Advantages and disadvantages of a laptop compared to desktops

In the digital age, the user is spoiled for choice when faced with the diversity of the multimedia offer. So much so that it is sometimes difficult for him to navigate and make a decision, especially when acquiring a new computer.

However, the figures suggest that we have a slight preference for laptops, and especially for premium ultra mobiles since the sector saw a 17.5% increase in sales in 2020.

However, we cannot deny the many advantages of the desktop computer, the very one that allowed us to take our first steps on the net, and which still appeals to us as much.

If you are one of the undecided, we give you the advantages and disadvantages of portable PCs compared to fixed PCs so that you can make your choice according to your requirements and your use. Indeed, although the essence and the purpose of the two machines are the same, certain differences can make that one has a preference for one or the other.

The strengths of the portable PC

Space-saving appreciated

The strength of the laptop is undeniably its space-saving.

By definition, the desktop fits on a desktop. It is, therefore, necessary to provide space to accommodate all the elements that compose it, and that is the central unit, the screen, the keyboard, and the mouse, at a minimum. While the notebook PC, all-in-one, is very discreet and fits easily into a briefcase.

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 ultraportables or hybrids.

Certain mobility

The mobility is one of the other big advantages of mobile PC, unlike its fixed counterpart that we can just move from one room to another, even on a desk on wheels. Indeed, the transportability of the computer has revolutionized our use of multimedia. From now on, we “surf” and we work from where we want and when we want, as long as we have connection means such as Wifi or 4G, among others.

Better autonomy

If you have ever worked on a desktop PC, you must have been confronted with the famous power failure which made you regret having forgotten to regularly save your Word file. Sudden data loss is a problem that one does not encounter when using a portable PC since it has an autonomy of several hours, generally conditioned by the components and the use of the latter (provided not to work on the mains without battery and not to forget its power cable in case of low battery).

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Note that autonomy is a characteristic specific to the laptop because of its transportability, which cannot be appreciated for the fixed computer which, for its part, only works when connected to the mains.

Note that there are also tips to save your laptop battery.

Significant energy savings

Laptops are optimized to consume as little as possible. A laptop is 5 times less energy efficient than a desktop computer and promises great energy savings. Indeed, the first consume, on average, only 50 kWh, while the second consumes 250 kWh.

But you should know that the more the tasks performed demand the system, the less the energy performance.

Attractive design

Design is an indisputable purchasing criterion. And in this area, laptops far outweigh fixed PCs, even if the latter are no longer the ones we knew in our computer classes in the 90s. You just have to see the elegance and finesse of the ASUS Vivo AiO desktop.

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

We can also talk about the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 , this high-end hybrid with impeccable 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 PC

Higher prices

At equivalent power, a laptop is usually 20–30% more expensive than a desktop. This can be explained in particular by being able to take your machine wherever you want. Indeed, mobility has a cost.

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

On the other hand, for those who perform basic tasks, play light games and who wish to benefit from the advantages of the portable PC, it would perhaps be more judicious to prefer a refurbished computer and thus benefit from savings of 20 to 70% .

Less lifespan

A laptop can generally be kept for a shorter period of time than a desktop computer which itself is upgradeable.

The average lifespan of a personal laptop PC is 2 or 3 years. Those of the professional range can however be used for almost 10 years.

Due to the compact structure of the portable PC, it may prove difficult or even 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 computer is its evolutionary aspect. In the event of a breakdown, the user can easily replace the components of his machine instead of buying a new one.

They can also adapt it more easily to changing needs, or take advantage of new features, by increasing storage capacity or by favoring a more efficient central unit, for example. This is not necessarily the case for the laptop which remains limited in terms of scalability, and is, therefore, more subject to planned obsolescence, or at least “perceived”.

However, in the era of reconditioning, this weak point should be qualified because portable PCs are gaining in durability.

the majority of our reconditioned computers are professional range , and have a much longer lifespan.

A lack of power for heavy tasks

Depending on how you use your computer, the laptop PC may not be powerful enough. Indeed, a desktop computer is more suitable for resource-intensive work such as graphics or latest generation video games and dissipates heat better.

However, with technological advancement, laptops have more and more storage capacities and processing power. In addition, the supply tends to expand, and it is now possible to opt for the PC gamer or for more powerful professional ranges and better adapted to specific needs.

Questionable comfort

One of the advantages of the desktop computer over the laptop is the comfort and workspace it offers to its user. Indeed, depending on the tasks to be performed, the fixed PC provides a better user experience and allows better concentration Although this remains debatable, since it is specific to each of the users. Some are perfectly at ease — or even more productive — working on their laptop PC from a cafe terrace than sitting at their desk.

Easier to be stolen

Due to its lightness and mobility, a portable PC is easier to take away from its owner than a desktop computer that is difficult to hide and transport.

Indeed, we take our laptop wherever we go: when traveling, at work, in the train, in the park, etc. These are all opportunities to be able to have it stolen — or to forget it. It only takes a little moment of inattention for our portable PC to almost disappear before our eyes.

The growth of the portable PC market — more particularly ultraportables and hybrids — would suggest that we no longer have much interest in desktop computers considered too bulky, lacking in mobility. However, 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 based, in light of these different aspects, on the use that you will have of your machine.

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