You're comparing apples and oranges Laptops and desktops both have their own advantages. Desktops are more powerful, more easily upgraded and/or modded (if you're in to that kind of thing). Laptops are mobile and convenient.

The wireless thing is a non-issue; standard wireless is what.. 11Mbps. You could get newer at 54Mbps/248Mbps but I doubt your Internet connection goes at that speed anyway. I use wireless at home and work without issue.

Likewise space shouldn't be a problem either - you can get compact, tiny desktops. The only space you'd have to worry about then is for your screen.

What do you use your computer for? That'd better answer whether you should get a desktop or laptop. Generally speaking: Gaming, hardcore graphics manipulation (3D etc) = desktop. Light gaming, general Internet usage, word processing = laptop.

I had to ask myself those same questions when I decided whether I wanted to get a laptop or desktop. Basically the questions you really need to be asking yourself are what Jems already covered. I use a computer for designing, music, and web surfing. In the end I choose to buy a Macbook Pro because I like the convienance of having my laptop on the go when I need it, it's been very reliable for almost the year that I've had it, and it handles all the hefty software I need it for like a charm.

I think the convinience of a Laptop is great. A laptop was my only choice, because in my house their is no room for a desktop - especially not in my room that I share with my sister, I store my laptop under my bed lol..
The wireless internet thing isn't an issue, you can easily reset the password and their isn't really any difference in speed In my house their is 3 of us using one wireless connection, and it's alright.
Anyway, I think a laptop would be a better choice Good luck in choosing though.

Hmm. I can't really help with the laptop/desktop decision D: But, I really like this layout, for what it's worth Good luck choosing!

My anti-spam word was bitch. XD

I prefer desktops, because I don't need a computer around all the time, and if I could take it with me anywhere (or just other rooms in the house) I'd be on the computer far too much. But I think for you, a laptop is a better choice and you probably won't need to worry about a slower internet connection.

My boyfriend just got me a macbook and it is amazing. It is easy to use (once you get the hang of it), its cute, easy to move around. Also, going with wireless internet is not that big of a deal. If you get a good router than it should be just as fast or faster than your regular computer. Also, it is nice to take the laptop to places that have free wifi ( I dont know where you live, so I'm not sure what those places would be for you). A Macbook is about 1500…so kind of a set back. My boyfriend(sorry to keep bringing him up, but he is a big computer nerd) was telling me about a cute, pink laptop that costs about $300 and is supposed to work well for basic functions…I think Sanyio makes it (is that the right brand? is that even a brand? lol) I'll have to double check. I hope this was helpful.

You don't necessarily need wireless, you can just plug in your ethernet cord (or w/e internet connection you have) into your laptop. BUT if you want to be able to access the internet throughout your home, then yeah, you'd need wireless. I'd say go with whatever's cheaper if there's a concern about money. I have a laptop and I'd prefer laptops over desktops because they're so small, light weight, and yeah, they're just perfect for the things that I do =/.

I have a laptop, and I love it. I don't think I'd want a desktop, but I suppose it depends on what you're looking to get out of your computer.

To be honest, I didn't want a laptop at first. I like the "homely" feeling of a desktop and just having it where it is needed. However, after checking a few laptops out, I realized it was the right choice.

I agree, the whole wireless internet is a problem. I use to be able to use it at my mother's house, but out of nowhere it became locked and no one remembers the password So, when I'm at my home in Virginia, I use the little blue cord, which gives me direct internet and not wireless. Do you have that?

In my opinion, I think a laptop would be the right choice for you

I want a laptop SOOO bad. I want to be able to sit outside in the summer, and take it in bed and all of that.

I have wireless on my desktop and it's just as fast as when I plug it in directly.

I personally like laptops better than desktops. They take up less space and you can take them anywhere. We also have wireless internet and it has caused no problems for us. ::knocks on wood::

I remember my desktop. I still have it sitting in my room. I think it's just about as old as yours. O_o Seems to be working fine though despite having no decent virus protection. I made sure that the rest of my family couldn't access it to mess it up like they did to all the other computers. =P

I prefer laptops because they are pretty cute & they're portable too. The problem with them is that they typcially don't have the storage capacity that desktops do so if you have a lot of high-quality files— and I mean tons— desktop is probably better unless you want to just buy external harddrives, which is a good alternative too if you have either a desktop or laptop.

In terms of wireless Internet… I don't know what to tell you about that. =/ I get different speeds regardless of whether I'm directly connected or wireless, and so far the fastest speed I've ever experienced was through a wired connection. Wireless speeds are usually pretty decent though. But what I've noticed is that my Internet speed on my laptop is much faster when directly connected versus wireless. Depending on the network though, the speed does vary. I guess other factors include location, signal strength, and service providers.

I had a laptop years ago and I had nothing but issues with it. It was a IBM (I think) and I had to send it back a few times because of recalls and crap. I think it lasted 2-3 years? Of course this was years ago so I'm sure things are better now.

Laptops are portable which means it's a bonus for you. For me, laptops will be great because i'm able to work elsewhere if I go travelling.
Hopefully you'll be able to come up with a new layout soon!

It wasn't that long ago when I said I'd never own a laptop. But being in law school changed that so I decided to get one. Since getting a laptop in November 2006, I haven't touched my desktop. It just sits there. I really should give it to someone who needs one because my husband and I each have a laptop.

They are so convenient and I do everything with my laptop: word processing, some games, web design, etc.

Premades can be lifesavers. But remember that you probably visit your site a lot more than everyone else does, so others may not be tired of this layout like you are… I'm not! ♥

I prefer laptops, unless you're lucky enough to have a super-fast desktop comp with a widescreen monitor like my boyfriend's =( Right now I'm on his and I'm falling for it!

A new, compact desktop comp with a nice monitor would be cheaper than a laptop aswell. Just not as portable. And wireless internet, btw, is just as fast. No worries.

I've come to find out that it's the memory on your computer not the internet connection that plays a big part in how fast the internet goes I bought a brand new computer for 400 bucks not much at all it's a wonderful computer but I have a regular wireless connection it was so slow on my old lap top because it ha a memory of like 512 your going to need atleast 1mb and the internet will go fast either way like even with dial up.

I find that laptops tend to be more convenient. I love my laptop. Maybe there is a way in which your mom can have that problem fixed with the lock on the connection. I know there has to be a way to reset it.

Laptops may be more convenient, but they are more fragile. They have NO long-term durability, despite what any ad markets to you.

Um, well. I think that the wireless thing can be solved easily. A laptop is very handy and I think you could be more comfortable with a PC of your own that you could take with yourself everywhere.

But then again, I'm craving a laptop ^^ Of course, I think that's more a matter of long term convenience, like Newton says. You should buy a PC for what it offers you, and also thinking how long will your investment last.

Im currently saving for a desktop. Ive always found them reliable. And how often do you hear people ranting about them. I think twice a day I read blogs whinging about their laptops.

I use a laptop. I converted from desktop to laptop in January of 2007 and all I can tell you is it was the best decision I ever made. I will NEVER go back to a desktop.
And as for the connection worry… Don't worry. I play crazy bandwidth-sucking online games and I've never experienced ANY lag due to my wireless connection.
I highly encourage you to consider the laptop. You will not regret it.

The question is: are you going to use it just at home? If so I would get a desktop. I have both, desktop and laptop but wouldn't have bought the laptop if I weren't going to study in another city next course. In my opinion is more comfortable to use a desktop.