Should I Get A Laptop?

[angel_benet]

My work does not really require for me to have a laptop. In fact, for security reasons, my IT department does not allow employees to bring in laptops. But, I am contemplating on buying a second hand iBook G3. The deal isn't so bad.

What are the advantages of having a laptop? Pros and cons? Currently I have an iMac G3 350mHz slot loading, and a Win XP clone that only serves as a backup for my Mac (all my Mac files are backed up on the pc via LAN).

Any advice would be appreciated.

[longbeard]

I suggest staying with the Desktop and instead of buying a laptop a PSP might better (cheaper too).

[ruger]

if you don't travel much (which i think the only situation wherein you'll need a portable), i would suggest just buying another desktop like an emac or a mac mini.. or as longbeard said, a PSP

[zChris]

i think a laptop is always a good idea. even if you dont need to work while mobile, there is nothing like having all your work files wherever you go just in case.

mobile productivity is all about having all your critical information available anywhere, anytime (even if you are just at home). i used to use my office pc as my main pc for work with files synced to my mac. now, i am slowly using my mac as my main work pc with files synced to my desktop for backup. i dont go out to customers much anymore but i do spend a lot of time in meetings in the office. nothing beats a great note taking app for notes in meetings without having to transcribe (if i was using a paper notebook) when i get back to my desk. while presentations will still fit in a flash disk (forget floppies!), i have run into some rare issues where the pc wont read my mac based flash disk so just bringing the laptop has gotten me out of a jam a number of times.

plus, with the various modes of connectivity while mobile, gprs, wlan, dial up, there is no excuse not to be connected to work data. and for most heavy lifting, a pda just wont cut it.

[HooHaw]

I got a laptop to use as a XXXL mobile hard drive with a 12" screen to use as storage for my RAW files when we're on vacation. And when bored, I can watch DiVX ripped from my DVD or play games or pre-edit the photos or log-in (via dial-up, bleeach!)...

[booblanco]

Aside from what zChris already mentioned, Apple's international warranty only covers portable systems like 'Books and iPods. So if you intend to avail of tax-free benefits from countries where Apple portables are much much cheaper (like HK), the 'Book's the way to go.

May I also suggest that you don't settle for anything lower than a 1GHz G4? I think you'll want to upgrade to OS X Tiger at some point in the future, so that iBook G3 may not be such a sweet deal.

[jbd]

Desktops will always be more power for the amount you spend on it. However with my laptop I can move around between the office and house without having to make complex update scripts between the 2 machines or having to get a subscription to .Mac.

Since you can't really use it at the office, your laptop will more or less be for personal use depending on how your office operates. In those cases, then it may be better to just get a desktop.

Kind of funny that your office doesn't let you bring in laptops. I remember talking to the "IT Head" of an insurance company that shall remain nameless. He told me with pride that his office doesn't allow laptops or floppy disks to prevent people from bringing in any foreign data or taking out confidential documents. The look on his face was priceless when I plugged in a USB flash disk into the port.

[NoisyCricket]

where I go, my iBook goes! 'Nuff said

[wedge]

Same thing here.

Wherever I go, I carry my PowerBook. It's more of an everyday necessity, I guess.

[angel_benet]

All that stuff about not buying a laptop makes sense, I just don't understand why I'm still thinking of getting the iBook. Maybe I'm crazy?

Suppose I buy the laptop, how much more am I going to spend? The laptop already has the specs I want, but how much in terms of accessories (i.e. carrying case, etc.)

Thanks again.