39 posts tagged with laptop and desktop.
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Computer recommendations - simple and fast

I need a new personal computer - laptop, desktop, mini, I don't care. I never take it out of my house as have a work-provided laptop. I am hoping for very specific recommendations - what model, what generation, etc. [more inside]
posted by mireille on Mar 19, 2023 - 12 answers

The year of Linux on the laptop?

Windows user since forever but debating whether to go with some flavour of Linux on this new laptop instead of 11. If you have attempted this transition of your main OS in the past decade, tell me your story. Have you stuck with it? Did you give up and go crawling back to MS? What did you lose/give up on the way over? Which distro gave you the least headaches? so on [more inside]
posted by Freelance Demiurge on Dec 22, 2021 - 29 answers

A Laptop Dock thats also a KVM?

I don't know if such a product exists that would be a single solution to my problem, I'll probably need at least two devices to solve this problem, but I'm trying to keep it from getting too crazy... I have a desktop computer setup with dual monitors (1080p only, over HDMI) on arms mounted to my desk and very nice keyboard and mouse set up. I just got a new laptop and would like to figure out the easiest way to dock to my laptop to use the keyboard, mouse, and dual monitors while still being able to easily go back to desktop mode with all those same peripherals. Does such a solution exist or will I have to get both a KVM and Dock and a whole mess of cables?
posted by gzimmer on Jul 14, 2021 - 7 answers

Print from laptop via Wifi to USB printer attached to desktop?

I have a wired usb printer attached to a desktop. I'm tired of carting files from the laptop to the desktop when I want to print. It seems like there should be a utility that will send my file from the laptop to the desktop and have the desktop print it. Does this exist? Both computers are windows.
posted by If only I had a penguin... on Jun 10, 2020 - 5 answers

How complicated is it to have two computers at one desk?

Like many people, I'm now working from home full-time. I'm in a small apartment though, and looking for ways to optimize space. I have a work laptop and a home desktop. [more inside]
posted by Pademelon on May 13, 2020 - 30 answers

Should I update my laptop to a desktop?

My venerable laptop just turned six, and due to a windfall, I'm going to treat myself to an upgrade. The thing is, my laptop has moved from the dining table maybe once or twice a year since I've had it. [more inside]
posted by smoke on Jan 3, 2020 - 19 answers

Why Won't My Wacom Tablet Work?

I have a Wacom Intuos GD--060-U tablet and pen. Until about six months ago, this tablet and pen, that I've had for 10 years, worked fine. But recently, the pen and tablet no longer work with MS Paint. I've plugged it in to my Win 7 desktop, and a Win 10 desktop and laptop. I've uninstalled and installed universal drivers from Wacom and the tablet still doesn't work. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind on Sep 2, 2019 - 3 answers

Which PC makers offer a "clean" load of Windows?

I need to buy 2 new computers for my business, 1 desktop and 1 laptop. They need to be Windows machines, unfortunately, due to the software we have to run on them. [more inside]
posted by nickthetourist on May 5, 2018 - 11 answers

Help me pick a new computer?

My eight year old laptop isn't keeping up with what I'm doing now, and I'm worried it won't be able to handle what I'm working on doing in the future. I'm utterly overwhelmed by all the options out there. Help me figure out what I want? Blizzard inside. [more inside]
posted by The Almighty Mommy Goddess on Apr 18, 2018 - 8 answers

Do I need a desktop or laptop?

Do I need a desktop or laptop, and which model? My desktop died yesterday, and I'm trying to figure out what to replace it with... [more inside]
posted by widdershins on Oct 6, 2015 - 15 answers

Please advise me on a forthcoming computer upgrade

My vintage 2008 Macbook is eagerly gazing at the pasture that has been beckoning it for a few years now. I have replaced the hard-drive and maxed out the RAM, but the poor little guy is simply ready for a well-deserved rest. So - what's next for me and when? Macbook Pro? Air? iMac? iPad? Difficulty level: incorporating moderate music production, Netflix, general web use, somewhat limited funds, and massive over-thinking. [more inside]
posted by fingers_of_fire on Mar 26, 2015 - 14 answers

From crap laptop to serviceable terminal desktop

I recently upgraded my main use laptop, replacing an HP Pavillion G4 that had a dead battery. The HP had lost much functionality as a laptop because it couldn't run for more than 10 minutes without being plugged in. I want to use the HP as a secondary workstation for Google Docs, reading .PDFs, and browsing the web. I have two main questions about this: what's a good OS to reformat onto the system to make this happen, and is the dead battery going to get in the way of it being a serviceable low profile desktop? [more inside]
posted by codacorolla on Oct 16, 2014 - 8 answers

Laptop? Desktop? Tablet?!!!

Please help me decide what kind of computer, and if possible what brand and model we should get. Special snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by Hanuman1960 on Dec 16, 2013 - 20 answers

Router noob in need of help

Help me make my wireless router work with my XP PC [more inside]
posted by GlassHeart on Jun 6, 2013 - 6 answers

Trading a desktop for a laptop

About a year ago I bought a refurbished iMac. I now totally regret buying a desktop computer and really wish I had a laptop instead. Is there any way for me to trade in my still perfectly-functional iMac for a Mac laptop? (In NYC if it matters) [more inside]
posted by showbiz_liz on May 21, 2013 - 5 answers

What PCs to buy?

What PCs should we buy? [more inside]
posted by k8t on Mar 31, 2012 - 12 answers

How do I do it?

Is it possible to network all my storage? [more inside]
posted by droplet on Dec 23, 2011 - 9 answers

Looking gift tech gear in the mouth.

Potential Computer Upgrades for Misers, or should I accept this free laptop? [more inside]
posted by jon1270 on Jul 8, 2011 - 11 answers

Put all my eggs into one cyber-basket?

ParadoxOfChoiceFilter: For the first time in a long time, I have the financial assets to get a good computer. I definitely need a new laptop soon, but have fond memories of the awesome graphical power of the desktop. In terms of graphical processing power, given that I need a laptop either way, does it make more sense for me to split between a laptop and a desktop than to spend it on one very expensive laptop? Either way, what are my mid-to-high end laptop/desktop options? [more inside]
posted by Keter on Apr 13, 2011 - 20 answers

Connect Four? No, just one.

Please -- please! -- help me troubleshoot a vexing wireless connectivity problem. Just to put this front and center: I am not knowledgeable about computers. [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa on Feb 24, 2011 - 8 answers

Computing Menages a Troi

After fifteen years of using a laptop and monitor as my desktop, I'm strongly considering switching over to dual-computer life, trading in my trusty MacBook Pro for a Mac Pro at work, and a MacBook Air at home / on the road. Are there non-obvious (i.e., beyond Dropbox and MobileMe) services, software, or best practices that would make wrangling two computers less of a disaster?
posted by thomascrown on Feb 21, 2011 - 8 answers

How can I properly set up my home network?

How can I properly set up an internet connection on both a laptop (wireless) and desktop using DSL? Getting IP address conflict! GRR. [more inside]
posted by Snackpants on Nov 24, 2010 - 7 answers

Old hack, new trick?

Netbook/Windows Starter 7 question: What is the filename (and path) for the default, non-changeable background (wallpaper) image? Can I just save what I want as that file and have it use that instead? [more inside]
posted by fiercecupcake on Oct 20, 2010 - 6 answers

Fucking internet, how does it work?

Weird internet blockage—problem resolved, but mystery remains. Macintosh and Time Warner cable internet inside… [more inside]
posted by klangklangston on May 13, 2010 - 3 answers

Computer Swapping?

Swapping my laptop for a desktop and monitor instead of selling? My plans have changed, and my laptop and furniture are not working together well and causing me pain. [more inside]
posted by StrikeTheViol on Dec 26, 2009 - 5 answers

More than one Dell Vostro?

I'm thinking about replacing my defunct desktop with a laptop. The compactness and portability of laptops are a big plus. Just to be able to get rid of that tangle of cables under my desk seems benefit enough to make the change. I recently bought a Dell Vostro 1520 that I like. It strikes me that buying another Vostro 1520 would have at least the advantage of using compatible a.c. adapters for use in various parts of the house. I would appreciate hearing what the advantages and disadvantage of going with another laptop of the same make and model of the one I already own. One added note: I’m using XP Pro on my Vostro now. The new one would probably have Windows 7.
posted by NinaLee on Sep 26, 2009 - 10 answers

What computer offers me the best bang for my buck?

I've got $500.00 to spend for a new computer. I want to get the most bang for my buck. My needs are: - Play music - Edit and view photos - Edit and view videos - Create DVDs & Surf the Internet. My past history has been in PCs. I am open to building my own computer. So what should I get?
posted by jserdula on Jun 29, 2009 - 19 answers

Does Not Compute

Please help me find the best laptops for our teens! Specifics inside. [more inside]
posted by misha on Jun 16, 2009 - 16 answers

Laptop and projector need to play together nicely.

Managing a projector with a laptop at a different resolution. The short: classroom training sessions with a Dell laptop hooked up to a projector is giving me some issues, looking for advice on how to rectify the situation. [more inside]
posted by wile e on Mar 4, 2009 - 3 answers

Windows Vista Doesn't Work with VGA to HDMI Converter Box

We have an HP Slimline machine running video with an Nvidia Geforce 6150 SE graphics card. We are wanting to use a VGA->HDMI box to convert the video output of the desktop and connect it to our television: [more inside]
posted by ao4047 on Jan 9, 2009 - 1 answer

How can I reinstall Windows onto an old Toshiba Portege 7010CT with no external drives?

How can I reinstall Windows onto an old Toshiba Portege 7010CT with no external drives? [more inside]
posted by ajp on Dec 21, 2008 - 13 answers

Using laptop a sa second monitor, free software?

Are there free alternatives to Maxivista software for using laptop as a second monitor? [more inside]
posted by spacefire on Aug 29, 2008 - 4 answers

Laptop, Desktop, or Both?

Should I get a desktop or a laptop or both? [more inside]
posted by allfortheBoss on Jul 16, 2008 - 13 answers

I want to roam free from my desk.

What's it like to have a laptop as your only computer? [more inside]
posted by MsMolly on Sep 13, 2007 - 62 answers

To buy or not to buy - even what to buy!

Should I stick with my last July G4 iBook, buy a MacBook or an iMac or wait for untold delights? [more inside]
posted by dance on Aug 10, 2006 - 12 answers

Remote Desktop to Mac

What is the best way to remotely access a Mac computer from a Windows machine? [more inside]
posted by benjh on Mar 17, 2006 - 7 answers

Laptop/Desktop

What's the advantage of having a desktop? [more inside]
posted by dpx.mfx on Nov 9, 2005 - 27 answers

Help me sell my computer.

Help me sell my computer! Er... or at least decide if I want to. [more inside]
posted by arcticwoman on Oct 14, 2005 - 22 answers

Using a laptop as a desktop replacement.

I would like some general information, advice, and opinions about using a laptop almost exclusively as a desktop replacement. [more inside]
posted by Ian A.T. on Oct 12, 2005 - 21 answers

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