Laptop VS. Desktop (Pros and Cons)

If you're looking to purchase a computer and are wondering which type of comupter you should purchase, whether a laptop or a desktop, then read on. You can find the pros and cons of both here and then make an educated decision as to which would be right for your needs.

Sometimes the decision to buy either a laptop or a desktop computer can be a daunting one. It's hard to know everything about a topic, but we'll cover some of the pros and cons of both the desktop and the laptop so you can make a more informed decision as to which kind of computer is right for you.

Pros of a desktop:
1. More bang for the buck. If you like to play games, or are a gamer, then a desktop will be the best option. You can get better graphics, better monitors, faster processors, etc. Everything is bigger on a desktop so there is plenty of room to put in some nice features without sending up the cost.
2. Cost less. A desktop will usually cost you less money for the same or (almost always) better components. Althought you can sometimes find a new low cost laptop sometimes where the owner wants to sell at any cost, for multiple reasons.
3. Easier to use. Let's face it, with a desktop you can purchase a nice keyboard, mouse, desk, ect built for comfort. A laptop isn't always comfortable to use, especially if you are in the middle of traveling. (by car, bus, plane or ferry)
4. Easy to upgrade. A desktop is much easier to remove or add components to than a laptop.
5. Easy to keep track of. In other words, someone has to break in to get it.
6. More memory and hard drive space. The memory capacity and hard drive space are usually much greater (and cheaper) than for a laptop.

Cons of a desktop:
1. Stuck in one place. When you use a desktop you have to sit down in the same place to use it. No mobility. There are companies that have whole divisions devoted to moving equipment around because of this fact. When it comes to cons of a desktop mobility is the biggest and about the only one. All onther complaints can usually be fixed, or ungraded to be tolerated.

Pros of a Laptop:
1. Mobile. You can go anywhere you want to and still have access to a computer. Great for presentations for work. This is the greatest benefit of a laptop.
2. network connectability on the run. With a laptop you can connect with a wireless network on the move.
3. Useful for presentations, or demonstrations. Easy to lug around.
4. Runs on a battery so can be used even when the power is out.
5. At times you can find a seller that has multiple laptops and wants to get rid of it. In this case you can get a low cost laptop for cheap, or I should say an expensive laptop at a new low cost laptop price.

Cons of a Laptop:
1. Maintenance is difficult. You usually have to hire a professional if something breaks or goes wrong. Since the parts for a laptop need to be smaller this also makes them more expensive.
2. Repairs cost more. Since repairs need a professional they usually cost more, for the service as well as for the parts.
3. Everything is smaller. Meaning if you want to use a full size keyboard you have to plug in an extra keyboard, which means you have to carry around a bulky keyboard. Same for a monitor or other external devices.
4. More expensive than a comparable desktop.
5. Easy for someone else to pick up and carry off without your knowledge.

Knowing some of these pros and cons it is a lot easier to decide what is best for you. If you absolutely need a computer that you can take with you wherever you go then a laptop will be the best choice. If you just want a good computer that you can access in one location all the time, play games, etc. then a desktop is the best choice.

Just looking at price will not give you the best choice. If mobility is necessary then you may have to select a less powerful laptop (less memory, disk space and CPU power) so you can get it for a lower price.

If mobility is not an issue then a desktop will definitely give you more bang for the buck. Analyze your needs and wants before you buy, so you will get the best computer for your needs.

One thing I always recommend is purchase the extra warranty for the computer. I didn't do it in the past and usually regretted it. The last time I purchased a laptop I got the 4 year warranty and protection for it. I'm glad I did. I've had them replace the motherboard twice since I got it and now it works like a charm. Those repairs would have cost me a lot more that the extra warranty price. Please keep this in mind when buying a new computer.

Hope this helps in your computer buying decision!

If I was to get asked what do I prefer, a laptop or a desktop? My answer would be, "that depends". :)

What am I doing when I want to use the computer? If I'm traveling then it's very handy to have my laptop available.

If I'm at home and I need to do a lot of word processing, or spend a lot of time on the computer, then the desktop is the correct choice for me. Let's face it. It is more comfortable sitting at a desktop than using a laptop. Since the desktop never moves I can make it much more comfortable to use.

If I want to move around the house, then the laptop goes with me. Currently I'm sitting at the kitchen table writing this.

The bottom line is, I use my laptop a lot more then my desktop, just because I don't always want to sit in the same place all the time. I have two small kids so sometimes I have to move away from grabby little hands that like to push buttons. The laptop is ideal for this. They are grabby hands, but they sure are cute, so I can't complain too much. :)

You just have to figure out how you are going to use the computer to figure out what you need. I actually have a desktop and a laptop. That's ideal for me. Your situation may be different. Take the best choice and make it work.

My opinion, but you have to decide for yourself what you will work best for you. Thanks for reading!