Laptop or Desktop?

Laptops were once bulky devices that could barely be deemed “portable.” But then again, desktops once took up entire rooms. Every aspect of computers and the Internet is becoming smaller, more mobile, and easier to handle. As such, while it can hardly be called an age old question, the choice between a laptop and a desktop is an important one.

Advantages of a Desktop

A desktop computer is certainly the classic choice, and most people who use computers will be more used to this option. While the size can sometimes work against it, desktops are also a solid choice for a number of reasons. They include:

  • Cost. Desktops are cheaper than laptops with similar specs.
  • Power. Desktops have better technical specs overall.
  • Cooling. It’s easier to keep a desktop from overheating.
  • Upgrades. You can upgrade the components of a desktop far more easily.
  • Repairs. Desktops are easier and cheaper to repair.

Advantages of a Laptop

Laptops once had greater limitations on their capabilities, but thanks to mobile internet access and the boom of social media software, you can now do all of your necessary work while on the go. While a bit pricier, advantages of a laptop include:

  • Mobility. You can take the laptop with you on the go without any issues.
  • Space. You can use a laptop on a bus, airplane, or a hotel lobby.
  • Web access. Thanks to wireless technologies, you can now access the Internet from almost anywhere with a laptop computer.
  • Cordless life. With the battery life for some laptops now reaching as much as ten hours, you can go cordless for long periods of time.

Neither of these options are right for everyone. With distinct advantages, each selection is meant for a target market that requires something different. Simply consider the pros and cons before making your final decision.

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The Changes in Computer Styles

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Image via Wikipedia
Accessing the internet can be accomplished from a personal computer or a cellular phone. The use of computers is probably the most common way to get online, although using cell phones, especially smart phones, is quickly rising in popularity. But even the best cell phone has yet to fully compete with the technology contained in a computer. Personal computers for the desktop and your lap are, by far, the best and easiest way to use the internet.

Desktop computers used to be big and bulky. Large towers housing the hard drive and other hardware took up a lot of space. The monitor was as large as a small television. To have room for one of these older computers, you had to have an entire desktop. Technology has improved and towers are smaller. They can be stored under your desk, out of the way. Monitors are flat and only a few inches thick. The quality of the display is also much better as plasma monitors have become popular. Improvements keep coming and today, you can get a touchscreen monitor. With one of these, you can simply touch the screen with your fingertip or a pointer to perform tasks.

Laptop computers have also come a long way. Once, laptops were quite heavy and bulky. They were nice to have, but not very convenient. Today, laptops are sleek and thin. Displays are large and crisp, but the weight is minimal. In fact, the thinner and lighter the laptop, the better response from the public. Netbooks have also made their way on to the market. Netbooks are a smaller version of a laptop. They normally do not have CD-ROM drives, but consumers can easily buy an external drive.

As time marches on, it will be interesting to see the changes coming in the design of computers. If history is an indicator of things to come, computers will continue to get more compact, fast and convenient.

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