Laptops are portable and convenient, but are more expensive, have smaller keyboards, smaller displays and are easy to steal. But they're just as powerful and functional as desktops, and you can carry them around like a book. And especially now with the advent of wireless networking, you will be able to use them almost anywhere on campus for fast, convenient Internet access without the need to find a wall-jack or be restricted by cables.
Desktop computers have their own advantages.
With a bigger screen, broader keyboard, and mouse, the bulky desktop machine is generally more comfortable to use and less likely to walk off. Desktop computers are also significantly less expensive to purchase, repair and upgrade than their laptop counterparts with comparable capabilities. Your decision should be based primarily on how you plan to use your computer, and then, how much your computing budget can handle. Your classic desktop computer, with its standalone CPU, monitor, and keyboard, weighs in at about 70 pounds. If you regularly want access to the contents of your computer whether at home, office or on the road, the portability of a laptop is an important criterion.