Laptop or Desktop–Which Computer for Fulltiming?
It practically become a “campfire discussion point” among fulltime RVers, what kind of computer is best for the lifestyle? At the risk of setting off a “Ford v Chevy” style debate, we offer a few thoughts on the matter.
Space is a major factor in the decision–depending on your fulltiming rig, the laptop may be the only choice in the matter. Of course, some fulltimers’ rigs come equipped with a computer desk in the living room, so space isn’t a factor for them.
Next, your particular RV lifestyle will come to bear. Are you into boondocking? Then power consumption immediately is a facer. Desktop machines are notorious “power hogs,” particularly when equipped with the old-style “TV type” monitor. Flat screen LCD displays take less juice, but nevertheless, the processor eats plenty on its own. If you boondock, remember, you’ll likely be feeding the power consumption with an inverter off your batteries, and likely filling them up with solar power.
What about the physical characteristics of the machine? Some folks love the compactness of a laptop, while others can’t bear the tight little keyboard. Well, there’s a work-around: If you need to use a laptop but can’t stand the keyboard, nearly all of them can be outfitted with an auxiliary full-size keyboard with ease, and yes, a mouse too.
A laptop does have an advantage over a desktop in another arena: Power outages. Since RV parks are sometimes fraught with questionable power, blackouts can occur. The laptop immediately goes from “shore power” to its own battery without question or quibble. A desktop would need an uninterruptible power supply (another set of dollars invested) unless you have an inverter that will automatically start in the event of a shore power loss.
Whatever your choice, be sure to have an adequate surge suppressor, either for the “whole house” or for your computer.
photo by naotakem on flickr.com
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
March 4th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
I bought a Dell Inspiron 1300 a few years back. Works real well and powerful enough to run Street and Trips, GPS, and all other applications I may need. My only regret is that for a few dollars more, I should have gotten the more powerful batteries.
March 5th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
[…] has advantages and disadvantages, and the pointers in this article will help you decide which is best for your brand of fulltime […]
March 6th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Another thing to consider when choosing the computer that you want to travel with, is that desktop computers are not made to be moved and jostled. Cards and boards tend to shake loose. Laptops are better constructed for being mobile.
March 6th, 2008 at 11:49 am
We have a laptop…on the kitchen table, would love a built in desk with file drawer, as we are in 5th wheel more than planned…computer is a necessary item to have space for every day!
March 6th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
I have two laptops in my 26-foot motorhome. Another advantage over desktops is that, in the event that you need to take your computer somewhere else (e.g., when visiting relatives or friends, having work done inside your RV, etc.) it is easy to take a laptop with you.
There are little portable solar panels that can be used to keep your laptop battery charged, so you can even take it outside to a picnic table.
I agree with garyandbarb that desktop computers are more vulnerable to damage. Laptops can withstand more jostling. I have a corner desk in my motorhome (which I added myself). When I travel, I put a large towel over my computers and use bungee cords crisscrossed over them to keep them secure on the road.
March 10th, 2008 at 7:14 am
Laptop Computer Batteries…
Some weblog software programs, such as Wordpress, Movable Type and Community Server, support automatic pingbacks where all the links…
March 10th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
[…] Laptop or Desktop Which Computer for Fulltiming? It practically become a “campfire discussion point” among fulltime rvers, what kind of computer is best for the lifestyle? At the risk of setting off a “Ford v Chevy” style debate, we offer a few thoughts on the matter. […]
March 30th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
[…] Laptop or Desktop Which Computer for Fulltiming? It practically become a “campfire discussion point” among fulltime rvers, what kind of computer is best for the lifestyle? At the risk of setting off a “Ford v Chevy” style debate, we offer a few thoughts on the matter. […]
April 17th, 2008 at 12:14 am
[…] surge suppressor at the point-of-entry service panel, …http://www.smarthome.com/4839.htmlLaptop or Desktop??Which Computer for Fulltiming? It practically become a ???campfire discussion point??? among fulltime RVers, what kind of computer […]
January 7th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
tv tuner software…
Is there any way I can subscribe to your blog? Thanks!…