Desktop vs laptop for cost/effectiveness
Patrick Reeves, HP category manager at Axiz, offers some insight into the desktop versus laptop debate, a key decision for the SMME market, who often cannot afford both options.
“The fundamental purpose of the laptop is mobile computing. Although the desktop largely contains the same components, the parts are not as integrated so one is able to change components, which is nearly impossible on a laptop. Therefore, upgrading laptops becomes increasingly difficult and expensive, in comparison with desktops. In contrast, a desktop is not portable.”
Comparisons
| Laptop | Desktop | |
| Price | Twice as much | Value for money |
| Power | Smaller, though more efficient | Larger screen more power for same money |
| Screen size | Largest 20 inch | Very large plus multiple screens |
| Upgrading/repairing | Needs to go to repair shop; Limited productivity life | Easy - often can be done by owner; Adding new motherboard and CPU extends life |
“The core strength of a laptop is mobility and is its core advantage in an ever-increasing mobile world and the hassle of having to transfer data to an external hard drive or flash drive becomes redundant, if the laptop goes with you.”
“True desktop die-hards will never stop defending its strengths. However, none really compare if portability is required,” says Reeves.
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