Does anyone still have a home PC or easier to just use laptop(s)? (Plus Windows vs Mac)

[Itchyandscratchy]

We used to have a Windows tower pic that was cumbersome but thoroughly useful and usable as it was compatible with the school & my work computers. Then when I went to buy an upgrade I FOOLISHLY allowed a smooth-talking Apple-youth in October world persuade me to buy an Apple Mac mini. That was 4 years ago...

It's been a proper nuisance as everything needs to be converted from Word to Pages and back again. The kids haven't taken to it and find switching between Office at school and on their little laptops to the Apple stuff annoying - and so do I. We now have Office 365 at work and at the kids' schools.

I'm ready to upgrade again and I'm wondering if a really good quality laptop with Office would be best, and get rid of the Mac for good. Are the days of the home pc gone now? Or worth getting a pc with Office?

[Seqkat]

I have a desktop pc as I do a lot of gaming, and gaming laptops are still much more expensive than the desktop equivalents. If this doesn't apply to you, however, then a laptop can be a perfectly good 'main' pc. It really, as always, depends what you want from your setup - so it's worth thinking about what you use the computer for, what you'd like to be able to use it for in an ideal world, and then work from there!

[PencilsInSpace]

I've got one and I love it. I like doing my computery stuff in one place with a proper desk and chair, then shutting it down and walking away when I'm done. When I've had laptops I've found it harder to switch off (literally!) and end up using it while also trying to watch TV or have family time. They're also much more upgradeable and robust. Laptops seem to have a relatively short lifespan.

A half-decent laptop with office will do want you want though.

Ebuyer has some bargains, whatever you decide to get.

[Itchyandscratchy]

Thanks. We're not gamers and both girls have cheap little laptops for some work in their rooms at their desks. We're changing the layout of the house downstairs in next few months so the 'office' area in dining room will change into big kitchen table area for school/home work. We all use a wireless printer now, so no need to be sat at the 'puter to print stuff out.
Interesting about longevity though. Would like it to be robust.
Dd1 has GCSEs next year though so may be an idea to still have a quiet area to work that's not her bedroom.

[Itchyandscratchy]

Thanks for ebuyer tip too, Pencilsinspace

[cdtaylornats]

Why not just get MS Office for Mac or LibreOffice for mac.

[fromwesttoeast]

I have a Mac mini, with Office on it. Don't use Pages unless someone else sends me a document.
I find laptops fiddly as I much prefer a proper workstation for all my papers as well!
Mini with Office is perfect IMO.

[Itchyandscratchy]

That's true. I might be able to get Office 365 installed on it as we get it free with work. Thanks.

[caroldecker]

I have used a laptop for the past 10 years - was worse than desktop, now you can't tell the difference (unless gaming). I pay c£350 and replace every 3-5 years. Normally the battery goes (still works but not without power cable) and decide to buy new rather than new battery. Always Windows.

[ErrolTheDragon]

I recently got a new work PC (I write software from home) - always had a tower before but now standard issue is a laptop with a dock - tbh I never used it undocked so it might as well be a tower except for the very rare occasions I need to travel. Good processor, good graphics (2 big monitors), proper keyboard....so, as far as I can see, the best of both worlds. No idea what it cost though!