Is there really an advantage using initramfs over not?

[ImageJPEG]

Is there any advantage using it on a home laptop?

[The Doctor]

That depends on your setup. If you have hardware that requires specific module that must be a module or you have a setup that includes encryption, root on lvm, raid, etc then you need an initramfs to boot.

If you just have a normal kernel and single hard drive with nothing special about root, you should be fine. It will speed up your boot time not to use one. An initramfs is another step to go through. If you compiled your own kernel and didn't do anything fancy then you probably don't need one.
_________________
First things first, but not necessarily in that order.

Apologies if I take a while to respond. I'm currently working on the dematerialization circuit for my blue box.