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Laptop vs Desktop- what are the pro's and con's?

Anonymous
2011-10-08T15:59:03+00:00

I'm considering going with a laptop for the first time. I'm tired of the clutter of wires and the non-mobility.

I'd appreciate if someone can give be pros and cons of Laptops form personal experience.

I understand I can access the internet with a router for wireless connection but other that that I cant seem to find any other differences.

Thanks,

James

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-10-08T23:55:56+00:00

    I'm considering going with a laptop for the first time. I'm tired of the clutter of wires and the non-mobility.

    I'd appreciate if someone can give be pros and cons of Laptops form personal experience.

    I understand I can access the internet with a router for wireless connection but other that that I cant seem to find any other differences.

    Thanks,

    James

    First, note that you can have a wireless internet connection with *either* a laptop or a desktop. That's no difference at all.

    Here are the major differences, in no particular order:

    1. Laptops are considerably more expensive.
    2. Laptops are harder to fix if something goes wrong, and service on them is more expensive.
    3. Laptops break and have hardware problems more than desktops do.
    4. Replacement parts for laptops are more expensive, and service often costs more..
    5. Your ability to upgrade laptop hardware is much more limited than with a desktop.
    6. A laptop screen is smaller that monitors that are available for desktops.

    7.. Laptop keyboards are sometimes smaller than desktop keyboards.

    8.  It may nnot be possible to upgrade a laptop to a new version of Windows. because drivers for that version may not exist.

    1. Laptops are stolen more than desktops are.
    2. Regarding the clutter of wires, almost the only wires you need on a desktop and not on a laptop are those for a monitor. A desktop can have a wiresless keyboard and a wireless mouse.

    As you might guess from the above, for almost everyone I recommend that you have a desktop as your main computer, not a laptop. Almost the only advantage of a laptop is its portability, so it's good for use when traveling. So, for example, I have a desktop for my main use at home, but also have a laptop that I take with me when traveling.

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-10-08T16:26:10+00:00

    Here are a few to general points to start and I expect others will add:

    • there is very little that can be upgraded on a laptop compared to a desktop;
    • laptop's hardware is more difficut to repair than a desktop;
    • laptops screens are generally smaller than those on desktop (unless you connect an external monitor which then defies the point of getting a laptop a bit);
    • strictly speaking within your home, a desktop and laptop can both have wired or wireless capability, provided the desktop has a wireless network adapter. (other cables remain though);
    • wireless performance often isn't as fast or reliable as wired - especially when you are out and about;
    • if you are a hard-core gamer then a power-desktop can attain graphics processing power beyond that of a power-laptop (the laptop can still be very good though);
    • if you get a laptop instead of a desktop, your cat will not have somewhere warm to curl up next to you on.  :-)

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-10-08T16:50:40+00:00

    Desktops can provide greater processing power, easier expandibility of function and storage, mutliple or larger monitors. but now that prices have dropped so much, laptops/notebooks are hard to beat for basic uses and convenience (use in any part of the house, allow flexible use of table or desk space when not in use). That being said, a good desktop plus an {android device:tablet:iPad|select one} seems a good combination for many.

    Tom Ferguson

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-10-08T16:34:38+00:00

    The internet access issue really isn't different between a laptop and desktop as both (with the right hardware options) are able to connect to the internet via a wired ethernet connection or via wireless connection, although it is probably more common for a laptop to be configured standard with a wireless adapter.  Both my desktop and laptop can connect to the internet both ways.  I think you identified the biggest pro of the laptop -- mobility.  The main cons of a laptop may be higher purchase price for equivalent performance/features and, in my limited experience, shorter hardware lifespan.

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-10-08T16:29:17+00:00

    A desktop can usually be upgraded & repaired quite simply, a laptop cannot usually be upgraded and may need specialist repairs when the need arises.

    If you are a gamer you may need a high end laptop depending on the games specs/requirements (for graphics)

    I no longer have a laptop as I dont need the mobility, if neccessary I can email or browse on my phone

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