Cost
In general terms, laptop computers are often going to cost more than desktop computers. Shrinking technology comes with a cost, and companies have not yet gotten to the point where they can make the expenses the same. Therefore, people should remember that a laptop is nice for portability but they will get less “bang” for their buck. There are inexpensive “netbooks” that are becoming more common, but they can be very limited into terms of computing power and storage.
Size and portability
For some people, the laptop is an obvious choice because they need to work in a variety of places. Desktops do not travel well, so some people are required to get something they can shove in a carry-on bag. When considering portability, people have to be honest about their habits and decide if they really need to carry their computer from place to place. If not, then a desktop will be a better buy, even if it isn’t easily transportable.
Power
Again, the desktop has the edge over the laptop in terms of power for the money. This includes processor speed, available Random Access Memory (RAM), and storage space. People who buy laptops can upgrade certain features, but the cost is much more than upgrades on the desktop. In addition, getting “under the hood” of a desktop is a much simpler process than opening up a laptop computer.
Extras
Finally, there are the “extras” that come with a computer. This includes monitor size, brightness, video cards, slots, and expandability. As one might imagine all of these things are cheaper when buying a desktop, as only so much can be “crammed” into the small case of a laptop. In addition, there is less chance that a desktop will be dropped, as it tends to be a stationary device. Also, desktop computer owners don’t have to worry about their battery dying at an inopportune moment.
Overall, buying a laptop or desktop is almost entirely driven by purpose. As mentioned, some people simply must take a computer with them to various locations. This makes the purchase of a laptop a veritable “no-brainer.” Most of these people understand the limitations and are willing to deal with them because of the benefits of portability. For straight features and economics, the desktop is the choice. However, prices continue to fall and there are many wonderful laptops at reasonable prices. As technology advances, the gap between the desktop and the laptop will continue to close.