Laptops are easy to pack up and can be used anywhere. Desktop PCs are typically more powerful and offer better ergonomics but are tied to one place. The best way to decide between the two computing concepts is to consider your own needs.
“If you’re not always going to be using your computer in the same place, then it makes more sense to buy a laptop,” says Bernd Rippel, team coordinator for electric products at TUV Rheinland, a German standards organization. “If you need more power or are spending a lot of time working on the system, then you’re generally going to want a stationary device.”
Examples of processing-intensive applications include video editing and high-end 3D games. Another important rule: “Desktops are usually cheaper than a comparably equipped portable computer.”
Consumers should take comfort into consideration when choosing a machine, says Intel’s Thomas Kaminski. “Do I want to use my device only at a workstation, or will I want to use it on the couch too?” he asks. There’s a reason that it’s called a “laptop.”
Both the classical desktop and so-called all-in-one devices, where all of the technology is packed into the monitor, are intended for use at a desk. Those who frequently bring their machine along to friends or family are better served with a mobile computer, Kaminski says.
When it comes to performance, there’s more than just the CPU. Hard drive size, graphics and RAM must also be taken into consideration. “The faster processors are better, it’s true, but processors don’t tell the whole story,” Kaminski says. “If I’m just surfing on the Internet and using Office programs, then maxing out the CPU isn’t that important.”
If you plan on editing videos, though, then you’ll need as much RAM as possible, as well as plenty of fast hard-drive storage.
Whether a laptop is serviceable…