Laptop vs. Desktop

When you’re planning on buying a new computer, the first decision you need to make is whether to buy a desktop or laptop. While this may be an easy decision for some people, you should give it some thought, as both options have their advantages. To make sure you get what’s best for you, read on. We’ll discuss some important points on how laptops and desktops differ.

Mobility

The first difference between laptops and desktops that often comes to mind first is mobility. Lots of people choose laptops because they can go anywhere. Desktop computers have more hardware and usually, one permanent home. But, desktop computers have come a long way — the monitors and towers that power them are a lot smaller and may portable.

Both desktops and laptops can be moved around without too much trouble, but laptops are far more mobile. For example, you can’t set up a desktop computer outside or on an airplane. If you travel frequently or like using your computer in different places, a laptop would be a better fit.

Features

When you’re deciding whether you should get a laptop or a desktop, the features and capabilities of each should be a big consideration.

Desktops are bigger and bulkier, but they do have superior performance. When designers are building desktops, they aren’t as limited with the size and number of components that go inside. This gives desktops better speed, memory and overall power. Desktops are also often less expensive than laptops.

Laptops have most of the same basic capabilities as desktops, but not all of them. Laptops’ main perk is their portability, but that does come at a cost. They don’t have lots of the same ports as a desktop, meaning you may have to purchase adapters to connect certain things to your laptop. However, some laptops do have additional features compared to desktops, like a touchscreen.

Hardware

When you have a laptop, most of the main things that you need will be included — the touchpad, a camera, a microphone, speakers and sometimes a disc drive. Desktops don’t have always include all of those things, like the speakers. When you buy a desktop, you’ll probably have to buy some extra hardware.

On the flipside, there are lots of laptops that will also make you buy extra hardware. Many people want to increase the storage on their laptops, so they buy external hard drives. Others don’t like the touchpad, so they buy a wired or wireless mouse. Lots of lighter laptops don’t have the disc drive, making them buy an external one to use to watch movies or download music.

If you’re wondering what’s better between a laptop and desktop, it all comes down to personal preference and what you plan on using it for. If you frequently travel for business trips, a laptop would be a better pick. If you work from home, on the other hand, a permanent setup at your home office would be ideal. When you’re looking for a new computer, don’t count out either one right away.