Not owning a smart phone, I was wondering can apps be used on a laptop/desktop?
Yeees, but it's a bit messy. You need to get the Software Development Kit (SDK) for your lap/desktop's operating system for a smart-phone's operating system, and then get an iPhone/Android/Winmobile account to download or buy them.
I did it once to test the procedure, but don't think it's worth the effort. Unless it's something that really is exclusive to a smartphone you'll get better results with lap/desk-specific programs. And remember a smartphone has sensors and capabilities (eg GPS, accelerometers) that a normal computer does not without further expense.
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Last edited by aerobelly; 8th October 2016 at 18:17.
Reason: Revised technical details on re-reading original post.