Should I build a new Desktop or go for a Laptop?

[2ManyOptions]

Hi,
I want to buy a new system with a budget of probably up to ~1300$. I haven't really tried to build a desktop on my own yet but I don't have problem trying the same.

Problem to buy/build desktop: I probably will be shifting couple of time this year (once for sure) so I really don't want to add new items to move around, when I know I have to.

Problem to buy laptop: I want a dual boot (Linux and Win7) machine. I don't think any DELL or HP etc will give that to me?

So, if I buy a laptop and I DON'T WANT the pre-installed Win 7 will they reduce the cost?
I don't want 500 GB of HDD on my laptop on my C drive alone, so will the warranty be considered void if I create multiple partitions, which I anyways have to since I want Linux?

As to my usage - it will be primarily used for development/trying out new stuffs. I don't play games, it just has to be good enough to run 1080p/HD movies without any jerks. Built in storage is all I need since I have sufficient external storage already available.

Not sure if this is the right place, please direct me to the appropriate forum if that is the case.

Thanks.

 

[BadThad]

I alway prefer a desktop given the choice. Much easier to repair/upgrade....yea, it's that simple.

 

[pete1229]

You might consider an all in one desktop since you will be relocating a few times in the year to come. There are a few of them out there if you Google "bare bones all in ones" you'll see them. Not sure if it'll meet your needs but check it out.

 

[AFurryReptile]

Problem to buy laptop: I want a dual boot (Linux and Win7) machine. I don't think any DELL or HP etc will give that to me?

They won't ship you the PC with Linux already on it, but you can configure dual-boot no problem. I believe Ubuntu even gives you the option when you first start it up.

So, if I buy a laptop and I DON'T WANT the pre-installed Win 7 will they reduce the cost?

Nope. Unless you're getting it custom-built, all PC's are going to come with an operating system.

I don't want 500 GB of HDD on my laptop on my C drive alone, so will the warranty be considered void if I create multiple partitions, which I anyways have to since I want Linux?

Only physical abuse is going to void your warranty. (Overclocking, water damage, dropping it) Install any OS you like.

As to my usage - it will be primarily used for development/trying out new stuffs. I don't play games, it just has to be good enough to run 1080p/HD movies without any jerks. Built in storage is all I need since I have sufficient external storage already available.

I'd highly suggest getting a laptop with a dedicated video card. Other than that, anything new within the last few years is going to be able to play 1080p no problem.

 

[pete1229]

Installing Ubuntu is very easy alongside windows 7, I have the 64bit version of both on my system drive.

 

[2ManyOptions]

Hi AFurryReptile,
Thanks for the inputs, I will check some laptops. I think I can configure Dell to match what I need (too bad I can't remove the anti-virus etc etc that is by default included)

Hi Pete1229,
Yes I have an existing desktop where I have installed Ubuntu along with Win XP but I will be discarding this. My concern was laptop warranty/availability of other OS/multi boot for new laptops.

 

[2ManyOptions]

Pete1229,
One question regarding Ubuntu with Win 7 - you probably have NTFS for your Win 7 and you need some part of the sole C drive as a new file system to install Ubuntu. Performing all the partition and playing around with file system will not affect the installed Win 7 and the programs already installed on it?

 

[2ManyOptions]

Hi,
I seem to find Lenovo Ideapad Z series laptop models good enough, though I would prefer the screen resolution to be better than 1366 x 768.

IdeaPad Z560 Laptop - 091448U - Black (http://shop.lenovo.com/us/notebooks/.../z-series/z560). I also liked the Dell Inspiron series (15" models).

Any inputs for this?

Also, should I wait for 2nd gen core processor models or even if that won't make a difference , the price, I guess for the 1st gen ones will probably go down? (I don't HAVE to hit the upper limit of my budget )