Guys;  MySQL is easily installed on any PC or Mac :)  In fact, so is the Apache server, PHP and Perl - - my laptop is my development platform for web services.As to what data is important or useful is GREATLY dependent upon the intended usage.

I've been sleeping with my laptop next to me, and have noticed that when I wake up I've been checking email for listings, and running numbers on properties before I even get dressed in the morning.

This can also be monitored from a smart phone or a laptop in real time panel by panel

(Just kidding, I know all DJing is done on laptops now.)Cheers!

I just got an iPad and it is the very FIRST portable computer I have ever owned, I have never owned a laptop and I built my own desktop.There is an old saying, I do not know the origin, but it goes something like this.

If you're on an Android, you can use the google messages text messaging application(instead of the phones default), and then on your desktop/laptop you can read/reply to the same text messages via https://messages.google.com/ As a realtor who's constantly replying to text messages, I use this ALL the time.

All great responses guys and as a newcomer it's great to hear people who have been at it for quite some time, still talking about their "job" with so much enjoyment.And even when I say to myself, ok tonight is relax night, I still always find myself back on the laptop researching something to do with real estate investing.I guess to counter act my question.

I am trying to decided between PC or MAC for my new business laptop.  

Desk in room to sit and do work or laptop stuff is great, if there is room for it. 

To me its a lot cleaner when my business buys my laptop or software or internet service or cell phone and my business pays me mileage for driving my car, etc.