Tech Talk Today
Laptop Or Desktop PC?
Power User Or Casual User?
If we go back a few years, the choice would have been much easier, but as tech has advanced, the choice has become much harder. The abundance of options available to choose from is great, but can also make the decision harder.
Smartphones are great, but they are still can’t offer an adequate productivity environment or a full-fledged gaming experience. Maybe sometime in the future, they will, but for the moment, I believe the choice is still the same as it has been for the past 10–15 years, a laptop computer or desktop PC.
Where Does the Laptop Win?
Having a laptop has certain benefits. Here’s what I think are its most useful ones based on my usage.
Portability:
In my opinion, the main reason a laptop exists is to have a computer at your fingertips, anywhere you go. In your backpack, insert the thin slab of metal and plastic, the power cord, and you are good to go. Just amazing when you think just home much processing power can fit in such a small envelope.
Dimensions:
The size of the device relates to how portable it is, but it is more than that. A small and compact device, such as a laptop or 2-in-1, can sit and fit in any place. You can set it on the desk, put it on a shelf, on the kitchen counter, or on your lap while resting in bed.
A laptop is a minimal piece of design that can be appropriate for any room or environment.
Power Usage:
Designed as portable devices that need to run on battery life for various amounts of time, laptops need to be as efficient as possible. Laptops have specially designed CPUs and SOCs tailored for this exact need. Use as little power as possible while offering a decent amount of performance.
Laptops are divided into power classes, and usually, the thinner and smaller you go, the less energy they will use. You will need to choose what’s suitable for you and always make a compromise. More power = more performance. Still, research is the key, as that equal sign is not always valid.
All-In-One Package:
No extra screen, no extra input or output devices, no cables, no extra fuss. That’s the beauty of it and one of the reasons I love laptops. I hate to have a million wires that require room and additional management.
You can use a laptop as it is. Just open it, and you are ready to go. You can always add things later if the device does not meet your needs. However, if you don’t, it just works out of the box.
My View:
I have my laptop with me every time I go on trips or out of town. I mostly use it for work, but you never know when you’re out and about and want to watch some Netflix or chill with some Spotify while writing such a beautiful article, such as this (cough, cough). :)
Laptops are great for beginners or computer novices. A laptop is easy to use and facilitates learning without any prior computer knowledge.
Where Does The Desktop Win?
Performance:
It is much easier to fit more powerful components with more efficient colling solutions into a desktop. Because the size constraint factor is less of an issue. Desktop PCs can have powerful parts that can boost your performance. More performance = more free time.
This is great if you want to design, render, or game.
Versatility:
A desktop PC can come in many shapes and sizes, and depending on how much money you invest, it can be a powerful tool that can be used for many different things.
You can use it if you are a scientist, or a CAD designer, a gamer, a writer, a developer, a publisher, a network, an administrator, a receptionist, a doctor, or the other hundreds of other jobs that require a PC.
Some of the examples above could do with a laptop, but a desktop is better at doing multiple things for multiple people.
Upgradability:
It is much easier to install an additional storage device, add more RAM, replace the CPU or replace a broken part on a desktop. Because of the size constraints, laptops have some, if not most of their circuitry and components soldered. Great for space-saving, really bad for fixing or upgrading.
Options:
On a desktop PC, everything is customizable. Size, color, components, lights, screen size, keyboard, etc. You can make a centerpiece out of your computer and build a room around it. The sky is the limit, I guess.
My View:
Power users and tinkerers rejoice, this is the setup for you. Customize, adapt, learn and be part of the environment.
A Mixed-Up World
In my day-to-day usage, I use a desktop. Am I thinking of replacing it anytime soon with a laptop? No.
It’s nice to have a portable device for trips and as a general backup, but I am a tech nerd.
I like to fiddle and change things. I prefer to replace components and continuously learn. I like the extra power and love the fact that I can make my PC my own.
That’s just my preference, and as I was saying at the beginning, the amount of options on both the laptop and PC sides is stunning.
It is easy to lean on either side or get both. Again, it is a matter of choice and usage. Always great news for consumers.
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