Should I Buy A Laptop or A Desktop?

There are advantages and disadvantages of both laptops and desktops.

Laptop Pros: Portability!, The 'cool' factor!, most models have built-in wireless networking

Laptop Cons: More expensive, slower than desktops, not very expandable, harder to service because they must be taken apart, larger number of proprietary components

Desktop Pros: Less expensive, faster than laptops, most are expandable, very easy to service, fewer proprietary parts.  Many off the shelf components can be used.

Desktop Cons: Lack of portability, wireless networking must be added separately

Why are laptops slower than desktops?

• Heat dissipation - slower components generate less heat.

• Size - Processors are designed for desktops first.  (there are fewer space constraints).  It takes the chip manufacturer longer to develop a smaller version to fit a laptop.

• Power - Many of the slower CPU's run on lower voltages which lengthen the battery life of the laptop.

All desktops come with a mouse and keyboard in the box.  Monitors and printers are always separate because everyone wants something different.

Typically you can spend quite a bit more money for a laptop with 60-70% of the speed of a desktop.  I don’t recommend a laptop UNLESS you need the portability.

Meyer Computer Consulting sells HP Business Desktops and laptops.  They are designed to be easier to maintain and have high parts availability.

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