laptop vs desktop

[CrimsonMaiden]

For those of you who have both, which do you find it easier to write using?

Yesterday, I sat at my desktop with a story open for hours but couldn't make myself write no matter what I did. After the kids went to bed last night, I settled down on the couch with the laptop and banged out almost 4,000 words. Is it the comfort I can enjoy while using the laptop that makes it more conducive to writing?

I just think it's quite odd, but I have noticed over the last couple of weeks that most of my writing has been done on the laptop even if I've spent alot of time on the desktop.

 

[oggbashan]

Desktop every time for me. I need the larger keyboard or my fingers get tangled up.

With a long enough lead and my distance vision glasses I can relax and write.

Og

 

[ElizabethWest]

I love my laptop. I have been suffering greatly since it's been in the shop. Thank god it's ready for pickup tomorrow. I find that when I get comfy with it on my lap, the ideas just flow so much better. Maybe it's this hard wooden chair here at my desk. I don't know. Maybe it's the versatility that I can just pick it up and wander around with it if I want to. I put it on the kitchen counter when I'm cooking. I have lain in bed on my stomach with it.

This is beginning to sound a little kinky! It's just so handy that I don't know what I'd do without it.

 

[CrimsonMaiden]

 

[gauchecritic]

Well, where do you balance the laptop? where is the heat sink? Think about it.

 

[CharleyH]

laptop, take it to any room anytime, on the road, or at the cafe' Love it, and can't survive without it. It reminds me of the old days, you know the ones with pen and paper?

 

[minsue]

Definitely the laptop. I do have more typos due to the smaller keyboard, but the comfort of writing wherever I feel like it is key.


If you take it to the shop, back up everything to disk. I was stupid enough not to do that since all that was to be fixed was a loose wire that needed to be soldered for the plug. It didn't even cross my mind that they would mess with anything else. The bastards wiped my hard drive clean. *sob*

 

[CrimsonMaiden]

Well, where do you balance the laptop? where is the heat sink? Think about it.

I have a lapdesk, so the vents aren't blocked even when it's in my lap.

 

[CrimsonMaiden]

If you take it to the shop, back up everything to disk.

I don't have much to back up since I generally save everything on the desktop. I do have some pictures that I need to transfer, but that's about it.

 

[Guest]

Desktop every time for me. I need the larger keyboard or my fingers get tangled up.

With a long enough lead and my distance vision glasses I can relax and write.

Og

Agreed. My fingers have enough trouble on a full size keyboard. I will say the laptop is very handy on wireless to go to the den and work while watching a race or out in the back yard when the weather is nice. And a lot easier when I have to go on the road.

For serious writing, though, I need my desktop or a fullsize keyboard plugged into the lappy.

 

[neonlyte]

Laptop - can barely work on the desktop any more. Plus I'm travelling a lot so the laptop goes with me.

 

[DirtyJJ]

Is it the comfort I can enjoy while using the laptop that makes it more conducive to writing?

I love the laptop, for exactly the reason you mentioned above. I was borrowing one for a while, and loved writing on it either on my couch, or at the cafe, or once or twice even on my patio. I don't have it now, and my writing has stalled, because I can't seem to get in the writing mood on the desktop.
JJ

 

[Singularity]

Lapping It Up

I always use the laptop now. I often take it to work and do some writing during my lunch hour, in the privacy of a conference room, or I'll go out to a Panera Bread where they have Wi-Fi and do some email work. Plus, there is no better way to make the boredom of waiting in an airport departure lounge go fast than to lose yourself in what you're working on.

I have a story I'm working on about a guy who sits down next to a seat-mate on a plane who is writing a porn story for Lit and gets involved with it, too.

But I always use a memory-stick USB drive to back the latest stuff up, too, in case the laptop becomes an inadvertent falling brick. They're dirt cheap and way faster than burining a CD or writing a floppy with what you've just given birth to.


Sin.

 

[impressive]

Laptop -- just 'cause I'm not as comfortable sitting at a desk. I'm so used to the smaller keyboard that it's not an issue any more.

 

[lil_elvis]

Laptop cause

1. I work from it all the time professionally and lit-erally

2. Love that I can use it about anywhere - the wireless cable modem link is fabulous

3. the kids are on the desktop most of the time anyway

 

[impressive]

Laptop cause

1. I work from it all the time professionally and lit-erally

2. Love that I can use it about anywhere - the wireless cable modem link is fabulous

3. the kids are on the desktop most of the time anyway

Howdy, virgin. Welcome to the AH.

 

[CrimsonMaiden]

Once again, I was on desktop this morning and couldn't write a thing. Got on the laptop and did over 2,000 words... guess it's a comfort thing for me.

 

[Liar]

Both. Since I moved last week, I use my laptop as my desktop. I hav a regular sized keyboard, mouse and a screen plugged in, and the laptop is closed, pushed away in a corner. It has all the advantages of a desktop working space - ergonomic table, big screen, proper keyboard, sound board and big-ass speakers plugged in.

But when I feel like it, I can unplug the thing in three seconds and go sit outside.

And best of all, unlike when I had my desktop puter, it is silent.

#L

 

[rgraham666]

Have to use a desktop. Too poor to afford anything else.

 

[Boxlicker101]

I really like my laptop but I have used a desktop also. The larger keyboard and the separate number pad are pluses but I still prefer the laptop. Partly from being able to move it around but I usually work at my desk anyhow. I also prefer being able to go online faster. I think it is mostly a matter of what I am comfortable with.

 

[CrimsonMaiden]

The small keyboard of the laptop doesn't really bother me... but then again, I have small hands.

 

[tolyk]

I've never really had much access to a laptop.

However, if one has the proper equipment with a desktop, it can be just as relaxing as using a laptop. I have a wireless mouse/keyboard set and my computer is set up right beside my bed so I can lay down on my bed and write if my chair is bothering me.

I have to increase the font size when I do that though, due to bad vision *shrug*

 

[velvetpie]

I ADORE my laptop! Fits on the coffee table and I can sit back, write, watch the big screen TV, work the TiVo and hop off to use the PlayStation or GameCube whenever I get bored. Just can't be beat!

 

[Evil Alpaca]

Got a desktop, laptop, and gamecube.
Each is wonderfully special in their own way.

 

[SeaCat]

I guess it would depend on my mood and what 'm doing. For writing I like to take my laptop, (Salvaged and repaired,) and go sit out in the courtyard. Something about being outside watching my cats play inspires me.

For going online I use the eskTop. I can throw in a Cd and listen to music while I surf.

Cat