Which is Better Laptop or Desktop? Resolving the Grand Debate

For years, people have been arguing about which is better: laptop or desktop? Is a laptop more convenient since you can take it with you wherever you go, or is a desktop more powerful and better for heavy-duty work?

In this article, I will provide you a list of each type of computer's strong and weak points to help you decide which of them is the right choice in accordance with your needs and special preferences.

So, without further ado, let’s get right into today’s discussion…

What is the Difference Between Desktops and Laptops?

You can pretty much tell the apparent differences between a laptop. A desktop computer is designed to be used in one specific location, such as a home office or school desktop. It has a larger monitor than a laptop, a full-sized keyboard, and a separate camera. A laptop is smaller and more portable, making it ideal for taking on the go. It has a built-in keyboard and trackpad, and the screen size is typically smaller than a desktop.

Let’s continue and learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of each types of computers.

The Pros and Cons of Desktops

The following are the pros and cons of owning a desktop computer if you are indeed considering buying one.

Pros of Desktops

Let’s talk first about the advantages of desktops over laptop computers—

• Upgradeable

As mentioned earlier, the greatest advantage of the desktop is that you can easily upgrade them whenever new and updated hardware becomes available in the market. A laptop is generally not suitable for upgrades which may necessitate you to purchase a new laptop if the current hardware is not compatible with particular software or applications that demand higher system requirements.

• Cost

The entire cost of desktops can be an expensive task. But the good thing about the platform is you really don’t have to set them up right away. You can basically install one at a time and subsequently put up upgrades whenever you have the budget or the need for them is required. In addition, they are highly cost-effective and a lot easier to maintain.

• High-Performance

Again, we go back to the upgradeability of laptops because such a feature makes the platform more powerful compared to a laptop. Now, this also makes the desktops a lot more desirable if you are planning to put up a game station.

Cons of Desktops

Now, let’s discuss the disadvantages and limitations of a desktop computer—

• Movability and Space

Due to the large size of a desktop, they may clutter up your space. Also, they can be quite an inconvenience if you are planning to move them from one place to another or if you are cleaning the premises. As a result, it also leads to the accumulation of dust if you are unable to clean them.

• Power Consumption

Since desktops are connected to several devices and equipment like the monitor, CPU, and other external hardware, you could expect the monthly electricity bill to go up progressively every time you make upgrades, especially if it contributes to power consumption.

The Pros and Cons of Laptops

On the other hand, the following are the pros and cons of laptops that you have to take into account if you are thinking of buying the aforementioned setup instead of a desktop computer.

Pros of Laptops

Let’s discuss first the advantages of laptops—

• Free of Assembly

While desktops require assembly, this isn’t the case with laptops—they are pre-assembled, and you can use them right away after purchase. It also frees you up from the stress of putting the pieces in place and worrying whether you have placed them in their proper place.

• Portable

There is no doubt that the biggest advantage of a laptop is portability. It essentially allows you to bring your work anywhere, which makes them excellent for students and office people alike. Also, they are the catalysts for the digital nomad movement because it gives freelancers the ability to earn money wherever they go.

• Flexible and Lightweight

Aside from the laptop being portable, they also come in various shapes and sizes depending on the brand you are opting for. Most modern laptops today are lightweight and can fit in any type of backpack. Also, they are flexible because some laptop manufacturers also offer a detachable laptop that converts that device into a regular tablet.

Cons of Laptops

On the other hand, below are the disadvantages of laptops that you have to take note of as well

• Non-upgradeability

Most laptops today have a fixed internal component that doesn’t allow you to upgrade them whenever you see fit. As a result, older or outdated laptops may no longer be as useful to you, especially with games and applications with high system requirements. As a result, it may cause you to avail a new one if you really need a more powerful laptop.

• Performance Limitation

The portability feature of laptops could also be a con. Since the laptops are lightweight, some of the essential components that you may find in desktops are not present in laptops. As a result, you may notice several limitations as you are playing or working with your laptop. Thus, it is an expectation that you have to manage if you are going to buy a laptop.

Which One to Choose: A Desktop or A Laptop?

The bottomline in the question of which is better or the desktop is subjective and relies on the individuals’ specific needs and special preferences. Therefore, I will segregate the matter into the context of the person’s potential needs, such as follows—

In the Context of Gaming: Desktop

Game applications today have a hefty demand for software and hardware. Although there are gaming laptops today that can load and run modern pc games, this may not be the case in the following years because of system updates and the like. Whereas you don’t really need to buy a new desktop, and all you have to do is upgrade the system to accommodate what the system requires.

In the Context of School and Office Use: Laptop

The clear winner for school and office purposes is a laptop. You have to remember that modern laptops today are equipped with the latest software and hardware that should help you accomplish the task at hand.

In the Context of Everyday Use: Laptop

Laptops are also excellent for everyday use, such as shopping online, social media, paying bills, transaction payments, and other forms of entertainment, etc. As you see, it makes your life a little bit easier by helping you manage your daily activities.

And one best example of a laptop that’s best suited for daily use is the HONOR MagicBook X 14. Aside from the stunning aesthetics of the laptop, you’ll also benefit from the machine’s outstanding features and functions.

FAQ about Which is Better Laptop or Desktop

The following are additional questions many people have about which is better laptop or desktop—

What Computer is Suitable for Gaming?

Although gaming laptops can run modern games, this may not be the case with demanding games. Thus, a desktop computer is preferable for hardcore gaming because it allows them to upgrade their station to accommodate a new game with high system demands.

Which is Better for A Student, Laptop or Desktop?

A laptop is way better compared to a desktop because it allows the students to bring it with their schoolwork wherever they go. Plus, most productivity applications are not too demanding and run most of them, such as Microsoft Word, presentations, spreadsheets, emails, and social media sites.

Source: HONOR Club