A 2016 report by the American Community Survey showed that 89% of U.S. households owned a computer. The number has continued to rise as computers gain broader use in businesses, education, health, and entertainment. If you’re thinking of getting a computer, you’re not late for the party!

You have a range of computer options at your disposal. However, deciding on whether to buy a desktop or a laptop can be a real dilemma, especially if you haven’t used either in the past.

If you’re in such a fix, you’re in luck today. We have a desktop vs laptop computer comparison for you.

Here’s our comprehensive guide on the pros and cons of laptops vs desktops.

Desktop Computers 

A desktop computer refers to a personal computer designed to be used within a single location due to its power requirements and size. It has different parts, including a mouse, keyboard, monitor, and computer case. Desktop computers are often used at work, school, or even at home.

Pros of Desktop Computers

It’s essential to understand the benefits of a desktop computer vs a laptop computer to guide you in making a choice. Desktop computers have several advantages that might prompt one to choose them over laptops.

Here are the top pros of desktop computers;

Exceptional Performance 

When it comes to performance, desktops take the trophy. These computers have full-sized components, which allow them to have exceptional power operation. Some of these components, such as advanced processors, aren’t on laptops.

Desktops further boast of adequate storage— both external and internal. Typically, desktops come with inbuilt external and internal drive ports for multiple connections. Laptops, on the other hand, can only hold single internal storage unless you change the drive.

The extra performance makes desktops more ideal for enterprise use and big projects. They have advanced hardware and cooling systems to handle complex tasks. Better still, they are upgradable, meaning that you can improve components like the processor, SSD, and RAM.

Cost 

If you’re in a dilemma about choosing a desktop vs a laptop computer, your budget can be a determiner. A desktop computer is your ideal option if you’re on a budget. With as low as $400, you can get a desktop computer with a powerful system.

Check out these computers and their prices. The specs are quite attractive, and one doesn’t have to break a bank to get a high-performance computer.

Desktop computers have a variety of components that you can get in the market. Their availability has led to competitive prices for desktops. If you opt to buy the components separately, the price of the desktop lowers further.

Screen Size 

Depending on the purpose of your desktop, screen size is a factor you’d want to consider. A desktop monitor can be as large as 19 inches or more. A desktop computer further gives you the flexibility to connect it to a different monitor or TV.

You can also connect the desktop’s CPU to your projector for a home theater kind of experience.

If you’re wondering how to choose a computer, desktops give you the benefit of flexibility with screen size. With a laptop, size is out of the question as users often want something portable.

Ease of Repair 

With desktop computers, the repair is quite easy. The hardware is readily available in the market, and chances are you’ll find what you want in your first local computer shop. Finding replacement parts for laptops can be challenging, and you might need to consult the manufacturer.

Cons of Desktop Computers 

Despite the many notable benefits, desktops have their challenges. These are some of the cons that make one rethink about purchasing desktop computers:

Lack of Portability

Desktop computers are not portable. They have a separate monitor and are large, making it hard to take them from place to place. Desktops are ideal when used in a single location.

If you want to work while on the move, desktop computers don’t give you that convenience. It can be limiting if you’re going to work and travel. While you can still carry them along, they need a power supply, which further limits movement.

Aesthetics 

For minimalists, desktops can be an eyesore. The thought of giant monitor, towers, or wires to connect these parts isn’t intriguing.

On the other hand, laptops are all-in-one machines with a desirable appeal.

Assembling a Desktop Computer

Setting up your desktop needs extra time. Depending on your expertise, assembling the components of a desktop might be daunting. Connecting these parts doesn’t require technical experience; yet, it can be cumbersome, especially if you have an urgent task.

Laptop Computers

Laptops have become popular in the 21st century due to their convenience. Laptop computers are battery-powered. They are portable, and users can use them anywhere.

If you’re in a dilemma on whether to get a desktop vs a laptop computer, the pros and cons of these computers will guide you.

Pros of Laptop Computers

A recent report has projected that the global market size for laptops will grow by $7.52 billion within the next three years.

Here are some of the advantages that are making laptop computers increase in popularity.

Portability

Portability has made laptops more popular than desktop computers. Arguably, portability is the most significant difference between a desktop and a laptop. If you want to be using your computer anywhere, a laptop is the better option.

Laptops come in compact sizes and are lightweight. You can carry them in a case or backpack when in transit. Considering that you don’t need to keep your laptop plugged in for power, the battery further makes portability possible.

Ease of Assembly

Unlike desktops, laptops are easy to connect. You’ll only need to press the start button to have it up and running. It will take a few minutes to plug it in and switch it on to start running.

The components of a laptop, such as a touchpad and a keyboard, are pre-installed. You’ll get a finished product, meaning that you won’t waste time in its assembly.

Lower Power Use 

Laptops have a smaller frame. Their power consumption is, therefore, lower than that of a desktop computer. With a battery in place, you don’t always need to have your laptop plugged in.

If there’s a power outage, the laptop battery can save the day. You can complete a task with battery power or get adequate time to save your work.

Smaller Screen Size

Most laptops have a screen of about 10 to 17 inches. The small screens make portability possible. If you want a computer that can fit your bag on your way to class or job, a laptop is ideal.

Laptops can also allow connection to an external display. They support projectors or screens of any size, so you don’t have to feel limited with the screen size.

Cons of Laptop Computers

Laptops have their flaws, which you might have to weigh when comparing a desktop vs a laptop computer. Here are the top disadvantages of laptop computers that you need to know;

Laptops Are Expensive 

The cheapest Apple laptop you’re likely to get in the market today is MacBook Air M1 at $989.71. While you can get other cheaper versions, laptop computers are pricier than desktops operating in a similar capacity.

For a laptop with better graphics and high speed, you need to dig deeper in your pocket. The price can even exceed $1000. If you have a constrained budget, it would be more realistic to get a desktop with powerful features.

Performance Limitations

A laptop has a smaller physical frame, which limits the graphics capability that it can have. Some laptops provide higher graphics for CAD applications and gaming. These laptops are quite expensive and have power limitations.

You might have to upgrade your laptop for you to achieve some performance levels. Since you can’t swap components of a laptop as a DIY, you’ll need to consult with the manufacturer. In the end, you might find it cheaper to get a new laptop because the upgrades can be expensive.

Damage and Repair

Laptops are at a higher risk of damage since they are ever on the move. Repairing a laptop is costly because replacement parts are not readily available. You might need to call the manufacturer for spare parts.

There Is the Desktop Vs Laptop Computer Comparison

For a first-time buyer, choosing between a desktop and laptop computer can be a challenge. It is crucial to understand the features, pros, and cons of each before buying. Furthermore, you should define your needs to know which of the computers will address them in the best way possible.

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