Ask HN: Switching to a desktop after 15 years of exclusive laptop use?
10 comments
My workspace at home is a single desk that I shared between a work supplied laptop and a desktop. Earlier this year I left my job, returned my work laptop, and transitioned to using my desktop as my daily driver for work. This had the following impacts:
- I no longer have to switch peripherals to use the same desk with the same peripherals: monitor, keyboard, mouse, microphone, DAC for music, and webcam. This simplified my wiring on the desk and reduced overall clutter, something I appreciate greatly.
- It helped me have a clear delineation between workspace and not workspace. When I'm done for the day, I tend to put my desktop into suspend or shut down entirely. I endeavor not to perform any tasks from my desk for the remainder of the day. Prior, I think I struggled with the mental transition of finishing the workday, switching peripherals, and then pivoting to my desktop for personal projects.
Recently, I purchased a modern laptop. My 2017 laptop was struggling, I needed to travel, and I needed access to software that wasn't readily available on my desktop OS. Post new laptop, I noticed the following:
- I am significantly more productive at my desk w/desktop versus pure laptop work. The peripherals, dedicated space, and compute power have a noticeably positive impact on my productivity. This is most impactful for development work and moderately impactful for my writing.
- My desktop is fast, and the screen is crisp. I thought my new M1 laptop would outshine my ~1-year-old desktop on Pop!_OS, and it does not. Desktops can pack a serious punch when it comes to computing power. This power does not require a large amount of space. My case is 6+ liters with a mini-itx board.
Having access to both a desktop and laptop has let me use both devices where they shine best. The laptop is great if the priority is mobility. The desktop is great is the priorities are power (compute / network), comfort, and a dedicated space.
- I no longer have to switch peripherals to use the same desk with the same peripherals: monitor, keyboard, mouse, microphone, DAC for music, and webcam. This simplified my wiring on the desk and reduced overall clutter, something I appreciate greatly.
- It helped me have a clear delineation between workspace and not workspace. When I'm done for the day, I tend to put my desktop into suspend or shut down entirely. I endeavor not to perform any tasks from my desk for the remainder of the day. Prior, I think I struggled with the mental transition of finishing the workday, switching peripherals, and then pivoting to my desktop for personal projects.
Recently, I purchased a modern laptop. My 2017 laptop was struggling, I needed to travel, and I needed access to software that wasn't readily available on my desktop OS. Post new laptop, I noticed the following:
- I am significantly more productive at my desk w/desktop versus pure laptop work. The peripherals, dedicated space, and compute power have a noticeably positive impact on my productivity. This is most impactful for development work and moderately impactful for my writing.
- My desktop is fast, and the screen is crisp. I thought my new M1 laptop would outshine my ~1-year-old desktop on Pop!_OS, and it does not. Desktops can pack a serious punch when it comes to computing power. This power does not require a large amount of space. My case is 6+ liters with a mini-itx board.
Having access to both a desktop and laptop has let me use both devices where they shine best. The laptop is great if the priority is mobility. The desktop is great is the priorities are power (compute / network), comfort, and a dedicated space.
+1 thanks
>I am curious to see if using a desktop as a primary driver will clean up my work life balance
Will it though? I'm unconvinced. Besides not being able to get up and move yourself and your primary tool for working to those other locations, I'm not entirely clear about how working on a desktop will be any (if at all) different from working with a laptop.
That said, please post a follow up in 30 days or so. I'm very curious to learn about your experiences.
Will it though? I'm unconvinced. Besides not being able to get up and move yourself and your primary tool for working to those other locations, I'm not entirely clear about how working on a desktop will be any (if at all) different from working with a laptop.
That said, please post a follow up in 30 days or so. I'm very curious to learn about your experiences.
I will post a follow up.
Depends on your workload, but I use my Desktop solely as a docker host, large compile machine, and CAD machine (with remote access using Parsec). My laptop is what is actually connected to the monitor (when at home), and my browser and remote shells run on it.
I use a desktop computer when at home and a laptop when traveling. I am quite more productive using a 27” screen.
Are you asking if you should only be working from a single dedicated location, vs multiple locations?
I would love to get a Mac Studio. I work from home and just don’t need a laptop anymore. Sure would take up less space and look really nice.
I'm curious why you think, even in single quotes, that moving to a desktop is 'going back in time'.
I programmed for 20 years before laptops were available.
A few days ago, I was given a new (unboxed) M1 iMac, nicely loaded, as a gift. I almost didn't accept it because my workflow is done in my office, living room couch, two shady areas outside my house, and my beautiful local library.
Has anyone else 'gone back in time' and moved to a desktop? My plan is to use the iMac for a month to see what advantages there are. The large screen is nice, and large enough that I packed away my large LG external monitor that I purchased from Apple a couple of years ago.
Between working (I work 15 hours a week), my own research, and occasional work writing books, I tend to take a lot of time for friends and family, hiking, etc., but, I also weave short bursts of work into my early mornings, during the day, and at night. I am curious to see if using a desktop as a primary driver will clean up my work life balance.