It's time for a new computer for my home based business. This decision comes around about once every 2 to 3 years and there's always this 'laptop versus desktop' argument going on in my head. Some home based businesses absolutely must have a laptop (aka notebook) due to the nature of their business. These are usually businesses where the owner is on the go a lot and / or conducts a lot of business away from the home office. My business is such that I could make use of a notebook computer if I had it, but it wouldn't be necessary for me. In the past, price has always been a huge differentiator in deciding which kind to buy. There was always this argument going on: "do we really a notebook"? However it seems like notebook computer pricing is closing in on desktops now.

I priced out a laptop and a comparable desktop at Best Buy online with the options and software I wanted on it. The options were geared toward a business computer and they included Windows Vista Business and QuickBooks Pro 2008. It was $1594 for the laptop and $1356 for the desktop. Clearly the price gap is closing between notebook computers and desktop computers. With the additional flexibility and portability the notebook gives, it's an easy choice for me now.

What about you? Does your home based business use a notebook computer or a standard desktop computer?