In many ways laptops are the future of personal computing. The advantages of being able to carry your computer with you to computer-based presentations, meetings, while traveling, and back and forth between office and home are undeniable. Laptops are usually half a generation behind the latest desktop technology. When laptops break or need an upgrade, expect to pay two to three times as much for parts. Unlike desktop computers, laptops use proprietary parts produced in smaller volumes, which means increased cost.
Laptops are popular with thieves, for obvious reasons.
Of course, if a laptop is what you really need, you'll be more than willing to live with these disadvantages. Many people who own laptops would have nothing else. All good laptops are expensive. Apple and Dell both make high-quality laptops. If you need a Windows laptop, our first preference is Dell, simply because that brand is a campus standard.