Laptop VS Desktop: Pros and Cons

In the digital age, the user is spoiled for choice in the face of the diversity of the multimedia offering. So it is sometimes difficult for him to navigate and make a decision, especially when acquiring a new computer.

The figures, however, suggest that we have a small preference for laptops, especially for premium ultra-mobiles, since the sector saw a 17.5% increase in sales in 2017.

However, we can not deny the many strengths of the desktop, the very one that allowed us to take our first steps on the net, and which still seduces us as much.

If you are one of the undecided, we deliver you the advantages and disadvantages of the PC laptop compared to fixed PC so that you can stop your choice according to your requirements and your use. Indeed, although the essence and purpose of the two machines are the same, some differences can make that we have a preference for one or the other.

The strengths of the Laptop over PC

Again of appreciated space

The highlight of the laptop is undeniably its space saving.

By definition, the desktop is on a desktop. It is therefore necessary to foresee the place to accommodate all the elements that compose it, and that is the central unit, the screen, the keyboard and the mouse, at least. While the laptop, all-in-one, is very discreet and easily stored in a bag.

In addition, in recent years, the laptop sector has diversified to offer more lightness and finesse, while ensuring a certain performance and versatility, thanks to ultrabooks or hybrids.

Certain mobility

Mobility is one of the PC’s other great assets, unlike its fixed counterpart, which can only be moved from one room to another, even on a desk with wheels. Indeed, the transportability of the computer has revolutionized our use of multimedia. From now on, we “surf” and we work where we want and when we want if at all we have means of connection such as WiFi or 4G, among others.

We love to travel with my laptop on board. If you are also planning to take your portable laptop while you travel, w recommend selecting a good Laptop Bag for Air Travel. With a good quality laptop bag, your laptop will be secured from dirt and damage. You can select from small sized laptops that are extremely portable, just remember to buy a size-suited laptop sleeve for better protection.

Better Life

If you have already worked on a desktop PC, you must have been confronted with a power failure that makes you regret having forgotten to save your Word file regularly. Sudden loss of data is a problem that is not encountered when using a laptop because it has a battery life of several hours, usually conditioned by the components and the use of the latter (provided do not work on mains without battery and do not forget to plug in its power cable in case of low battery).

Note that battery is a specific feature of the laptop because of its transportability, which can not be appreciated for the desktop computer, which itself only works when plugged into the mains.

Significant energy savings

Laptop PCs are optimized to consume as little as possible. A laptop is 5 times less energy-consuming than a desktop computer and promises great energy savings. However, the first consumes, on average, only 50 kWh, when the second consumes 250 kWh.

But you have to know that the more the tasks carried out solicit the system, the less the energy performance is good.

An attractive design

The design is an indisputable buying criterion. And in this area, laptops far outweigh the fixed PCs, even if they are no longer those that we have known in our computer classes of the 90s. There is only to see the elegance and finesse of the ASUS Vivo AiO desktop.

However, manufacturers are redoubling their imagination and effort to offer new laptops ever thinner, ergonomic and stylish like the Apple MacBook Air or the Lenovo Yoga 720 (13 inches) in a similar look.

We can also talk about the Microsoft Surface Pro 4, this high-end hybrid with flawless finishes, or the Dell XPS 13 (2018), one of the best ultraportables of the moment and the most comfortable.

The weak points of the Laptop

Higher prices

At equivalent power, a laptop is usually more expensive by 20 to 30 percent than a desktop. This is explained by the fact of being able to take his machine where you want. Indeed, mobility has a cost.

Depending on the usefulness of your computer, for the same price, it may be more interesting to opt for a desktop that will be more powerful. With a fixed entry-level PC, you can easily use resource-hungry applications or play video games.

On the other hand, for those who perform basic tasks, play light games and want to enjoy the benefits of a PC laptop, it might be better to prefer a refurbished computer, and enjoy savings of 20 to 70 %.

Less life

A laptop is generally less time consuming than a desktop computer that wants to evolve.

The average life span of a personal laptop PC is 2 or 3 years. That professional range can, however, be used for nearly 10 years.

Due to the compact structure of the laptop, it can be difficult or impossible to change some of its components, which, in addition, are miniaturized.

In addition, repairs to the latter can sometimes be expensive. Indeed, the advantage of the desktop is its evolutionary aspect. In case of failure, the user has the option to easily replace the components of his machine instead of buying a new one. It can also more easily adapt to changing needs, or take advantage of new features, increasing the storage capacity or favoring a more powerful central unit for example. This is not necessarily the case for the laptop which remains limited in terms of scalability, more subject to programmed obsolescence, or at least “perceived”.

A lack of power for heavy tasks

Depending on the usefulness of your computer, the laptop may not be powerful enough. Indeed, a desktop computer is more suitable for resource-intensive work such as graphics or video games of recent generations, and dissipates better heat.

However, with the advance of technology, laptops have storage capacities and processing power increasingly important. In addition, the offer tends to widen, and it is now possible to opt for Pc gamer or professional ranges more powerful and better adapted to specific needs.

Questionable comfort

One of the advantages of the desktop computer on the laptop is the comfort and the working space that it offers to its user. Indeed, depending on the tasks to be performed, the fixed PC provides a better user experience and allows better focus. Although it remains questionable, since it is specific to each user. Some are perfectly comfortable – even more productive – by working on their laptops from a coffee terrace sitting at their desks.

Greater ease to be stolen

Because of its lightness and mobility, a laptop is easier to shield from its owner than a desktop computer that is difficult to conceal and transport.

Indeed, we take our laptop wherever we go: traveling, work, train, park, etc. These are all opportunities to be stolen or forgotten. It takes a moment of inattention for our notebook to disappear almost before our eyes.

The growth of the laptop market – especially ultrabook and hybrids – would suggest that we no longer have a great interest in desktop computers that are considered too cumbersome and lacking mobility. Now, as this article reveals, some have their advantages when others have their faults.

The choice between a laptop and a desktop computer should primarily be, in light of these different aspects, the use you will have of your machine.

However, depending on whether you are a gamer, designer, simple “surfer” or e-shopper, your needs will not be the same.