my dept are get you either a laptop or a pc as part of the funding package.
What shall I ask for? what have u all got and what would you recommend?

I dont need specs just either pc or laptop and why...its a decision that will last 3 years!

My choice is a laptop, I have had one since undergrads, MA and now to the PhD. It saved a lot on cost of moving in and out of places...used in the library as well.

Wow Alex getting given EITHER a laptop or a pc free from your funding package -some people have all the luck.

Another vote for a laptop here. Much more versatile having all your work in one place especially when working from home in the evening etc. I'm sitting in bed connected wirelessly to the internet right now!!

The other option is a desktop + mobile hard drive if you have a computer at home, but if you've got the cash, buy the laptop!

Another idea: I spent a few months last year using a Tablet PC (Toshiba Portege M200) which can be a 'normal' laptop but can also be used like a book with a pen. Very useful as a logbook with Microsoft OneNote, especially in a lab (unless you spill coffee or acid on it!)

I have my own laptop - bt the PC is mainly going to be for office - i am able to access my work using winscp so having work in one place probably isnt a problem bt i understand what you mean.

Hey alex. I already have a laptop anyway so am getting a desktop as well. But out of the two, a laptop is always useful if you're planning to be fairly mobile i.e. going away to see friends, relatives a bit and you can take your work with you easily. A desktop would only perhaps be more advantageous if you were doing something that required a lot more 'computer power' as laptops aren't quite up to the top specs that desktops are.

You get more for the money with a desktop package but laptops are great for the portability. If you're going to be carrying it around much try to get a light one to save your posture and/or get a rucksack style laptop bag!

Ask for a couple of desktops so you can look kool swiveling from one screen to the other..

Another vote for laptop!

My head of group said i should get a PC...cos he likes his PhD students to have a life!!!! Ha ha!!!