Laptop or Desktop: Which One is Right For
You?
reprinted with
permission from HP
In the not-so-distant past, the choice between a desktop and a
laptop computer was simple: do you want portability, or not? There were a
few other clear-cut differences, too. Desktop models offered more power
and features and were less expensive, while laptops were portable, but
also more costly, and less ergonomic.
While some of these
differences remain, advances in technology make many of them
insignificant. Laptop prices have fallen, and the machines now offer even
more power and features. Desktop models are less bulky than they used to
be, and with the proliferation of devices like USBs, portability of data
is not such a big issue. So how do you choose?
Here are a few points to
consider.
What's your workspace
like?
Space is a big factor to consider. If you have limited space
on your desk or workplace, you might consider a business laptop that can
easily be put away to make room for other items. Otherwise, you could look
into the smaller form factor desktop PCs and a flat screen monitor in
order to conserve space.
Where do you use a
computer most often, and what do you use it for?
If you use a
computer mainly for word processing and Internet purposes, a laptop might
be a practical choice when travelling. However, hard-core gamers, video
editors or graphic designers may require additional memory and storage,
which could in turn potentially increase the cost and the weight of a
laptop PC - so much so, that it may no longer be practical to lug it
around. In that case, you might as well purchase a desktop computer or
workstation which you can cost-effectively and easily equip and add on to,
without worrying about weight.
On the other hand, if
you're often on the road and just want a portable computer for basic
e-mailing and word processing, you might find that some laptops are more
than what you need. In this case, consider one of the Ultralight Laptops
that can be an inch thick and weigh just two or three
pounds.
How much storage do
you need?
Because laptops have physically smaller drives, they can
only offer so much storage space. If you have extreme storage needs - like
lots of music files or an extensive video library - a desktop is usually
the best choice, unless you are also willing to invest in additional
external storage devices.
What about
ergonomics?
Early laptops had cramped keyboards and small, dimly
lit, hard-to-read screens. Nowadays most of these issues have been
resolved, but for certain users, desktops still may be the better choice
to help prevent injuries and discomfort. Because a desktop's monitor and
keyboard are separate, you can move and adjust them as needed, and desktop
monitors can be purchased in much larger sizes than what is available on a
laptop. A laptop's setup, with an attached keyboard and monitor, provides
less flexibility. It is however possible to set a laptop up in a way
that's ergonomically similar to a desktop (with an additional keyboard and
monitor), but the extra equipment required might negate the entire purpose
of having a laptop.
For more information on
the benefits of desktops versus laptops and visa-versa, read this related
discussion in HP Community forums. You can also expand your horizons by
looking into the amazing new HP TouchSmart and the Tablet
PCs.
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