What are the Difference Between a Desktop and a Laptop Computer?

Deciding whether to buy a desktop or laptop is sometimes difficult. Desktops and laptops are both computers but each has its advantages and disadvantages under different operating environments. In this article the pros and cons of each will be considered letting you choose which is best for your circumstances.

Laptops are inherently portable as they are autonomous, however desktops need additional peripherals like the monitor, keyboard, mouse and constant mains power. Although, the laptop comes with a battery it will still need mains power to charge.

The screen size is greater on a desktop’s monitor; however large screen laptops are available but usually at a much higher cost and are more cumbersome to transport due to their weight and size.

Most users would prefer a mouse to the touchpad found on a laptop although a mouse can easily be added.

The key size is grater on a desktop’s keyboard; many laptops do not have a separate set of numeric keys which may be a consideration if numbers are entered a lot.

Laptops generally have lower specification graphics cards compared to desktops. This is not important unless game playing or high end graphics are to be run where a desktop would be preferable.

Laptops are generally very expensive or impossible to upgrade whereas desktops can usually be easily and cheaply upgraded; this is especially important for game players who wish to play the latest games, where upgrades to the graphics card is often necessary to let the game run smoothly.

If you need to travel or move the computer from room to room frequently then a laptop would be preferable.

Desktops are usually more reliable than laptops. Hard drives very frequently fail inside laptops especially if handled roughly when turned on. A laptop screen is easily broken if the lid is hit, distorted or sat on, whereas a desktop monitor is very rarely broken. Fluid spills, even a tiny amount, will usually render a laptop beyond economic repair. If fluid is spilt onto a desktop keyboard it can easily and cheaply be replaced.

Generally, all repairs to a laptop are more expensive than on a desktop.

Desktops are generally more reliable than laptops. Most laptops become very hot when running a game; if the air vent is accidentally blocked or is filled with fluff then it may overheat and fail. Desktops rarely overheat due to their larger size and better ventilation systems.

So in summary, buy a laptop if you need to move the computer from room to room or you need to travel with it or you are very short of space. Buy a desktop if you play games, expect to spill fluid on it, don’t need to frequently move it, expect to upgrade in the future, or you want a full size keyboard and monitor.

Generally, the price of laptops and desktops are about the same once you have brought the monitor and keyboard, however, desktops rarely fail; laptops frequently fail necessitating an expensive laptop repair. Often young children ask for a laptop rather than a desktop; however, children may spill their drinks on the keyboard, break the screen or drop the laptop. All guaranteed to cause problems and expense!