Reader Mike wants to know: "How do you think a laptop can be better than a desktop for a teenager?"

This is a great question and one that some of my colleagues have addressed on previous blog posts. However, I want to add my two cents to the conversation as well.

In regards to your question, I believe a laptop is the way to go. Laptops give users mobility, so teens won't feel like the only time to learn or do their homework is in their room. I think they'll appreciate being able to go to the library, school or even to a friend's house with all the information they need inside their backpack.

TechWeb will back me up here with an article about this very subject. According to the Center of Research in Education Policy at the University of Memphis, "students are self-directed and get highly personalized instruction with their own computer and Internet Access." Also, over 60 percent of students said the notebooks increased their interest in learning, and teachers noticed improved student proficiency and comfort.

Keep in mind that this computer will follow them through high-school and even college. New technology is being introduced in the classroom every day changing the way students access information, and it won't be long before schools require students to own a laptop for classroom use. You certainly don't want to spend extra money on a laptop when that happens, do you?

Laptops sales have overshadowed desktop sales lately, which can only mean it won't be long before desktops become an obsolete dinosaur.

On the other hand, it is a lot harder for anyone to walk away with a bulky desktop computer, or lose one. Desktops are also easier to repair, and something like the Mac Mini with a flat screen monitor doesn't take up much space either.  

It's a tough call, but I'm going to let our readers weigh-in on this debate. So readers, what do you think is better for teens, a laptop or a desktop?