Desktops vs. Laptops: Which is right for you

Introduction

You’ve decided it’s time for a new computer, but you’re not sure whether a laptop or a desktop PC would be the better fit. There are good reasons for both. Ultimately, it comes down to which will best meet your specific needs. Here’s some information to help you make the right choice when it’s time to buy.

Desktop PCs

Desktop PCs are a good choice if you frequently work with large graphics, video or other demanding applications because they typically have more powerful components.

A stationary computer may also work best for your family if you have children who require monitoring while on the PC. So, if you have no difficulty using the computer in a dedicated space and have the room, a desktop PC should work well for your needs.

Laptops

With more powerful processors and compact components, laptop PCs are now more full-featured than ever before. But their main selling point remains their portability. Laptops are a great choice if you want the flexibility to move from room to room—without wires—or if you need to travel with your PC.

Laptops can also be a wise choice if your family has an older student who needs to do homework in a quiet place away from the family room, or work in the library, classroom or at a friend’s house.

How do desktop PCs and laptop PCs measure up?

Use the chart below to quickly compare some of the major factors before purchasing a new PC.

Which is better for…?	Desktop PC	Laptop PC
Portability		X
Tight budget	X
Easier upgrades and repairs	X
Ergonomics	X
Small spaces		X
Convenience		X

Things to consider before you buy

Price—You often can get a desktop PC for less than a laptop because laptops’ smaller components are more complex and costly to manufacture. However, with laptops’ all-in-one design, you won’t have to buy components like a monitor and keyboard separately. If you plan to use your PC for everyday computing tasks like e-mail and watching videos, there are affordable options for desktop PCs (starting around $300) and laptop PCs (starting around $400).

Portability—Laptops are made to be portable and allow you to take your digital life with you wherever you go.¹ They come in a wide range of sizes—with displays ranging from 12 inches to 18 inches or more—and in thin and light or ultra-portable models.

Look for these icons while shopping:

Upgrades and repair—Desktop PCs often give you more flexibility to modify components, such as adding more RAM or upgrading your processor. A laptop’s all-in-one design makes it harder to upgrade or repair components.

Ergonomics—In general, desktop PCs lend themselves to a more ergonomically correct workspace. A desktop PC’s adjustable monitor, full-size keyboard and position on dedicated desk space help minimize strain on the eyes, neck, back, wrists and hands. Laptops can also be set up with ergonomics in mind using a docking station, external monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Space—When space is limited, a laptop can fit almost anywhere in your home. In contrast, the size and wire connections of a desktop PC require it to remain stationary. If you have a small work area but don’t mind keeping the PC in one place, there are several space-saving desktop PCs, like the HP Slimline PC, that are specifically designed for compact spaces.

Convenience—Laptops offer a variety of conveniences, including the freedom to go where you please thanks to Wi-Fi and WWAN¹ connectivity options. Many laptops also feature extended battery life to give you more time to get things done before you have to plug in and recharge. Some desktop PCs are taking cues from laptops. The HP TouchSmart PC, for example, features a combined monitor and CPU for a sleek, space-saving design, plus wireless connectivity.¹

Now the big question: Should you buy a desktop or a laptop PC?

It really comes down to what your needs and preferences are. If you want a PC for everyday use such as checking e-mail, sharing photos and watching movies, both desktop and laptop PCs offer affordable options. If convenience and portability are important to you, than a laptop is probably a good fit for your needs. If you’d rather buy a PC now and have greater flexibility to upgrade it later, than you may want to get a desktop PC.

Differentiation of Lapotop and Desktop Computer

Desktop computer vs. Laptop computer

When deciding between purchasing a desktop computer or a laptop computer, you'll need to consider a handful of criteria and make a determination that fits your needs the best. Below is a chart that compares the two types of computers, providing pros and cons for each to help you make a more informed purchasing decision.

Topic	Desktop	Laptop
Cost	There is a wide variety of component options available for desktops, allowing for a large range of prices, but the starting point is relatively cheap. Desktops can start as low as $400 for a full package (computer & monitor) and still be a pretty powerful system	Laptops can have a fairly wide variety of component options but are more limited than desktops. To get a more powerful laptop (higher speed, better graphics, more storage space, etc.), the price can be considerably higher, getting up to $1500 or more, depending on the brand.
Portability	Desktops are large in size and have a separate monitor. While it's possible to take a desktop from place to place, it's cumbersome and not the choice for portability. They are designed to be used in a single location and not moved around much, if at all.	Laptops are very portable due to their compact size. They were designed to be taken from place to place, carried in a backpack or laptop carrying case. They are great for on-the-go use.
Processor	Desktop processors are a little bit larger in size, but this also allows for more powerful processors to be used in a desktop. Advanced processors on the market are typically available in desktop computers first.	Laptop processors have nearly caught up to desktop processors, but are still limited when compared to desktop processors. Gaming laptops can have an equal performance, but have a much higher price.
Ease of use	Setting up a desktop takes some extra work to hook everything up and get it up and running. It also requires more space to set up. While it's not difficult to connect everything together, it is still more cumbersome than a laptop.	Laptops are built to be easy to use, requiring little time to get running. Take it out of the box, plug it in and press the power button. Within minutes, the laptop is ready to use.
Keyboard	Desktops can make use of full size keyboards, including a number pad. There are really no limitations.	Smaller laptops with the 14" and 15" screens typically have smaller keyboards and don't feature a number pad on the right side. Larger laptops with 17" screens do have larger keyboards, featuring a number pad, but the laptops are bulkier and heavier.
Screen size	Desktop monitors range from 15" on up. It is even possible to hook up a desktop to a TV, so screen sizes could be as large as a TV. This provides for great flexibility on what the desktop is used for and in what environment.	Since portability is a big feature of laptops, smaller screen sizes are necessary and screen sizes typically range from 10" to 17". However, a laptop can still be connected to an external display and support any size of monitor, screen, or projector.
Upgrading	Most components in a desktop are easily removable, making it easier to upgrade and since desktop cases are usually much bigger they're easier to work in when doing any upgrading.	Memory and hard drive are about the only components that can be upgraded in a laptop. The remaining components are all built-in and not removable. A need to upgrade anything else requires a new laptop.
Gaming	Desktops are capable of using high-powered video cards that have higher power requirements and require better heat reduction/dissipation. Due to the space in a desktop and the capability of using 1000+ Watt power supplies, virtually any video card could be used in a desktop, including two or more video cards at the same time.	Space is limited in a laptop, which limits the graphics capabilities. While some of the higher end laptops can provide some pretty nice graphics for gaming and CAD-based applications, the heat reduction/dissipation is limited because there just is no space available to use a larger heat sink and fan. Power is also limited which doesn't allow for video cards needing those higher amounts of wattage to run.
Repair	Repairing a desktop computer is much easier since most of the hardware can be easily purchased off the shelf of any local computer retail store.	For most users opening a laptop to repair a part can be difficult and finding a replacement part often requires calling the computer manufacturer or ordering from another online site.

In the end, the final decision depends on what your needs are. While the above chart may make it look as though Desktop computers are the best overall option, if portability is a big need of yours, the laptop is the best option. There are some limitations to consider, but they are not overly significant for most users.

However, if you want the most bang for your buck and portability is not necessary, a desktop is likely the best choice especially if price is important. Desktops are optimal choices for graphic intensive gaming, use of CAD applications, and for those who prefer to have the option of upgrading more easily. However, they are also perfectly fine for the basic computer user who just needs e-mail and Internet access.

Laptop VS Desktop Computer

Both desktop and laptop computers have advantages and disadvantages. If you are trying to determine which option will best suit your needs, take a look at the advantages and benefits each of them offers.

Advantages of a desktop computer, as compared to a laptop computer:

• Desktop computers have more power and more features.

• Desktop computers are easier, and less expensive, to upgrade.

• Desktop computers are generally less expensive overall and offer a better overall value.

• Desktop computers have a more comfortable keyboard and a much easier to use mouse. It should be noted that an aftermarket large, comfortable mouse and mouse pad are also possible with a laptop.

• Desktop computers have larger monitors.

• Desktop computers are generally easier, and less expensive, to repair.

• Desktop computers have a lower risk of theft, which means less chance of losing your data and having to pay to replace your computer.

Advantages of a laptop computer, as compared to a desktop computer:
• Laptop computers are highly portable and allow you to use your computer almost anywhere.

• If you are an international student, a laptop computer will be much easier to transport from home to school and back again.

• Laptop computers take up less room on a desk or table and can be put away when not in use.

• Laptop computers have a single cord to contend with, rather than the multiple cords associated with desktop computer use.

While the list of advantages of a laptop computer may seem sparse when compared to a desktop computer, the deciding factor is portability. Being able to check email, chat online, write papers and play video games anytime, anywhere may be worth giving up power and functionality. This is particularly true if you use your computer primarily for checking email and completing schoolwork. If this is the case, you likely don’t need all of the functions and the increased power of a desktop computer. On the other hand, if you are a film student or an avid gamer, you may want to go with a desktop computer, unless you have the expendable income to purchase a high end laptop.

Essentially, the choice comes down to portability versus functionality and cost. While desktop computers are less expensive, more powerful and more user-friendly, there is a lot to be said for being able to do your homework in a coffee shop and writing term papers on the beach.