“since a laptop is a compromise...”
First, for me a laptop is not a compromise. I am computer literate, though not a ‘guru’. I use my computer(s) for many different things every day. I work from home. I travel on occasion. I back up my data. Desktop or laptop requires that if one cares about ones data or anything else on ones computer.
I use protection. Virus attacks are real. I like Norton 360. I have used others. Norton serves me well, and better than others I have tried. Sometimes we can do foolish things and ignore warnings...did that once and got a Trojan. Got rid of it with Norton Power Eraser (free to anyone). Protection is a must. If you use Linux or a Mac and do not use protection you are a fool.
All that said, all of this is subjective comment, and to each his own. Though I am not a power user, I use a lot more of what is available in my computer than most everyday computer users would use.
Right now I have 3 laptops operating. One is an older Dell that is still running on XP. Play with it occasionally, but it is not a necessary part of my life. I have two Lenovo’s. One is a recent machine that is more than capable. The other Lenovo has a smaller screen and it my travel backup if I fly - not loaded with all my personal stuff, but gives me what I need when traveling. If TSA wants to ‘fart’ with it, they won’t learn much.
That is the way it works, people who want a laptop, buy one.