Which is a better investment, for my money?: a desktop computer, OR a laptop computer?

I am planning to get a new computer, but dont know which will be a better investment (which computer will last longer, for my money). I plan to use for home use, such as web-searching, e-mail, downloading music/ family photos, and writing documents. Which one should I buy, and why? Right now, I currently have a Sony laptop for 5 yrs, and is still running good, but not as fast as it used to. I know its time for me to get a new one, (5 yrs is pushing it, lol), so I am planning ahead to invest a new one, just in case it doesnt anymore, within the next yr or two. Any advice on which type and also, what brand is best? All answers will be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Dragon, I had a bad experience with HP. My frist desktop computer was HP, and it sucked. Thanks for the advice, but no thanks...staying away from HP.

If you think there is any chance you may need to bring your computer with you, get a laptop. If you are certain it's never going to need to leave your desk, get the desktop. They are cheaper, generally get more "bang for your buck." Most desktops will come with both bigger and faster hard drives than the laptop. There are usually more options for a laptop.

If you know what your needs are (based on most of what you are going to do with the computer) you can often save money by having a system put together to your specks. But definitely don't let anyone sell you more than you would need. There's no reason to add a $500 graphics card when you aren't going to run graphically intensive games, for example.

Hope that helps! Brand wise I can't really say. I have a Compaq, which is owned by HP, which you've had bad experiences with. It doesn't get a lot of heavy use, and I definitely prefer my two Macs (a G5 20 inch iMac desktop, and a 17 inch MacBook Pro laptop).

For portability, a laptop. Anything else, a desktop.

Some good laptops:
http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/
http://system76.com/product_info.php?cPa...

Some Good Desktops:
http://www.apple.com/macpro/
http://system76.com/product_info.php?cPa...

It's all about what works for you. A desktop takes more abuse, and therefore might not last as long. But, if portability is important to you, a laptop's the way to go. Good luck.

STAY AWAY FROM DELL! Unless it is the XPS!.
Any other brand I have not had any problems with. For your use I would go with a laptop. You can pick up some good prices from bestbuy. last time i was there a 1.8Ghz with 1gb ram was $459
not bad.

I suggest a desktop pc because you can upgrade parts in them easier than a laptop. However since u say that u've used the same laptop for 5 years, Im assuming u dont exactly stay up to date with all the top of the line stuff. As of right now a good pc to think about, is the HP 002 Blackbird. Its future proofed for a while so it should last.

Save for MacBook Pro. My opionion BEST laptop on market.

get a desk top they are better, they are not portable so u don't have 2 worry about losing it or dropping it or it getting stolen.... most laptops have limitations in the amount of time you can run them even on the charger if you run it 4 2 long either the gharger or the laptop its self may over heat causing damage and/or fire or injuries. also they have limitations for the amount of hardware you can install.. desk tops normaly run cooler and faster and last longer for the price. look on tigerdirect.com at the selection of computers there is so much more you can do with a desk top... my pc is a compaq presario. i got it erlyer this summer and have had no problems whith it... it is fast even with my dial up connection.. the only issue it has is it could use more RAM. i could have got it ordered whith more but i didn't know it needed it till i got it home but its not a big problem just makes it alittle slow when i do alot of stuff at once.... i would recomend it to you it would be just fine 4 what your going 2 use it 4... i push mine 2 its limit almost evry time i use it.

check out this site, they give you a sony vaio laptop FOR FREE!! i got mine last week and it's smokin'!