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Desktop vs. Laptop Buying Guide

This division runs deep.  While laptop advocates boast a perfect integration of mobility and functionality, desktop users brag about more power and storage.  Which is right?  First, calm down and take off your boxing gloves,  because the answer is neither!  The reality of the matter is that the issue of superiority lies with you, the user.  Use the guide below to help decide for yourself which works better for you, because when it comes to laptops and desktops, both sides of the fence  have green grass.

Features

Below are some of the major differences between laptops and desktops:

Desktop vs. Laptop
  • Not easily portable
    • Data must be accessed remotely or saved to another medium.
  • More customizable
    • Mouse, keyboard, and monitor are interchangeable if desired.
  • Upgradeable
    • Many desktops are built to swap out system components (video card,  RAM,  hard drive, etc.)
  • Faster and cheaper
    • Faster memory and processing generally costs less in desktops.
  • Harder to damage
    • The odds of damaging your desktop computer are significantly fewer than for dropping a laptop.
  • More ergonomically correct
    • Desktops allow you to place the keyboard and mouse where they suit you best.
  • Lower repair costs
    • If you damage your desktop, chances are most computer repair centres have the parts needed for the repair, while laptops often require manufacturer repair.
  • Easily portable
    • Bring data with you anywhere.
  • Take up less space
    • Mouse and keyboard are on the laptop itself which frees up desk space.
  • More connectivity options
    • Most laptops have a wireless card  and a network card, so you can work remotely from anywhere.
  • Battery power
    • Laptops have a battery so you can use them without having to plug them in for a while.
  • No excessive wires
    • With wireless devices becoming mainstream, laptops allow you to cut the cord for good.
  • Easier to cool
    • Keeping your computer from overheating is as easy as buying a cooling pad for your laptop.

Other Considerations

Here are a few other factors to consider if you are still indecisive:

  • What type of user are you?
    • Consider a laptop if you like to check email from the couch and are not concerned with on-line gaming or extensive media storage.
  • What is the primary use for your computer?
    • Students and professionals who need to bring their work with them frequently benefit most from laptops.
  • How much are you willing to spend?
    • If mobility is not high on your priority list, your money can go further with a desktop.
  • Do you plan to upgrade?
    • Laptops are more attractive to those who purchase a new computer instead of upgrading their existing one when it becomes obsolete.
  • Laptop or Notebook?
    • Although they are virtually identical, laptops are generally heavier than notebooks and usually are packed with more features. Notebooks are smaller and easier to transport than laptops.
Apple desktop computers are small
Apple desktop computers are small

Major Manufacturers

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