Poll: Is it the year of the Laptop? What is your primary computer?

[MacRumors]

Vote: Poll: Is it the year of the Laptop? What is your primary computer? (http://www.macpolls.com/?poll_id=252&ref=forums.macrumors.com)

[Kwyjibo]

ii'm all about the laptop

[razorme]

I bought an iBook to replace an aging 400Mhz iMac DV. I wanted my new computer to actually feel different, and since Mac speeds weren't significantly improved, I focused on getting portability, and LCD screen, and complete silence (+wireless internet!) instead. I don't use it for work or anything.

[Mudbug]

I'm all about both - I've got a desktop and a laptop at the office (where I seem to live these days) and a desktop and a laptop at home (where I visit on furlough from the office). But I'm relegated to use the home laptop only when the Mrs. isn't using it. As far as preference, I love the freedom of the laptop, but even though it's a really powerful machine, the comfort level of the desktop lets it win the prize for working. The keyboard layout alone is a little irritating on the laptop if you're doing anything in programs like Photoshop or Quark, or something where the quattro of keys in the bottom left of the keyboard are used all the time. Having a function key there is a little confusing on the laptop...

[arn]

I've been a Desktop-guy for some time now. Don't see myself changing over to a laptop as a primary computer anytime soon.

arn

[shadowfax]

been a laptopper for 9-10 months now; i don't see myself going back. i don't miss the cutting edge performance (whatever that is), and i love the mobility and attractiveness of my mean machine.

[Doctor Q]

I carried an iBook around for one school year, and it was very convenient, but I've always had a desktop as my main machine. And each time I upgrade to a newer desktop Mac, I get a larger monitor!

[pimentoLoaf]

My computer purchases since 1983:

desk (apple 2e)
lap (386pc)
desk (apple pM 6100/66)
lap (pentium2)
lap (apple dual-usb iBook)
lap (pentium4)

Which means I'm ready for another Apple. Only that I won't be getting any more PC's 'cause they're crap.

[Bunzi2k4]

I've been a laptopper for the past 4-5 months... and i think my laptop is the best (give me a break, i was on a 350 mghz indigo imac g3), and the onlt reason why i would think of going back to desktop would be if i get a g5 :-D

[Wonder Boy]

I use both. i suppose its the year of the laptop in that i got an ibook for graduation back in may. so steve or whoever was kinda right.

[gotohamish]

Originally posted by Macrumors
Vote: Poll: Is it the year of the Laptop? What is your primary computer? (http://www.macpolls.com/?poll_id=252&ref=forums.macrumors.com)

I voted equal.

I work on my Powerbook (G4 500) out freelancing during the day, and work on my G4 Tower (1.3Ghz) in the evening.

I'm moving away for a bit soon and will only we taking my Powerbook, so that will become my primary computer.

[gello2424]

My dual 1.42 G4
then my little 12in PB
and if I am on a long trip and have the space 17in PB :)

[Nermal]

I've been using desktops since the 80s, but got an iBook in February and it's been my primary system ever since. The iBook is my first Mac, and I'm definitely not going back :)

[redAPPLE]

i need 2 computers for testing purposes (at work). maybe sometimes 3 (one is a pc though).

my home machine is a powermac.

regarding to the "year of the laptop" hype.

i think it is not true. more like "year of the laptop rumors" :D

[ckwm]

Used to always be a desktop and then I want for a laptop for portability. After a couple of years I switched back to a desktop. I have a Palm Tungsten with keyboard and that covers all my portability needs.

[ph_555_shag]

AT the miniute i use the family desktop for everything, but as of tomorow i will have a laptop YAY..(for my Bday) i will use that primarily after i get it as the family computer is almost the same specs. and ill be alble to use it while watching TV......yes i know im sad u dont have to tell me :D

[vrapan]

Ever since I left Greece to go to UK for uni - some 5 years ago my main system has always been a laptop. And now since I got my first 12" PB on March it does what I want it and even more. I would though like to add external keyboard mouse and monitor when I am on a desk. So I would like to transform it to a desktop every now and then.

[MuSiq]

... it'll be the year of the Laptop. I'm still using my 'old' PM G4 400, but somebody's cooking up a deal - Resulting in me being the owner of a spankin' new PowerBook 17"!

If the sweet deal doesn't pull through, I'll buy one anyway. As all of you I'm curious to see the specs of the upcoming models...

[Ambrose Chapel]

laptop for me - my Ti DVI. although it work i'm tethered to a beige dell desktop running w2k...sigh

[scem0]

A desktop - but its a PC :).

scem0

[Jerry Spoon]

a previous poll showed a lot of people were waiting for PB updates. Maybe some of those folks are getting ready to switch their primary computer. I for one like my desktop as my primary computer, but have a laptop also. If I could only have 1, it would be a tough choice.

[iPC]

work = desktop

personal = laptop

[vrapan]

hey who is gonna make a switcher out of scem0 :D

[stockscalper]

Laptop since 1994. But waiting for the 980 chip arrives in laptops before replacing existing model.

[PieMac]

Originally posted by Jerry Spoon
a previous poll showed a lot of people were waiting for PB updates. Maybe some of those folks are getting ready to switch their primary computer. I for one like my desktop as my primary computer, but have a laptop also. If I could only have 1, it would be a tough choice.

This is one of the decisions that I'm wrestling with now as I am looking at an upgrade in the near future. I currently own a 14" dual USB iBook...it's my first laptop experience and I've really been enjoying it. I like the idea of being able to move around with it which is why I bought it in the first place. The irony is that I've found that 90% of the time I still use it at my desk in the studio where my desktop was. And I very rarely take it outside the house (my business doesn't require it).

As much as I love the option to be mobile, I do miss the comfort of the desktop...mostly in terms of a larger screen and keyboard placement. And for that reason, I am giving serious consideration to going back to a desktop (will see what the iMac updates bring down the road and how the G5's pan out...although I have been entertaining a G4 as well).

I would love to have both, but it's really not a need...besides, selling the laptop would give me a nice little amount to put on the new one (and my Other Half won't let me have both anyway!).

[ExoticFish]

My baby... er I mean my TiBook is my main machine. I use the thing for EVERYTHING. I take it to work every day and use it there too so that I don't have to use the dell in my office very much, but even when I do have to use it I use Remote Desktop so I don't have to lose the comfort of my Mac. At home I use my PC for a few games that aren't availible for Mac. And I also have a couple linux machines, but that's what ssh is for!

[JediMacster]

I managed to get a loan (tough process, BTW) to buy my new iBook (Dual USB/500Mhz/Combo Drive) way back in 2001. And it's the machine I'm typing this reply from today. Used it with OS 9 and the various feline versions of X. It has been my personal machine for use with iTunes, iPhoto and browsing the net; my college machine for proyects and presentations thanks to Office 2001 and v.X; and my work machine from my days as a technician at a newspaper and now helping me fulfill my duties as IT Manager for an ad agency. It's been a tough and hardworking little laptop, though I am waiting for the next 15" PBs. But do not fret for the little iBook, since I will keep it in the family and pass it down to my wife (unless she pesters me into buying her a flat panel iMac!)

[vrapan]

Unrelated question but now that you mentioned remote desktop from your dell through SSH does that mean you actually see your desktop or just have access to your file structure on the Mac?

[mactastic]

I've been using my 1Ghz TiBook as my sole computer for about 9 months now, and that was a switch from a desktop for me. Many of my fellow students were quite surprised when they heard the specs and that I used it as a desktop replacement. There are a few things I miss about a desktop system, but for me they are more than outweighed by the portability and the attention it attracts when I'm out and about using it. I can't tell you how many people have come over just to take a look at it, and I've literally had to chase some of them off 'cuz I had a ton of work to do! Stylish? Oh yeah.

[ExoticFish]

Originally posted by vrapan
Unrelated question but now that you mentioned remote desktop from your dell through SSH does that mean you actually see your desktop or just have access to your file structure on the Mac?

What I meant was that for my Windows machine I use remote desktop and for my Linux machines I use ssh. But you could use Remote Desktop over ssh to have it be more secure and it would work just the same.

[wdlove]

I has a PowerBook G3 for a about 2 years that I carried back and forth to a volunteer job. The only one that had a Mac. Lucky for me the IT person at the main campus was also a Mac person, so he was happy to get me setup online.

So for the majority of my Apple life since 1983, I've been a desktop person. Prefer the larger screen. Since I'm 6' 8" the laptop for me personally is uncomfortable!

[FriarTuck]

I just got my first laptop, a PB 12", about 10 days ago. I've been amazed at how much I can do on the 12" screen without getting the "I'd be better off doing this on the eMac" feeling.

Unfortunately, I'm stuck on a Dell desktop at work all day.

[ssamani]

Most of the time I spend on a computer is the desktop at work, but that's not my machine of choice... at home I have a TiBook. Then again the TiBook replaced a desktop to come on a round the world trip. Our next machine will be a desktop... so... I guess I answered correctly with desktop, even though the machine I would prefer to work on right at the moment (other than dual 3Ghz G5 with 23" monitor) is the TiBook.

Sanj

[MacManDan]

I own one computer (a PowerBook), and so that's obviously my main computer. I haven't worked on a desktop since I quit my summer job a couple of weeks ago. But laptops have been my primary computer for about 5 years so .. this "year of the laptop" isn't quite different than the rest (except I get to spend it with my PowerBook, as opposed to my other Compaq laptops!).

[rexloper]

No kidding. How many of us are stuck on Dells at work? I have an iMac at home and I have a desktop at work, but if the new 15 doesn't come out tuesday 8/19 I'm just going to go get a 12. So, it WOULD have been the year of the laptop for me if the 12 had a pc slot or the 15 got upgraded. Now, at best, it's going to be the 4 months of the laptop. Sorry Jobs.

[jouster]

Heh, who is the one guy (or gal) whose primary comp is a PDA or what?..........a mainframe?

[Capt Underpants]

Right now I have a desktop, but when I get a new computer, I will probably get a laptop. I love the portability factor.

[Powerbook G5]

I've been a laptop guy for about 5 years now and love it. I only use the family Dell Dimension desktop when I have to or feel like playing a game or two.

[shadowself]

Since I travel regularly, I probably use my TiPB more hours than my desktop G4, but there are things which I believe will never allow me to get 100% off my desktop machine, i.e., VectorWorks (CADD), Photoshop, InDesign, etc. It is just painful to use anything less than a 21 inch screen (with a second smaller screen for all those @#$#%@! pallets --they do increase efficiency but they east up a LOT of screen real estate).

I thought about getting a 17 inch PB, but it is just too large for use on the plane (Apple's ad not withstanding - I'm a bit bigger than Vern Troyer).

Additionally, there are things I typically do which take the my current machines tens of seconds to a few minutes to complete. Therefore, while I'm in my home office I typically have both my G4 desktop and my TiPB running concurrently. (I'm doing that right now: the desktop is running a process while I'm typing this on my laptop.) I got into this habit with multiple desktop machines running concurrently back in the early 90s. (Before that it was multiple terminals into multiple big machines [at its worst I was tied into a Cray XMP 4/4, CDC 6600 and a VAX 8650 concurrently].) Someday the Macs will be fast enough that I will be using only one machine at a time. Hopefully that machine will arrive soon (maybe the rumored IBM 980 chip will be it). What can I say? I'm a power junkie.

[tazo]

desktop. My next comp will be a notebook, no questiion about it :cool:

[koelling]

I'm in the boat where it WOULD have been the year of the laptop if the 15inch was released way back at the beginning of the year. My one and only computer is a 266mhz iMac and it has served me well for these past 4 years but I got it about 4 weeks before new ones were released and I wont ever do that again! I will wait until the 15" is released and then I will finally have firewire, OpenGL, Bluetooth, Airport, Quartz Extreme, DVD player/CD burner (and a non tray loading CD drive finally. yuck), and probably a 1Ghz speed increase depending on how much of a speed bump they get.

I've been very happy with my computer, but now I will have all those fun toys that Mac users everywhere enjoy.

[Schiffi]

Airport Extreme, koelling, Airport Extreme...

Anyway I use a 1GHz Tibook for my computing. I gave my desktop PC to my mom so mobile is the only way to go.

[eyelikeart]

I use my TiBook during the day at work...and my iMac at home at night & on weekends... ;)

[wdlove]

My wife enjoys her iBook that she purchased at MWNY in '01. She uses it at her desk the majority of the time. But also likes the ability to use it on the bed when she is tired and wants to relax. She's looking forward to a new PowerBook in '04!

[AppleMatt]

Ohhh it's a hard one.

I'm a desktop man, but if I bought new a Mac desktop it would have to have an Apple screen, which makes the cost too prohibitive.

So I think I like my PowerBook best, and being able to wander around the house with it is cool.

AppleMatt

[PowerBook User]

Originally posted by redAPPLE

regarding to the "year of the laptop" hype.

i think it is not true. more like "year of the laptop rumors" :D
I think I agree. I think this is the year of the desktop with the G5. The only significant laptop upgrades this year were the new 12" and 17" PowerBooks. We didn't even get any 15" ones yet.

[LegionCSUF]

My laptop is indispensable. It's great for carrying around on campus, taking notes and writing code in class and in the coffee shop and stuff. Currently replacing my old Thinkpad with a 12" PowerBook (should be great!)

At home, my self-built PC is useful for development. What I'm going to do to make it really stand out, though, is get a dual-output video card and go dual-display. Will be VERY useful for debugging full-screen games and stuff.

I gotta say, I love doing work on the laptop instead of chained to the desktop. I try to do as much on my laptop as I can.

[SilvorX]

Since i purchased my G3 800Mhz iBook, 98% of the time i use my mac, the other 2% i had to use my PC when something goes wrong with the mac

If i didnt have a laptop, I wouldnt be able to watch my fave tv shows in peace and quietness

[linoz]

Years ago I had a PowerBook Duo, which was quite small for its time. But I still got weary of lugging it around.

So I switched to a PDA. I carried that on a belt clip for awhile, but now just slip it into my pocket. Unless I need it, I forget it's even there.

I'm also amazed how PDAs are becoming more like mini-laptops. With a hi-res screen, it's really easy to read a book, as well as edit documents. My mobile needs are met quite nicely.

[vollspacken]

my tiBook is my main machine and I don't think that I will buy a up-to-date desktop/floortop anytime within the next years since I love the mobility...

a nice blue & white G3 or a 400-500Mhz G4 tower would make an excellent fileserver and mlDonkey box though... I'll see in October.

the tiBook will of course stay my main machine.

vSpacken

[Snowy_River]

Originally posted by shadowself
... but there are things which I believe will never allow me to get 100% off my desktop machine, i.e., VectorWorks (CADD), Photoshop, InDesign, etc....

I have a 12" PB which I use VW and PS on. Usually, when I need to be working with them (at my desk) I have an external monitor plugged in to use as the primary monitor, and I use the built in display as the secondary monitor for all my tool palettes. It works quite nicely, and it makes my PB my main machine. (Also has an external keyboard and trackball plugged in when at my desk.)

Also, in OS X I find that it's quite easy to use another app while VW is doing something intensive in the background. I generally keep Safari and Mail open but hidden in the secondary screen. It makes them easy to access when I want to.

[Snowy_River]

Originally posted by koelling
(and a non tray loading CD drive finally. yuck)

There are advantages to having a tray loading CD drive. Slot loaders cannot use mini-discs...

[wrldwzrd89]

I voted laptop, BUT I plan to switch to a desktop for the laptop's replacement. I have a PowerBook G4 667 w/AirPort card & 512 MB RAM. I plan to replace this with a PowerMac G5.

[jkojima]

I've used a notebook as a primary machine since 2000, but I can't seem to shed desktops for good. I've tried going pure portable twice now (most recently in December when I switched back to Mac), but have always ended up building a chop-shop PC to satiate my need for 3D games and high capacity storage.

Once I graduate, I'll ditch the cheap PC box for a G5 or trade my 15" PB 867 towards a second-gen PB 17".

[scem0]

Originally posted by vrapan
hey who is gonna make a switcher out of scem0 :D

myself!

I am buying a G5 sooner than later.

Depending on how much I work in the next couple of weeks it will be either a 1.8 or a dual 2 GHz.

Can't wait :).

scem0

[AppleMatt]

Work hard, work hard!

AppleMatt

[Vlade]

Desktop, I have 2 of them (G4 and AMD). I'm waiting on a powerbook G5, I don't have the money now (buying a car), but I will be ready when they are announced

[ZeppelinArmada]

I use my desktop most often, this is because of my PC's. None of them are connected right now. They sit on the floor not playing games and not making my room sound like a wind tunnel in a sweat lodge in Death Valley. They make an incredible foot rest however, whose sweet siren call draws me from sitting on the couch with my laptop. Once school begins in a few days however I know this will change.

Once PCs become affordable, cost to productive uptime ratio, I might get another.

[Helmut Kool]

Originally posted by jouster
Heh, who is the one guy (or gal) whose primary comp is a PDA or what?..........a mainframe?

Now there are six of them. Maybe they have racks full of Xserves! Or no computer at all..

[ZeppelinArmada]

On the topic mentioned above of slot loaders and mini-discs, they can use mini-discs just not the business card shaped discs. At least that is the case for the PBs. Which is in itself a good thing because I have never seen a business card shaped disc that I or my computer would enjoy inserting. They always have things printed on the label like: "Free stuff inside!","Happiest Fun Games Times" or "Clever Marketing Ploy to Get You To Come To the Apple Store And Have Your Slot Loader Fixed After Your Apple Care Runs Out"(That one ships in the letter saying that your apple care has expired).

[MacFan25]

My primary computer is a destkop. It's a 17" iMac, and I really like all the screen real estate. I would like to have a laptop, but I don't really need the portability right now.

I'm perfectly happy with my desktop. :D

[Snowy_River]

Originally posted by Vlade
Desktop, I have 2 of them (G4 and AMD). I'm waiting on a powerbook G5, I don't have the money now (buying a car), but I will be ready when they are announced

Unless, of course, they announce the new G5 PowerBook THIS TUESDAY!

(Okay, don't everybody jump on my at once... it was just a joke!! :D )

[wdlove]

Originally posted by scem0
myself!

I am buying a G5 sooner than later.

Depending on how much I work in the next couple of weeks it will be either a 1.8 or a dual 2 GHz.

Can't wait :).

scem0

I have no doubt but that you will be successful scem0. Hope that you can manage the dual 2 GHz. What kind of work are you currently performing scem0?

[Vlade]

Originally posted by Snowy_River
Unless, of course, they announce the new G5 PowerBook THIS TUESDAY!

(Okay, don't everybody jump on my at once... it was just a joke!! :D )

That would be great!, than I could get a revision 2 or revision 3 model :)

[Bruja]

Here's hoping that this thing would be announced Tuesday and released by the end of the Aug.

[jefhatfield]

i have been a laptop user with macs and PCs since '99

i briefly owned a mac clone and PC desktop before that and used them as my primary machines

before that, i used my dad's desktop or the desktops at school

using a laptop was a really liberating experience and i don't see myself going back...i never really needed the desktop computing power since i do email, internet, light games, word processing, and programming

[BrandonRP0123]

Home: Power Mac G4 533Mhz

Work/Anywhere: PowerBook 12.1" (had it about 3 weeks now)

Previous portable: iBook 500 (the Rev A dual-usb)

Before the iBook my portable machine was a Dell Inspiron 3800 (600Mhz PIII), and before that a Toshiba Satellite Pro 430CDT (Pentium 120).

I'm a network engineer/system administrator. Lots of terminal windows, lots of e-mail (use Mulberry for that), various browser windows (Safari does everything except work with the web interface for an old-school SonicWALL DMZ I maintain - and today I found out its JavaScript implementation doesn't work with Verisign's SSL certificate renewal process).

I also, to this day, use zTerm. Hell, until I found the Keyspan twin-serial adapter, I was all set to go fetch an old PowerBook Duo for al my terminal work (I was attempting to use my Palm-connect USB kit chingus for serial - what a piece of garbage.

I have the Apple Pro full-sized keyboard at the office that I use when I'm parked at my desk, along with a regular mouse. Out where-ever and including at home it's all about that soft feeling keyboard on the 12.1, I'll tell you that.

At home I use both. The iBook is sitting across from me folding all day now until I figure out what to do with it (I don't know if I can bring myself to sell it). I primarily use the Power Mac (mainly for the bigger screen) at home, although I use them both sometimes just because I'm a pig (at least thats what I call myself).

[lord_flash]

I buy stuff that's nice. My only computer these days is a Sony Vaio TEK-Z600 notebook. It's 3 years old now, but weighing in at 1.7Kg and smaller than the 12" PowerBook I still like it a lot. I tihnk I wanna replace it with a 15" PB when they show up, but now I've bought a WiFi card the cost/benefit of the Mac is looking a little worrying on my budget. But, you see, when I'm in the shop, the mac will look better, so don't worry.

At work they gave me an eMac, and I don't like it at all. Just can't get comfortable - I don't like sitting up to suit the shape of the computer. Even if it is about £1400 cheaper.

Wherever I lay my laptop, that's my home. And office. and, most importantly, my comfy chair...

[WinterMute]

laptop all the way...

This 17" PB is the best damn tool I've ever owned, I can record, edit and mix audio anywhere, edit and effect video, author and burn DVD's, do all my Uni admin and academic work, play games, all the comms, it's wireless and its beautiful

When I'm done, I sling it over my shoulder and wander off whistling:D

[mclift]

I registered just to say the following...

I was always an avid pc user. I never though that one day I would be on a board like the following claiming to have switched, even less so to an ibook. Well that's exactly what I did.

Where else could I get a fast computer under 5 pounds, that had a true 4 hour battery life, and FONT=courier new]came[/FONT] with all the software I could possibly need? I searched and searched and the only laptops I could find were all $2000 up. Then I came accross the apple and it was only 1500USD(2100 CAD). Well to say the least, I saw the light.

Now I use it for everything except for the odd game that I use on the pc desktop at home. It covers all my needs including university, portability, and speed. It comes loaded with all the software the portable user would ever need(no need to pirate :mad: or buy software). It's everything a student could ever need, and with the increasing number of colleges which suggest notebooks, the trend will only magnify as many students flock to buy a partable solution.

This is the year of the laptop; statistics prove it. It is bound to only become a growing trend in the near future.