Are you out shopping for a new computer, but are unsure of what to buy as far as a laptop or a desktop? If so, here are some simple factors to keep in mind to make that decision.
Price
Because of the higher cost of computer components and assembling them, a laptop computer will be more expensive than a desktop model with the same specifications.
If you are only going to be using the computer for basic tasks such as word processing and surfing the Internet, a laptop would be perfect for you.
If you are more into playing video games or running video editing software, a desktop computer would be suited more towards your needs.
It will have the memory to run those programs and the hard drive space to store everything.
Space
It may seem like a contradiction, but while desktop computers are getting smaller, laptops are going in the other direction because of the greater number of functions they are being asked to perform.
A laptop is still more easily stored out of the way than a desktop. The laptop is the obvious choice if space is an issue.
The real question to ask is whether the space which the computer will be occupied can be permanently sacrificed for housing information.
Portability
If you are looking for portability then there is only one obvious winner here. However, it should be asked whether a computer is likely to get the most use out of it being placed in one spot or when it is moved around for use in different rooms.
If you are going to use your PC at home, at work, and on business trips, then a laptop would definitely be the better value.
Ergonomics
The most important thing is being comfortable while using your computer; especially if you are going to be using it for long periods at a time.
So a big question that you must ask yourself is “Can the existing area where my laptop will be used be made comfortable if I’m going to be using it for long periods of time?”
This can be a vital consideration in the choice between a laptop and desktop model. Their very lightness and portability work against people adopting a suitable posture when using a laptop.
The name suggests they are more suited to being used sitting anywhere other than at a desk, which is not true.
A bad case of hand, wrist, back, neck, or eye strain is too high a price to pay for portability and style.
Upgrade/Repair Cost
Laptops are less robust and more difficult to upgrade than their desktop equivalents. In general, your upgrade options for a laptop are limited to increasing the memory or replacing the hard drive for more storage.
Desktop computers, on the other hand, offer almost unlimited upgrade options.
An important thing to remember is damage to a laptop keyboard or screen will be much more serious than to a desktop because the vital working and moving parts have far less protection.