tremeex: Buying advice for my final computer: laptop, all-in-one desktop, or what?

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Dear CNET members,

Happy Friday! This week's question is from Brian of Saudi Arabia, who is about to retire and is shopping for his "final" computer. He's asked us to help him decide between a desktop, a laptop, or an all-in-one desktop. First of all, congrats on nearing your retirement, Brian! Given that you are 69 years young, as much as you may think this will be your "final" computer, I really doubt this will be your last. The reason why I know is my dad said the same when he got his "final" computer nine years ago. Today he is 80, and since then he has upgraded his old computer a few times and finally bought a new PC a couple of years ago. These days, the word "final" just doesn't go together with technology. While technology does change at a rapid pace, you can also expect that as you embark on your retirement and start to discover new things, your computing skills and needs will also change in time. For all we know, video editing may become your biggest hobby; you might even get into gaming. The most important thing to remember is to not make a hasty purchasing decision and plan for the future in terms of growth, flexibility, and convenience.

Our members came through in a big way this week, offering a lot of buying advice, suggestions, and recommendations. Many explained the pros and cons of laptops versus desktops, and the limitations of each. I have selected a few answers in the q&a section to get you started. There are really no wrong answers here--only great advice--so give all our members' recommendations a read. Everyone who participated deserves a pat on the back. Good luck, Brian! We wish you the best!

Thanks everyone; have a beautiful weekend!

Cheers!
- Lee

Got suggestions? Send me an e-mail: messageboards@cnet.com

Lee Koo
CNET Community manager

Last week's question

Buying advice for my final computer: laptop, all-in-one desktop, or what?

I am 69 years old and about to retire on a small pension. I have been shopping for "my final computer," with a budget around $2,000. I fancied the aesthetics of an "all-in-one" desktop replacement, but these seem to me to be poor value for the money and not as well-specified as laptop alternatives. I am not keen on the tower replacement with wires everywhere. I am a keen novice photographer/videographer with good equipment and lots of digital pictures and HD video files. I would like to do some editing in my retirement.

My concern with the laptop would be that its life span might be quite limited because of the heat generated in the confined spaces. I am not that familiar with the technical aspects of CPUs, graphic cards, and the latest Intel chips. I wonder if I were to compromise on specifications and go for the aesthetics of the 'all-in-one,' what specifications would your members suggest to meet my photographic and video-editing requirements, without the need for overkill and yet not keep me waiting for ages while the computer is processing large files? Best wishes and thank you!

-- Submitted by: Brian C. of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Featured member solutions
for last week's question:

"Laptops are convenient but... "
-- Submitted by: philb1701

"It all depends... "
-- Submitted by: estefan202

"Last computer? "
-- Submitted by: happy2000usa

"You've put yourself between a rock and a hard space"
-- Submitted by: charleswsheets

Read all member contributions

Thanks to all who contributed!

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Check out next week's question:

When is it safe to click on "install updates" pop-ups?

One question I have not seen addressed here regarding computer security that I hope you will consider is: How safe is it to click on "install updates" when pop-ups appear from Microsoft, Adobe, Java, and the many other software providers who know you have their product? What prevents hackers from using look-alike pop-ups to infect with malware? What if I'm not sure; how can I check? Thanks.

-- Submitted by: John M.

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