No laptops don't last as long, because they are usually (not always) built for lightness, rather than durability. In my company, laptops usually have a max life of 3 years and then they get replaced, while desktops can last 4 years before being replaced. And to be honest, a laptop at 3 years is usually already a crappy one, probably having gone through a hard drive replacement or something else.

I've always had laptops, my father got started me on them and I've only had a desktop once. I like being able to move around... sit on the couch or in bed or at a desk. When I lived in smaller places (like studios or one bedrooms apts) I could be happy with a desktop because chances were my living room was my tv room/office/kitchen area too.

I have both Mac and PCs now.