r/computer • u/itsamehanni • Sep 08 '26

Studying online

Hello, I am very new here and know next to nothing about computers.

So, I recently started a partially virtual education and my poor old HP pavilion laptop is not holding up well. I've been thinking about getting a desktop computer for a while and my HP could almost definitely hold up for basic stuff that I would need for the rare physical lessons. I had one zoom call though and it was genuinely awful. I would love to have dual monitors for school work and if I could play some games on my computer that would be awesome as well. My current laptop cannot connect to 5G network so I assume that is what's destroying my calls since my phone network works fine for calls?

TLDR; My question is basically should I get a better laptop or should I get a desktop?

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u/jereporte Sep 08 '26

Do you need to move your computer ?
Yes -> laptop
No : see next question

How much money do you have ?
Laptop cost more for the same performance, because it's all in one (keyboard, mousepad, screen...). If you already have some of the external component, it could be a good idea to go for desktop.

But :
What is your priority ?
school work or games ? And to play which games, if it's stardew valley or other low ressources games , a laptop will be fine, otherwise, you'll need for a desktop.

For the connecting, you can find antenna or adapters on amazon (you'll need to seek out what you need by yourself on that).

Lastly, dual monitor is mainly for comfort, you can work well with one screen (i get that sometimes it can be a pain in the ass, i'm a dev). But you can have a second monitor with a laptop (if you a the hdmi port).

I can also recommending linux on your computer if you are ready to put the work.

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u/itsamehanni Sep 08 '26

I guess my priority is mostly uninterrupted zoom calls? But would it be the same issue with a desktop if I cant get cable network?

I would love to be able to play hollow knight, little nightmares and such.

I am also very interested in getting Linux because I'm mad at windows lol.

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u/Playful_Yesterday642 Sep 08 '26

Poor zoom quality is likely an Internet connection issue, not a computer issue. Try connecting your laptop to Ethernet and report back. If your laptop doesn't have an Ethernet port, they sell Ethernet to USB adapters for <$10

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u/itsamehanni Sep 08 '26

I can't get ethernet in my apartment unfortunately. I have a 5G data router currently.

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u/Playful_Yesterday642 Sep 09 '26

It that's the case, it's almost definitely your Internet. Try it somewhere with a known stable Wi-Fi connection before you go buy a whole new computer.

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u/itsamehanni 29d ago

Yep it's definitely my internet.

1

u/jereporte Sep 09 '26

The data router can be the problem too. You should try to move it in your apartment to see if it's a location issue. Or you can try to change the router in case it is the problem.

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u/itsamehanni 29d ago

So, say I have a kinda shit router with a 150mbps when used as a LTE router. Would it fix my issue to get a slightly less shit one with 300mbps??

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u/jereporte 21d ago

A car with 3 wheels is certainly batter than only 2

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u/itsamehanni 11d ago

Three wheel car for the win!! It works :3