I get asked quite often from newer VA’s the question “laptop or desktop?”  If you asked me that question when I first began my business 10 years ago, I would have proudly stated I was a desktop chick!  Mind you back then, laptops were not as cost effective as they are now.  I did in fact buy my first laptop 8 years ago for the low, low price of $3500.00. I bought it simply due to my travel schedule and quite honestly I used it maybe twice. I found it absolutely slow, quite heavy to carry and hooking up the internet was an absolute nightmare.   It was probably the worst investment I have ever made…let’s just chalk it up to an “impulse buy” gone bad.   So, of course I went back to “old faithful” my desktop PC with a renewed loyalty that nothing would come between us again 

Well years went by and I remained true to my desktop, until my life took a dramatic turn in 2005 when I became pregnant with my daughter.  If you read my post last week Don’t sweat the small stuff!!  you’ll understand why I had to make the switch from Desktop to Laptop.

With my daughter being as sick as she was, the need for mobility was a must.  I obviously still had to work, but my office was in the basement and my daughter was on the upper level.   

So I dove into the “laptop” pool yet again, with hesitation. I’ve always been a Dell computer lover, so ultimately my laptop was a Dell.  I was amazed at how cost effective laptops had become and even more amazed at the capabilities.  I always had this notion that desktop computers were by far superior in RAM, Hard Drive Space, etc, but it was really not so.  I spent $1000.00 on the new laptop (geez can you believe it) and within a week I had my laptop and a wireless network so that I could work anywhere within my house. 

The mobility was fantastic, the speed and usability of my laptop was awesome.  I of course had to get used to the keyboard, which was somewhat of a struggle for me, but within a couple of weeks another obstacle had been overcome.   

Yes, I became a Laptop convert and quite honestly can’t picture myself being tied down to a desk ever again.   The best thing about the laptop is also its biggest downfall for me…the mobility.  I work much more than I probably would on the desktop.  Being the desktop was stationary; I would shut my office door and say good night until the next morning.  With my laptop, the temptation of sitting on the couch in the evenings, while checking my email, is something I still do from time to time.   However this really isn’t the laptop’s downfall, but something I need to work on.  Overall the Laptop has been an absolute sanity saver.  I simply couldn’t imagine how I would have possibly managed caring for my daughter without it!

I’m now in my 2^nd year as a Laptop convert and have no intention of turning back.  So, when I’m asked the question “laptop or desktop” for me it all comes down to lifestyle.  A desktop worked great for me back then, now certain events have made me appreciate the mobility of a laptop.  

For me, ones not better than the other, just different!  The choice is yours!