The laptop vs. desktop debate is one that has been going on for years.
People are constantly asking what the best type of computer to get is. The truth is, it can be hard to answer when there are so many factors involved.
If you’re trying to decide between laptop vs. desktop, it may be helpful for you to know a few differences. In this guide, we’ll tell you what those are so that choosing the right computer is easier than ever!
- Price
The cost of a desktop computer is usually higher than that of a laptop. Desktops are generally larger and need more hardware to run, so the price goes up accordingly. Laptops tend to be smaller with fewer components inside, so they’re cheaper in comparison.
The average price of a laptop is around $700. Desktops, on the other hand, start around $400.
The laptop vs. desktop price difference can be pretty significant. However, prices do vary depending on what you’re looking for. If you want a really powerful computer with lots of storage and processing power, it can definitely add up!
Several things affect the laptop and desktop price range. These factors include:
- Processing power and speed
- RAM (random access memory) capacity
- Storage space
- Operating system
- Screen size and type
- Graphics card
- Additional features such as USB ports or Bluetooth compatibility
If you want a computer that can handle heavy tasks, like video editing or playing PC games, it needs to be good at storing and processing data. If you’re in the market for this kind of performance, your wallet might take a hit.
If you’re looking for a computer that can handle basic tasks, like word processing and web browsing, it’s less important to find one with high-end specs. You’ll also save money by buying one with lower performance.
Price should not be the only factor you consider when buying a laptop or desktop computer. The cheapest option isn’t always the best, and neither is the most expensive. Price will vary depending on what specs you need in a computer.
- Portability
When you’re choosing a laptop vs. desktop, one of the things to think about is how portable you need your computer to be.
One of the key laptop benefits is that they are easier to travel with than desktops. The former can fit in bags and other small spaces more easily.
However, this also depends on their size. Laptop computers tend to range from around 11 inches to 18 inches in display size.
Laptops are smaller because all their components fit in one case that can easily slide into your bag. This makes them easier to bring around with you if needed.
Desktops are usually larger because they have more of everything, including hardware components like a monitor, speakers, and a power supply to run everything.
For portability purposes, a small and lightweight laptop like the Dell XPS 13 or Lenovo ThinkPad X250 is better than something bulkier like an iMac.
If portability is important to you, a laptop may be the better choice. If moving your computer is not a concern, you can opt for either type.
- Performance
When it comes to performance, desktops and laptops have different strengths.
Desktops are powerful computers that can handle many tasks at once without slowing down or overheating.
Laptops tend to be less powerful because they usually contain as much hardware as a full-sized desktop does. They are good for basic tasks but go with a desktop if you want a computer that can handle heavy-duty performance.
The laptop vs. desktop performance difference is noticeable. If you need your computer to open lots of programs at once, do video editing or render high-resolution graphics files without lagging, a desktop will be the better choice.
However, this also depends on the laptop model you’re looking at. Laptops range in their processing power, so make sure you do some research to find one that can handle what you need it for.
Some modern laptops like the latest MacBook Pro can handle any task you throw at them. So, it’s no longer a disadvantage to buy one if performance is your top priority.
But head to head comparison between a laptop and a desktop with similar features will show that a desktop will outperform a laptop every time.
In the end, what you buy depends on your performance needs and how much money you can spend.
Click here to learn how Lenovo and Intel are making the best types of laptops in the market.
- Ease of Upgrade
Sell MacBook Pro if you want to get the most out of your computer for as long as possible, consider whether you need an easy upgrade path .
Desktop computers are easier to upgrade than laptops because they have more room for hardware components. They also tend to use standardized parts widely available at any electronic store.
Laptops offer less space and customization options when it comes to upgradability. You often can’t add or remove RAM or storage space on a laptop unless there are already enough open memory slots.
Desktops give you more control over what kind of performance boost you may be able to get from a hardware upgrade. Laptops let you change some of their components, but not as much as desktops do.
While it might sound like upgrading a laptop is harder than upgrading a desktop, that may not always be true if they both have limited upgradability options. Laptops are just as easy to customize and upgrade as desktops are in some cases!
In the end, your computer’s ease of upgrade depends on its specs and how customizable it can be internally. Make sure you research all of this before buying anything to know what kind of performance gains new hardware will give you.
- Power Consumption
After performance and ease of upgrade, power consumption is the next most important factor to consider.
Desktop computers are more powerful than laptops, so they often use more electricity. If you plan on leaving your computer turned on for long periods, or if you want an environmentally-friendly device that uses as little energy as possible, a laptop may be better suited for you.
Laptops have smaller bodies with less hardware inside them, which equates to lower wattage usage overall compared to desktops of similar specs.
Laptop parts also tend to run cooler than desktop components, which means you can get away with using a less powerful fan for cooling.
In addition, laptops use batteries rather than being plugged directly into an outlet like desktops. If you plan on using your computer away from home and don’t want to be constrained by a power cord, this can come in handy.
In the end, what matters most about power consumption is how much electricity something uses relative to its performance potential. Laptops use less energy overall, but that’s mostly because they’re more limited in what they can do.
- Space
A laptop is for you if you need to save as much room as possible and don’t mind sacrificing performance.
Laptops are more compact than desktops because they have smaller bodies and built-in screens. If size matters most or if your computer gets lots of use on the go, it’s best to buy a small form factor device like a laptop or a tablet.
Desktops are bulkier because they use external components like monitors, keyboards, mice, and speakers that aren’t built into the body of the computer itself. They also need more space to dissipate heat from their larger hardware parts.
In the end, how much space you have for a computer will depend on your specific needs. If it’s vital that your computer takes up less room, buy something small like an ultra-portable laptop or tablet.
- Keyboard
If you spend the majority of your time typing, buying a desktop computer with an awesome keyboard might be worth it.
Desktop keyboards are often more comfortable to type on. They have larger bodies and better key travel than most laptop keyboards do. Desktop computers also tend to come with higher-quality hardware designed for heavy use rather than portability.
Laptop keyboards are usually smaller overall, which means less room between keys, so they don’t feel as natural or smooth when you’re typing quickly. Some laptops even make compromises by using scissor switches instead of full key mechanisms to save space.
In the end, what keyboard you buy comes down to personal preference and how much time you spend typing. If your job involves a lot of writing, desktop keyboards are usually better than laptop ones.
If portability is more important than comfort while typing long documents, an ultra-thin laptop with scissor switches can be worth it.
- Internal Storage
Desktop computers come with more internal storage than laptops do by default.
Laptops usually have between 256GB and 1TB of storage space, while desktops can go up to multiple terabytes or even over a petabyte if you need it.
How much internal storage you need comes down to what kinds of data you’ll be working with. For most people, 256GB is enough to store a large collection of documents and media files.
However, if you’re someone who works with lots of raw video or photo files, it might be worth it to buy a desktop.
Another option is to supplement your laptop’s built-in hard drive with external hard drives or cloud solutions like Dropbox.
Laptop vs. Desktop: What Do You Choose?
These are some general guidelines about laptop vs. desktop computers based on what matters most in different scenarios. You should consider all these points when choosing between laptops and desktops but ultimately only choose the one that suits your unique needs best!
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