Laptop or Desktop, which should you buy?
If we'd logged every time we've been asked whether a laptop or desktop is the best choice for someone we'd have a large database of enquiries to look at by now. Similarly, if we had the same entries for the number of times someone has bought a machine only to discover it wasn't the best format computer for their needs then we could fill a good few pages of website content.
Choosing between a desktop or laptop computer isn't as easy as many might think - but the majority of people tend not to find out until it's too late. So we've listed the factors you should bear in mind if it is a decision you're faced with in the future.
The obvious space factor
Most people don't need telling that a laptop takes up a lot less room than a desktop! The sheer convenience of a laptop that you can carry about with you, use on the sofa, in the kitchen, in the car, you name it - well it's the advantage that most people cite as the deciding factor.
A lot of desktop computer users often use very little of the advantages that a desktop has over a laptop but limit themselves to the static computing option that they needn't of if they'd assessed their needs properly to begin with. There are some very small footprint desktops out there nowadays, but they'll never have the portability or ease of use that a notebook or laptop gives so we'll not go into more detail on this aspect - it simply doesn't need it.
The power of a desktop
Desktops, by and large, have more processing power and are quicker than laptops. Unfortunately many purchasers don't realise this and are then disappointed with their snail pace notebook.
That's why desktops are nearly always the choice of those who are serious about gaming on their computer. Whilst a laptop can be perfectly capable of playing games they'll never compete with desktops on a pound for pound basis.
Expandability
Your average desktop PC can be expanded, upgraded and improved upon with little effort and at a cost effective price. The same can't be said of you average laptop. Other than RAM (memory) upgrades there is little more you're going to be able to do to improve your laptop - and even memory upgrades can be much more severely restricted.
If you think your use of your computer is likely to change in a way that the processing power you need may change - then you should seriously contemplate a desktop unless you want to have to change machine again.
The cost of mobility
Buying a laptop that you can take everywhere with you doesn't come without more disadvantages than just power. On a cost v specification basis it is incredibly rare to find a laptop can match a PC. In a nutshell, you'll pay more for less (in more ways than sheer size!).
However, laptops are also much more prone to damage and higher costs of repair than PC's. Lugging that lovely sleek case around with you raises the risk of you dropping it and if you've ever taken a laptop to a repair shop you'll know that it can be an expensive mistake.
The mere fact you have an all-in-one unit, rather than a separate screen, computer, mouse etc immediately consolidates more than the parts - it consolidates costs of repair too, and not in a favourable way. They're also much more tricky to work so labour time is usually higher.
Visibility
Very few users contemplate this - but what if you struggle to see the screen of your lovely little laptop? With most laptops offering a maximum screen size of 17 inches, and that size affecting portability too, you should consider it.
Most desktop computers will be offered with 17 or 19 inch monitors as standard, but you can go much much larger and price drops in recent years mean that 20 and 22 inch screens are often chosen with new purchases. You'll also be able to use your new monitor on a future desktop purchase too - so you benefit beyond the initial purchase package.
Graphical evidence
The thin profile of most laptops means that graphical (video card) power is nearly always compromised unless you spend a considerable amount of money. But, don't just think that'll only impact games playing. The video card in your computer will also be used for when you're adjusting all those photographs you took on your annual holiday - and laptop performance versus average desktop graphics card performance in one area where we have often heard of complaints.
Then, as mentioned above, you can upgrade the graphics card in your desktop computer for a reasonable sum in a matter of minutes - but you'll find it impossible to do that on almost all laptop machines. You're stuck with what you buy, so choose carefully.
Physical comfort
Whilst you might be more comfortable sat on your sofa than on a chair at a desk, don't forget that laptop computers will almost certainly have much smaller keyboards and keys of a very different nature too. Those of a large or heavy handed nature sometimes struggle to adapt to laptops.
You'll probably use your laptop with a mousepad too - a touch sensitive area below the main keyboard on the computer. That's actually a considerable difference and can impact the ease of using many applications if you struggle to get used to touchpads. You could, of course, buy a standard mouse and plug it into the laptop, but you've immediately compromised the mobility aspect of your purchase because you'll find it a little difficult to use on your knee and end up sitting at a table or desk!
Longevity
A desktop PC will last most people a lot longer than a laptop - in fact figures show a user will keep a desktop for more than twice as long as they will a laptop.
There are multiple factors in this and we've already mentioned the upgradable aspects. There is another though - battery life. If you constantly recharge your laptop you'll find the lifetime of the laptop battery reduces over time. Machines that once gave 5 hours aren't unknown to drop to well below an hour within 2 hours. You can buy a new battery but you'll again be in a for a shock in some cases with many laptop batteries often costing 25% of the original purchase price (though most will come in around the 15-20% mark).
Summary
Laptops have gained huged popularity in recent years. However, they can't compete, pound for pound, with desktops in power terms or value for money. That said, the portability advantage they give is a collosal one.
Nonetheless, our opinion remains much as it has always been - never consider a laptop as an alternative to a desktop unless portability is absolutely key to your decision. They're slower, more costly to buy and maintain, almost impossible to upgrade and much more susceptible to failure (overheating being very common if you misuse them by using them on soft surfaces such as your lap or bed which doesn't allow heat to vent from them).
Choose carefully and make sure you know what you'll really need from your computer.
Laptop v Criminal
Seldom do purchasers give much consideration to this, but laptops are a prime target of thieves.
The UK Government had 658 laptops stolen between 2004 and 2008; almost one every 2 days. Think about that, because in the same time it had virtually no desktop computers stolen (they actually admit to over 850 laptops being stolen in a 6 year period!).
The fact is that your laptop is easy to sell on and people have a nasty habit of leaving them in range of opportunist thieves. Those seeking to relieve you of your precious laptop often scan the windows of cars or peek through the windows of houses to check for your ultra-portable computer that is so ultra-easy to slip under their coats and get away with without anyone having a clue.
Again in the UK, the Metropolitan Police (London) reported an astounding 6,500 laptops stolen in 2006 and the figures continue to rise. Year on year the rise in laptop theft has been calculated to be 6%.
Statistics about laptop theft in the United States don't make pleasant reading either.
In 2008 a laptop was stolen every 53 seconds in the USA. More than 12,000 laptops a week are stolen from US airports alone! The news about recovering your stolen laptop isn't good either - because only 3% of them are ever returned to their owner.
Stopping the crime
There are now some neat pieces of software that 'report' when a laptop is stolen by broadcasting their whereabouts over the internet if they're reconnected by their illegal owners. However, the percentage of users that know of such facility is minimal and your more astute theif knows only too well that the first thing they'll need to do is format the hard drive of their criminal acquisition.
You can buy physical security devices but the best without doubt is to keep your precious portable firmly out of view of opportunist thieves - and don't buy a bag the broadcasts the fact you have a very expensive laptop in it!
