Should I get a laptop
Computer technology changes almost daily. To keep up with the technology is a full time job. To advice someone on what type of computer to get, is an impossible task. Everyone's needs are different. Everyone's preferences is different. Therefore, these pages are for your information to make an educated decision. There is so much information that it may confuse you more than help you. However it is important to review all the information. Also as technology changes, some of the information provided here may not apply.
For more information that I don't have included here, see the following
Hardware questions Information on computer parts.
To buy a portable or a desktop is a personal preference and something I can't advice. Today's systems are getting fast enough to use a laptop as a desktop. You can use a docking station to connect the laptop to a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and printer. You then use the laptop as a desktop. When you want to take the laptop with you, you remove the laptop from the docking station. It is very easy to connect or remove the laptop from the docking station.
Many computer companies offer a complete care package. This covers the computer for damage caused by dropping, storms, water spillage and other items that is not normally covered by the warranty. With portables / laptops, I highly recommend the complete care package. They get damaged very easy.
The only drawback about using a laptop as a desktop is that they are more expensive to repair (if your warranty has expired) or to upgrade.