[quaizywabbit]

the nice thing about "desktop" models is that you can get inside the box and change or add components should they fail.

However, in the interest of keeping setups and teardowns quick and easy, I'd agree with the laptop scenario.

As for speakers: I have been thoroughly impressed with the Bose PS1.
It is self powered, requires no stands, and breaks down small enough to fit in the trunk of a car. The cool thing about them is that no matter where you are in the room, you hear the same thing, no phase cancellation. It has 4 input channels, so connecting to a mixer isn't a problem.

Up to Two sub-woofer units can be attached to the main unit( one is fine for most karaoke purposes)

My best advice is to go to your nearest Guitar Center and check them out.
Cost-wise they are equivelent to a set of powered jbl eons, with stands, and covers. Best of all, you get 60 days to try after you buy, so you can always return them and get something else if they're not for you.Bose's online forum has quite a few Karaoke related users with just this kind of setup, plus tips and tricks to adapt from the "traditional" stereo mode of thinking.....