mac. ... no protection.. no problem.
The desk top wins it for me so far as the ability to withstand a bit more than the laptop or especially a tablet. The biggest difference is what kind of home do you have? If perchance you live in a one story house, a laptop or tablet is the best bet and obvious choice for it only takes a couple of good taps by a small 13 oz hammer to rid one of aggravations supplied by the smaller species of a computer. But, with a larger tower unit it might take a drop out of a 2 or 3 story window to straighten things out unless you feel like wielding a 29 oz riggers hammer which is an option open to those who might be prone to more anxiety than the normal John Q. Public does.
................................................................. I have a local geek store that I buy a refurbished tower from..He adds all the needed softare/programs and is normally a lot cheaper than a box store!!
I have been issued a laptop for my official computer in the office in lieu of the usual desktop. Although this laptop has been working well for several years now, my colleagues say that laptops are vulnerable to breakdowns and technical problems simply because of its portability. The movement endured by the laptop is not experienced by the desktop which is stationary on the table while the laptop is always on the go. Another downside to the laptop is the expensive parts. Even the hard disk is not the ordinary because it is compact and more expensive.
@Corie Henson, those are true but they are more of a result of the use of the product than of the product itself. If someone were to leave their laptop on their desk, as they do a desktop, I don't know that it would be any less secure, since the security risks come into play, not due to the hardware, but due to the fact that laptops are so often used on public WiFi systems in restaurants, book stores, hotels, and such. One difference that you suggest is true however, that parts tend to be more expensive for a laptop and they are not generally as upgradable as the desktop equivalents are. In fact, when I wanted to upgrade my MacBook to 16 GB Ram, the Apple Store told me it couldn't be done but a local Bangor, Maine computer shop was able to do so, and it's been working fine on the higher Ram configuration for more than a year.
laptops live longer!!!! LOL . Ancient Greek Sculpture: Artwork Depicts What Some Say Is a Laptop Computer. .
This brought back a childhood memory. I remember we had an old television that was beyond repair. One day, my dad dropped it from the second floor porch, into a metal barrel. Of course all of our friends were around to witness it, and really enjoyed the spectacle. You'd have thought it was 4th of July fireworks, everyone was oohing and aahing. We didn't have much excitement in our lives back then, and that was definitely a break from the usual routine.
In the early days, Apple used what they referred to as a drop test, dropping one of their computers from a set height to show that they would not be damaged. When I was a paramedic, the salesperson for the LifePak monitor/defibrillator would do the same with their machines and, although I wasn't there, I understand that when they were selling their machines to South Padre Island EMS, where I worked for a time, the salesperson dropped one of them into the Gulf of Mexico to show that it would withstand being submerged in salt water for a short time. I always suspected that they used machines that had some extra durability built into them to use for the demonstrations.
Which brings up another eco friendly thought. Instead of throwing those uncooperative tower computers away after they are dumped out of their perspective windows they can be used for a dandy boat anchor. After all, one should think about how much they will clutter our garbage dump land fills should Diane's father's wonderful solution become too popular. Another piece of sweet revenge might be that when any of them refuse to stay on the internet, they can be used to hook up to the lower end of a salmon net. Proving worthy of their new environment staying on the "net" will never be a problem again. Along with Ken's experimentation and my DIY solutions to computer problems we do find that there is some comradery that can be had between H2O and the kindom of the computer. I just love talking about our new technology. It's sooooo, uh..........technical!