Are lap tops good for continuous use?

In connection with a question, which I have been put from a church-based NGO based in an African country, a discussion has arisen concerning the advisability of using lap top computers instead of stationary PC’s at a location where the only power source available is solar – combined with battery and inverter or UPS. Concern has been expressed about whether lap tops really are the best solution when taking operating reliability into consideration.

Does anyone have any useful advice in this connection?