How to choose between a Desktop Computer or a Laptop
Laptop computers offer higher performance at a lower price than ever before, and consumers today buy them by the millions. However, a standard desktop computer is still the appropriate buying choice for some types of customers. Desktop computers tend to be best for gamers and those who want to expand and upgrade their machines. However, it would be difficult to take a desktop computer to a business meeting or bring it on a trip. You can determine the best computer to purchase by considering what you expect to do with the machine.
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Consider your ideal location for using a computer. If you imagine yourself in a home office with a full-sized keyboard and a printer within easy reach, a desktop computer may be the appropriate choice for you. If you imagine yourself on the couch or at a coffee shop, consider purchasing a laptop as those usage environments are nearly impossible with a desktop computer.
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Consider your ideal screen size. Today's electronics stores are filled with large 24-27" displays for desktop computers, but the largest display you can reasonably expect to get with a laptop computer is 17" --- and laptops with 17" displays can be heavy and difficult to transport. Many laptops have ports for external displays, giving you the best of both worlds. However, a monitor is a costly item to add if you are already spending the money for a laptop.
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Decide whether it is a priority for you to be able to play current games at the maximum performance level available. Manufacturers have made great strides in increasing the gaming performance of laptop computers. However, a desktop computer gives you the ability to upgrade your video card when your current one becomes obsolete. This is impossible with nearly all laptops. Some desktop computers even give you the ability to run multiple video cards in tandem. A desktop computer is generally the best choice for a serious computer gamer.
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Consider whether you expect to expand or upgrade your computer in the future. With a laptop computer, you can generally install a new optical or hard drive and expand the memory. However, in most cases this requires replacing the original components. Many desktop computers have room for multiple optical and hard drives. Some may have extra memory slots for you to add memory without removing the original modules. You can even upgrade the processor or video card --- or the main system board, giving yourself effectively a new computer.
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Decide how much money you are willing to spend. While entry-level laptop and desktop computers are comparably priced, the price of a laptop computer ramps up sharply as you begin to add upgrades such as a faster processor or 3-D graphics adapter. For a higher-performance machine, the cost of a desktop computer is generally lower.
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References
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