Laptop vs Desktop Computers

In the market for a new computer, but can't decide whether to get a laptop or desktop PC? Or, if you're not even sure what the differences between the two are, this guide will help you understand what you're getting into.

A desktop computer is placed on a table or desktop, hence the name. Today's desktops are modeled as a tower because this design lends itself to future upgrades and expansions. A desktop computer usually consists of the tower (the actual computer), a keyboard and mouse, and a monitor.

A laptop computer is a smaller, portable computer that can easily be toted around. Modeled after a clamshell, laptops open to reveal a keyboard and pointing device on one side and a screen on the other. All the elements of the computer are wrapped up in a nice, tidy, and portable package.

At first, you may wonder why anyone would want a big, cumbersome desktop computer when they could have a slim, sleek laptop instead. There are several answers to this:

Price – Generally speaking, laptops are more expensive than their desktop counterparts are. Two machines of the same power—a laptop and a desktop—will greatly vary in price, with the laptop always being more expensive.

Power – Again, generally speaking, the processing power of laptops are slightly behind those of desktops. For example, when dual-core technology was introduced, it took a good six months for the technology to catch up to the laptop market, and when it did, it cost a premium price.

Storage – Hard drives are getting bigger every day. However, you will always be able to get more storage out of a desktop computer than a laptop. For example, most laptops today feature 60GB hard drives, while desktops feature 250GB. In addition, multiple hard drives can be installed in desktop computers.

Upgrade Potential – The ability to install add-on devices and components to desktop computers is usually greater than that of laptops. While things like RAM can be relatively easy to install in laptops, other things such as DVD burners or TV tuner cards are not. Thus, it's important to buy a laptop with the features you need from the get-go, as opposed to desktop computers, which can be gradually upgraded over time much easier.

On the flipside of the coin, laptops offer some great advantages:

Portability – Laptops are lightweight, unobtrusive and can be taken virtually anywhere. A laptop allows you much greater freedom to work from any other place besides your home or office.

Staying Connected – Most laptops have built-in wireless Internet receivers, meaning you can surf the Internet with your laptop at any hotspot. This means you can do things like check your email, get directions, and get breaking news anywhere, anytime.

Laptop and desktop computers each have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. There is no "better" way to go; it just depends on what you need to get the job done. Or, just ask yourself what's more important to you—portability or power?

More information on laptops