Buying A Computer: Should I Get a Laptop or Desktop Computer?

Summary: Learn the factors to consider when buying a computer or other devices for your business or personal use. Before spending money, get an understanding of what computer features are most important to you. If you have trouble making an informed decision, it is worth the expense to consult IT experts.

Desktop computers were the standard for a long time. When laptops were invented, they were bulky, heavy and limited in function. But now we have many great alternatives to desktops. Laptops, tablets, iPads and even cell phones are worthy alternatives to traditional PCs. Which devices are right for you depends on what you need and what you use them for.

Laptops vs. Desktops

Laptops win big points in the area of portability. For users who need to have robust computer functionality on the go, laptops are the solution. Laptops are lightweight and have full built-in keyboards. Even though desktop towers have gotten smaller, laptops are a “slam dunk” win for working away from your home or office. Using a laptop is not contingent upon the availability of AC power if the battery is charged or a portable battery device is available. In addition to portability, there are several other benefits to using laptop computers:

• Out-of-the-Box Setup and Installation – First of all, there are no wires to connect. Also, once a new laptop is plugged in and powered up, the setup is user-friendly: the process is mostly automated, and users are guided through the steps until everything is configured and ready to use.
• Styling – The traditional gray clamshell design of laptops is no longer the only choice. One new option available for some machines is removable or rotating laptop screens. Also, if you are design-conscious, some laptops come in a variety of colors. These kinds of flexible options and esthetic enhancements have broadened the ever-growing market for laptops.

It’s All About User Needs

The tradeoff for portability is reduced functionality. Computer manufacturers design laptops to weigh as little as possible and take up very little space. By making them light and easy to transport, they have tighter space for internal components, limiting the kinds of upgrades that can be done. Other than adding additional RAM, changing a hard drive or installing a new battery, there is not much that can be done to upgrade a laptop. Due to these limitations, many users try to select laptops that are designed for their specific needs. If you work with graphics and video, you might wish to purchase a laptop with more RAM, a larger storage drive, a very high-definition screen and a super-fast graphics card.

Desktop computers are definitely not portable. However, they are the clear winner for potential performance and power. Also, because desktops are usually left stationery, they are far less likely to be stolen or broken. In addition, desktop PCs are lighter, smaller and less bulky than they once were. Although the dramatic increase in remote-access work has made desktops less popular, they still have many features not afforded to laptops, including:

• More Power and Performance – Software and hardware developers initially release new products for desktop-based computer systems. Therefore, if one needs to have the fastest machine with the newest computing breakthroughs, desktops are the way to go. They are also designed to be compatible with a much wider range of other devices. One can start with one powerful desktop computer and expand it to build a robust, multi-device computer system.
• More Upgrades and Easier Repairs – Because desktops are designed with more space available for many kinds of upgrades and repairs, DIY work on desktops is much easier for users who are not professional IT experts. Unlike with laptops, components such as storage drives, monitors, mice, graphics cards, RAM and keyboards are usually easy to access and change.
• Bang for Your Buck – Depending on what they are used for, desktops offer a lot more power and features than laptops for significantly less money. You pay for the portability of laptops. However, if you do not need to bring your computer along wherever you go, feature for feature, desktops are an all-around more cost-effective choice with expansive upgrading potential.

Selecting the right computer is all about your needs. The type of work you do should be the focus when making your choice. Whether the device is for personal use or for an SMB supplying devices for employees, it is crucial to balance functionality, flexibility, portability, expandability and price considerations before you purchase a machine. A personal home user might only need a laptop. A business often has a network of devices, including desktops, laptops and tablets that all need to be synced and secured to protect the network. Also, every device in a system might serve its own specific purpose and, therefore, require additional research before purchase.

Which is Better - Laptop or iPad? Ask an IT Expert

Professional IT technicians will want to know what industry you will use the device for, (design, education, accounting, etc.) what software programs you use with it and other relevant questions. This will help them know if the device you have in mind will work the way you need it to.

The more computer technology evolves, the more options become available. Having more choices and features can make computer purchasing decisions more difficult. Non-techies can find the process of identifying the best computer for their needs to be daunting. Understanding what device will work best for you encompasses so many factors. Simple questions such as “Which is better, laptop or iPad?” are not so simple to answer.

If you are confused or unsure what kind of portable computer and features you need, it is worth investing a few dollars in a conversation with a professional home or business office technology expert before wasting money on the wrong machine, or risk being unhappy with an expensive purchase.