To your first question. No, They are basically the same. Will desktops be phased out? Not in the foreseen future. As for your question to Zinglebarb, Parts for laptops are available. I can not speak for anyone else but I know it is possible and I have seen some custom built Laptops but the logistics of the build would be a nightmare and expensive. Too expensive for most customers.


LC

So you saying that you can build laptops but its quite expensive to do so? And again, who and where would you get laptop parts from?

Yes Marioc, expensive mainly because you can not buy the parts in enough quanity. Expensive because the main manufacturers do not want you cutting into theirs sales. Now as to who and where. Two places, Laptop manufactures and computer parts jobbers that buy laptop parts over runs. I know I said manufactures did not want you cutting into sales but truth is that when they over run the parts for a certian model, those parts are sold. Usually jobbers buy these and sell them as dicounted replacement parts. I must ask your forgiveness for not having a more specific answer on who and where. When I retired from the PC repair business I sold everything so all of my catalogs and records went with to the buyer.

LC

You could get a micro itx motherboard an build the case and all from the ground up. It wouldnt be as fast but it would be more upgradeable.

Oh thats ok LC...you're forgivin. Well LC...I'm basically a young tech whose trying to build a business and I could really use your help since you've been there. I have this Dell laptop that needs a new mb and I have to find one, this is for anyone on here, but where can I go to get one besides the manufacturers or jobbers. Or what jobber can I order this mb from? And AMD this is for you or anyone, so thats what kind of mb that comes in the the laptops is itx's? Where would I get cases, processors and etc to even build a laptop?

Well it would be a lot of fabrication. And Real laptops have custom build motherboards.
mini-itx.com - projects - itx laptop
It would cost around if not more than a real laptop, But be upgradeable. But it would be a lot of work.