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Research, Technology, and Teamwork blog by Susie Wee

Desktop vs. notebook: It's all about the display

Published 06 January 2008, 11:17 PM

I thought I had it all figured out. I'm doing a house remodel (wish me luck!), and I thought I didn't need to set up a computer area. After all, notebook computers are awesome. I bought my sister an entertainment notebook computer over the holiday break and it is impressive. I have a small mobile notebook/tablet PC for work since I travel so much. I use my notebook all over the house- at the dining table, on the couch, on a desk, on the floor, and in the bed. And, when I'm out and about I use my little iPAQ handheld to stay connected (actually, I use my iPAQ all over the house too). So, I thought I wouldn't set up a dedicated computer area, but instead I would set up little charging areas around the house for all my portable devices.

This morning I had a change of heart. I stopped by Fry's Electronics and I saw a desktop computer with a 30" LCD display, all on sale for $2000 (yes, it was an HP, but this is an experience discussion, not a sales pitch). The 30" display was impressive, and seeing it really made me rethink how I will use my computer. All I can say is: Wow- I need it. :)

I think I will set it up in my living room so that it doubles between a full-fledged work area and a secondary entertainment area. TVs are getting bigger, so it doesn't quite serve as the primary entertainment area. But, since the TV is often sought/fought after, having a secondary entertainment area nearby would be useful.

The other thing I saw at Fry's was our extreme multimedia entertainment notebook with a 20" display (HP Pavilion HDX). To be honest, at 15.5 pounds I don't think I'll be carrying it with me all around the house, but it sure is impressive on the multimedia front. This would also be a candidate for a combined work/secondary entertainment area.

So, I guess I'll have to re-think my design and put in a computer area after all.

Much discussion to date about the choice between desktops vs. notebooks [1,2,3] has been around the style of computing experience people want. In the years ahead, I think this decision will be based on the style of display experience people want.

Does having an affordable, sleek 30" display change your view of how you would use your computer?  If so, how?  I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.

Please feel free to leave a URL with your comments.
Posted By susie.wee | 4 Comments | Trackbacks | Permalink
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Sorry Susie, I will never consider a desktop again, ever. I have a HP Pavilion dv9500t laptop with a 17" hi def screen with all the power of a desktop. Plus, I have a LP2465 24" hi def monitor on my desk that extends the work surface of the laptop across both screens. So I have the best of both worlds. Great for entertainment and work because it's both powerful and portable.
# Wednesday, January 09, 2008 03:37 AM by Carter_at_SageCircle
Hi Carter, Sweet setup! 17" and 24" HD displays- it sounds like pixel paradise- I approve!!! I can't help but wonder what your two-screen entertainment experience is like with all those pixels...

Readers- Any other sweet setups out there?

# Wednesday, January 09, 2008 06:02 AM by Susie Wee
When we remodeled our new house a couple of years ago, I also thought I had it "all figured out". Everyone would work, learn and play anywhere and everywhere from a mobile laptop, with two WiFi networks each connected to different Internet connections. I aspired to failure-resistant wireless connectivity.

After a few months, my wife set up a desk in our loft. She uses a laptop, but it is connected to a big monitor and a keyboard. She said that she wanted a base for her work, a place where she could focus her mind on work. That is not the only compromise. The TiVo and the homemade DVR are connected by wire to the switch. And I just set up an HP EX475 MediaSmart server for low administration NAS, backup and streaming. But since I didn't plan a computer room, it is located in the closet under the stairway (aka the "Harry Potter" room). Right next to all the WiFi, GiGE and Cable Modem gear. Connected by lots of cables, of course.

Oh, well... I am sure there is a lesson there about the importance of truly considering actual users when dreaming up a design.

Jay Cee

# Wednesday, January 09, 2008 03:18 PM by twistedpa1r
Jay Cee: That is a good "user" lesson! I also love the vision of "work, learn and play anywhere and everywhere"- clearly the words of a wireless guy! On the other hand, as your wife points out, there is still something magical about having a physical sense of space and activity.

In some work environments there is a movement towards "mobile stations" (a desk with an internet connection) where you don't really have your own work space but you can use any "mobile station" that is available. This is fine for truly mobile workers, but it certainly changes things for everyday office workers since you can't set up shop and personalize your space. I wonder if this is related.

Thanks for the comment!

# Saturday, April 26, 2008 04:46 PM by Susie Wee

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