I just picked up a desktop, for the reasons mentioned. I had an old PowerBook, but it was too outdated for current software.

For one thing, you get a lot more bang for your buck with a desktop. It's not quite half as expensive for the same power, but it's close. Also, I just prefer a big ass monitor and a full keyboard. I'm a big guy with pudgy fingers and I spend half my time on a laptop hitting backspace.

I got an HP. I did comparison with equal components across Dell, Compaq, HP, and Gateway. They had the best deals.