Mary - Remember that on laptops the screen is connected to the keyboard so you cannot adjust the placement of the various components, like you can on a desktop. Think about whether that will be comfortable for you for everyday computing. Also the mouse arrangement may not be comfortable. Of course, you can buy a separate monitor and mouse to attach to a laptop. I use laptops only on the road and do not particularly like using them. And I know you are not 20 years old, either.