Sadly, I work with computers when I need to, and no matter how you cut it, Laptops are outperformed by desktops without exception. If you need portabilty, have a laptop, if not have a desktop - the end. Better on price, performance, expansion and maintenance is at least possible for the user. They are also more efficient, and less likely to go wrong in my experience.

Technology is always coming on, but the same CPUs (or derivatives thereof) go in to Laptops and desktops, so improvements in laptops come from the improvements in desktops. Dual core is available in desktops as well, if you're prepared to pay for it.

Now, Macs Vs PCs is different. Macs use the processing power available more efficiently than Windows, so less raw power goes further.

I wouldn't buy a laptop for what it's worth...