How to Choose a Laptop or Desktop Computer

If you watch television or read magazines, you cannot help but be assaulted by advertisements for the biggest and most popular brands of computers. But today, trying to decide what kind of computer would work best for you is like trying to pick what to eat first at your favorite all-you-can-eat buffet. On one hand you have the sheer power of a desktop and on the other hand you have the convenience and portability of a laptop. Which one will work best for you depends on a number of criteria. Here is how to choose between a laptop and a desktop computer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Determine what your computing needs are. For instance, are you a gamer or do you use your computer just for email? Does your job require you to travel a lot or do you work from home? Of course, the budget you have to work with also plays a large part in your overall decision.
2. Think about the types of programs you like to use. Do you use visually-demanding programs like cutting-edge computer games? If you do, then you will require the processor speed and video card power of a desktop. Of course, there are some laptop manufacturers that focus on the needs of gamers, like Alienware, but in truth, in order to get a laptop capable of playing at the quality of a good desktop you will be shelling out quite a bit of cash.
3. Find a relatively inexpensive desktop solution in your Sunday newspaper's advertisements if you use your computer for simple word processing, Internet surfing and emailing family or friends. You may even get lucky and find a value-rich bundle where you can walk away with a free printer! Keep in mind though, today's advertising gimmicks usually include a nice cheap price along with a photo of a beautiful computer package, but when you travel to the store to take advantage of that deal you will discover that the monitor is not included in that nice price! Always check the fine print on the ad to see if the price includes the monitor.
4. Make the decision between a laptop and a desktop if you have a son or daughter about to head off to college. Generally, a laptop makes a better choice for your child. It offers them the convenience they need to take it to class, the library or out on the college green on a beautiful fall day. Just be sure to purchase security protection devices for the computer because laptops can disappear quite easily on campus!
5. Figure out a couple of logistical questions if you are looking to get a computer for your home. Such as: If you get a desktop, where is it going to be placed in the home? Do you have a room designated for the computer or will it be in the corner of the dining room? Of course, purchasing a desktop will require you to have a desk to set it on, whereas a laptop can go where you want to go, be it on the couch or outside on the deck.
6. Look at the final determining factors and what results they dictate: cost efficiency--desktop convenience, laptop performance--desktop portability and laptop overall value. Once you decide what you are going to use the computer for, you will have a better idea of which computer will best satisfy your needs. Do not worry though, once you finally make up your mind and make your purchase, you are guaranteed to find a more powerful computer for far less than what you paid for yours in next week's advertisements. Thus, another victim of the secret law of computer shopping!