So, here's my dilemma about laptop, DVD player, stereo, and office. Help, please.

[Rabrrrrrr]

I was, a few weeks ago, considering buying a DVD player/stereo system (a small one) to put in my office - I found a $99 one that, while not home theater quality, is good enough for the *(#@*$ office. This would require me, of course, to also get a TV (or more likely an LCD monitor) on which to watch the movies. The DVD player also plays CDs, has an AM/FM receiver, and it has a USB input to play mp3s from the computer, though that latter option would require a cable running across the floor and so is something I wouldn't likely have used anyway.

Or, the other option is that my laptop is 6 years old and I'd love to upgrade. The cost of these babies has gone down dramatically, and now, for not much more than the cost of the DVD system and an LCD monitor I could get a new laptop that would fit my needs, which also would have the ability to play radio (via Internet, and all the stations I listen to offer Internet options), DVDs (though doing so would reduce my screen landscape), play my mp3s, and play CDs. The sound wouldn't be, probably, as nice as through a stereo - but with a pair of external speakers, and given that it's in my office anyway, I bet it would sound not really any different from the stereo system (and I can even get external speakers with a subwoofer, so even that part gets covered).

It also means less wasted shelf space in the office, which the minimalist in me loves.

Of course, with a new laptop one runs the risk of getting a piece of shit that will break down, fall apart, or otherwise fuck me over. While this laptop is 6 years old, the fact that it still runs is a pretty indication that it's solid and is gonna keep on running. It's slow, it runs Windows ME, and the DVD player overheats after about 20 minutes, but it really is perfectly fine for my needs which is mostly word processing, email, and Internet usage.

And now I don't know why I'm asking you for help, I think I've just convinced myself. But I'll ask for help anyway. I only have the money to do one of the two options - which do I go for?

[Hosnon]

1. Here's my contribution:

I can't tell you what to do but this website may help you decide:

http://kooki.ca/van/

Perhaps neither option has to result in clutter.

[Rabrrrrrr]

3. That's a nice looking desk!

[Hosnon]

5. Yes...I dream of doing that to mine one day. NT.

[supernova]

2. Get the new laptop

There's much more flexibility there in the number of things you can do with it, whereas the new DVD player et al., will only provide for your entertainment needs.

[Rabrrrrrr]

4. I think you're right, and that's the direction I'm leaning heavily toward...

[Hard_Work]

6. second the laptop

And if you get a higher end one with a 17" screen, you won't lose all that much screen real estate when you watch movies.

[grace0418]

7. If your laptop has been around for six years you're going to have to replace it

reasonably soon anyway. It would suck to buy all that other equipment and then have your laptop crap out six months or a year later. Better to buy the new laptop.

[LeftyMom]

8. You're using Windows ME?

Stop punishing yourself. Go get a new laptop.

[LSK]

9. Laptop

http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.aspx?EDC=1154119

[qnr]

10. Well, I know you've made your decision, but I'd say buy the laptop. My laptop

is six years old also. However, I run a source-based Linux distro on it, added some RAM and a 100G HDD and it's pretty darned fast.

[mainegreen]

11. I recommend buying a wheel of cheese.

It tastes better and will look nicer on your end table.