I think it is up to what the person wants if to do. IF they are very mobile then I would go with a lap top. IF a person stays home a lot and just wants to surf the internet or do pictures on then I would say a desk top model is the way to go. I know on average that a desk top usually gives you more for your money in software and hardware. I normally buy a desk top for myself as I do a lot of gaming on mine. Just lately laptop models are coming out in a price range where I can still do a lot of gaming.