Laptop vs Desktop Computers
In this fast-changing technological world, occasionally we are faced with some tough choices. For example, your current computer has matured to the ripe old age of six months and has been deemed obsolete. One of the most common questions asked when it comes time to buy a new personal computer is "Should I buy a laptop or desktop computer?"
Consumers must consider all the advantages and disadvantages of both platforms, and determine which one meets their needs the most. This "Laptop vs Desktop" guide discusses many factors that will help a person decide which choice is right for them. First, though, a little bit of history.
Catching Up With Desktop Technology
The PC industry was first created with the desktop computer. There are many different definitions and versions of the desktop computer, but it's most commonly thought of as the Tower (or CPU) that is separate from the display (monitor). Desktops have been the dominant form factor for PC's since the beginning, and even in their current form are still very similar to the original design. Laptops originally were brought out in the mid 1980's, but didn't become mainstream until the early 1990's. The goal of a laptop was to merge a computer system together with a display and device, and make it so that it could be transported with a person. While the first laptops were a bit clunky, they quickly became sleek and very useful machines.
Desktop computers have always been at the cutting edge of new technology; most every new technology for computers is released on a desktop system first. Laptops are regarded the desktop's younger brother; while having the ability to take the computer with you is convenient, it comes at the cost of slower performance, decreased usability, and shorter "on-time" required by using a battery.
In today's world, a few of these nuisances are still to be observed, but are less pronounced. While laptops are still the younger brother of desktops, they are no longer far from the peak of high performance; laptops are now available that can challenge even the beefiest desktop. And usability? While the laptop is confined to a track pad or finger pointer, you can connect a regular keyboard and mouse (or any other input device) and use the laptop just like a desktop. So what are the main distinctions?
Feature By Feature Comparison
Let's start with the obvious. Laptops are mobile, desktops aren't. Mobility can be a huge benefit, permitting you to take your computer to and from work, on planes, on camping trips, and practically anyplace else. Along with this benefit comes a sizeable drawback. It is just as easy for someone else to walk away with it as it is for you.
Laptops are stolen at an alarming rate, because they are just so effortless to steal. And when that computer is taken, not only do you lose the value of the computer, but also all of your valuable data. But there's more to it than that. Here are some other issues to consider:
Storage - One of the major places where laptops and desktops differ is in how much hard drive space they provide. Laptops use physically smaller drives, which can only offer so much storage space. Though larger drives are available, 100GB is still common on a laptop, while 500GB desktop drives are seen all the time (again, bigger drives can be obtained). This is a huge difference and it seems to be expanding, not contracting. If you have really large storage needs, desktop may be your best bet.
Battery Life - a wireless laptop is only as good as the battery that powers it. If you're sitting in your garden, bed, kitchen, or even in an obscure café in Paris, you don't want to be disturbed after only an hour by that awful "low battery... doomsday drawing near" warning. You want time to savour your wire-free life. And with advances in battery, hardware, and software technology (yes, software can drain your battery as well) and with more powerful processors that run cooler, you will be able to get as many as five hours from your laptop (well, some of them).
Graphics and Gaming - With a desktop PC the entertainment world is your massively entertaining oyster. From your favorite DVDs to music collections to the latest hottest PC game titles, the desktop PC can be your gateway to pure bliss. Because it can manage more powerful technologies you can experience your multimedia with astounding clarity and without any lag time. You can also buy multiple large hard drives and CD/DVD-ROM drives and still have space for upgrades.
Upgrades - Speaking of upgrades, it's more difficult to upgrade a laptop. In some instances, it's impossible: Sure, you can pop in a new hard drive later, but adding a second hard drive means plugging in an external disk that will be awkward to lug around with you. Many laptop optical drives can't actually be upgraded at all, nor can motherboards or CPUs. Laptop repairs are far more expensive and demanding than desktop PC repairs.
Peripherals - Remember that when you're in the office, you can always plug in an external mouse, keyboard, and monitor to your laptop.
Price - Expect to pay $300 to $500 more for a comparably outfitted laptop (although this varies widely).
Other considerations are about equal, to be honest. CPU and RAM are about the same on laptops and desktops now, unless you're looking at an ultra-high-end PC.
When purchasing a new computer, choosing between a laptop and a desktop can be a tough decision. Keep this in mind: the desktop and laptop computers will run the same exact software; so the decision becomes an debate of performance vs portability. Do you want run the latest and greatest games and get your picture or video editing done in a snap? Or would you rather sit on your couch, scan email, and browse the internet while watching TV?
This choice boils down to personal preference. If you're looking for a good computer that you can take with you, a laptop is a good choice for anyone who doesn't need the absolute "top of the line" computer on tap. Alternatively, desktop computers are the better pick for someone who is either looking to buy the cheapest available, or is looking to buy the best of the best on the market.
For more information on Internet Service, check the rest of our site for ISP reviews, speed tweaks, and PC troubleshooting articles.