Ask HN: Ditching My Laptop for a Desktop

[tennisprince]

Hey folks,

I'm facing a decision on upgrading my dev machine and considering a switch from laptop to desktop. The price difference is significant - looking at $2k+ for a well-spec'd laptop versus around $1k for a comparable desktop.

My thinking: Most of my work is done at a fixed location anyway Git/version control means I can still use my existing laptop as backup for mobile work Getting twice the performance per dollar seems compelling

For those who've made this switch: How has it worked out? Any unexpected issues or benefits? Did the cost savings justify any trade-offs?

[stephenr]

Overall I think it's worth it. I made a switch like this back in 2018, and it's worked very well for me. I ended up buying a new stock-config MBP15 because my previous laptop had a fatal failure and needed a quick replacement; A couple of months later I swapped to a maxed out i7 Mac mini and kept the laptop as a "backup" (in case the mini needed service) and for travelling; 5 years later (last year) I (mostly) replaced the mini with an upgraded M2 Studio, and still have the same laptop as backup/travel, which leads to one of the "downsides":

It makes for a conundrum when you finally need to replace the laptop. It isn't your primary use machine, so it becomes hard to justify costs of upgrading components on a replacement, but you need something that can do the core things your desktop does if you need to work while travelling (or the desktop is out of action).

[litoE]

I use a desktop plus a cheap laptop, both running Linux. When I'm away from home I use the laptop as a remote terminal to the desktop. Since all the processing is still done on the desktop, I get decent performance. Plus, should I lose or damage the laptop it's not a big deal: it has no files I care about.

[syndicatedjelly]

I haven’t had a personal laptop in years. Just a mac mini m1, base model. It still runs great - I do have to be a bit careful running too many things at once, but that’s an acceptable trade off.

I like working from a desk. I feel locked in, and when I get up, it really is to take a break from the work

The cost savings are certainly worth it. I also grew up with desktop computing until college, and even then the laptop rarely left my dorm room. So maybe I’m just used to working this way

I recently spec’d out some comparable machines from Apple - $999 gets you a 32GB Mac Mini M4. A comparably setup Macbook Air (24GB, M3) costs $1299, and the current gen Macbook Pro is $1999. That’s a lot more money for a small screen and small keyboard

[GianFabien]

It depends on how and where you like to work.

For over a decade, I have preferred an ergonomic chair, lots of deskspace, 3 LCD screens, fullsize keyboard, trackball and a powerful desktop with masses of storage, RAM and performance.

For me peering through the single screen of a laptop and trying to retain context which multiple monitors affords strains my brain. Adding extra screen, etc to a laptop defeats the portability aspect.

When away from the desk, I just use a Chromebook - cheap, secure and runs all day. The idea of being away from the desk is to interact with people, etc. Not bury my head in code development in some noisy cafe.

[k310]

I stopped using a laptop long ago. A Mac mini is cheap, fast, and I have a big monitor. An iMac display went dark, and the whole thing needs repair. Same deal for laptops. Modular is great. Not to mention all the ports, and the fact that hubs and external drives hide behind the monitor, not needing to be taped to the laptop lid.

[JohnFen]

I did this a couple of years ago, for the same reasons. I never actually moved my laptop, so when it came time to replace it, I looked toward a tower. Much more power for much less money.

It's worked out fantastic for me. I've sacrificed nothing and gained a much better machine.

[MaxAFriedrich]

I prefer the flexibility of a laptop, but sometimes need more compute. When I do need more compute, I use a server and either SSH onto it, or use a VM with the SPICE protocol to create a very useable VDI experience. I can use it from anywhere via Tailscale.

[Ekaros]

I think good desktop and portable affordable laptop is sensible combination. As someone working remotely, I could do same or more with desktop than laptop. With less potential issues like dodgy docks...

[omani]

laptops are the best. cant go back to desktops anymore. tried and it is awful. sitting in front of it like an ape. I rather lie down or chill in a comfy position and be location independent.