How to Decide Between a Laptop and a Desktop

When deciding between a laptop and a desktop computer, weigh your computing needs against the benefits of each type.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Desktop Computers
• Laptop Computer

1. Determine if you really need to take your computer around with you (you go on many business trips, for example). If so, buy a laptop computer.

2. Determine if you have a slight need for portability, or if lack of space is a concern. If so, consider one of the new "slim-top" or "slim-line" desktop computers.

3. Expect to get much more speed and functionality from a desktop computer, for the same price as a laptop.

4. Expect more expensive and frequent repairs with a laptop computer.

5. Buy a desktop computer if you'll be working with graphics or multimedia or playing action games, as laptop screens are small and low-resolution.

6. Choose a desktop computer if you need upgradability.

Tips & Warnings

• Unless you're a student, buy a laptop only if it will supplement a desktop computer. A laptop is difficult to work on for extended periods of time because of the small screen and small keyboard.
• Expect a laptop to have considerably higher resale value than a desktop.
• At the same clock speed, laptop processors are slower than desktop processors.

[scottys94]

on 11/8/2007 When choosing between a laptop and a desktop, you need to think about it deeply. If you would like a portable computer without the hassle of all the wires, then a laptop is for you. If you don't need a portable computer, but don't mind all of the cables, then a desktop is for you.

[scottys94]

on 11/8/2007 When choosing between a laptop and a desktop, you need to think about it deeply. If you would like a portable computer without the hassle of all the wires, then a laptop is for you. If you don't need a portable computer, but don't mind all of the cables, then a desktop is for you.

[scottys94]

on 11/8/2007 When choosing between a laptop and a desktop, you need to think about it deeply. If you would like a portable computer without the hassle of all the wires, then a laptop is for you. If you don't need a portable computer, but don't mind all of the cables, then a desktop is for you.

on 11/22/2005 As a notebook owner, my only real complaint has been battery life while traveling (not plugged into an AC voltage source). In addition, buy a Mobile processor, the battery life will be almost twice that of other processors. I recommend buying a laptop without a disk drive, there's hardly any need for one. Instead of using a floppy, buy a flash jump drive of at least 128 mb. They're very small, fairly cheap, and very handy.

Make sure the laptop has integrated wireless (universal preferably) and integrated LAN. In addition, I recommend s-video (if you think there's any chance of using your laptop with a television screen).

Computer bags come in various styles and qualities. Generally, the bag that comes with the computer is crummy and will fall apart quickly. Expect to spend $39.99 to $100 for a new bag.

Buy the extended warranty! Laptop damage can be quite frequent.

on 11/22/2005 If you want a big screen and keyboard and you travel a lot with your laptop, go for one equipped with devices so it can be connected with a monitor and keyboard. It will be slightly more costly but will serve the purpose.