Shopping guide: Should you buy a laptop or a desktop?
There are tons of different computer options on the market. Open any retail website and you’ll find a slew of different computers to pick from, making it hard to narrow down the choices.
But it’s not just memory options and processors that you have to narrow down. If you want to upgrade your computer, you’ll also have to choose between a laptop or a tower computer. Buying a new laptop? Don’t make these 7 common mistakes.
How do you know which one will work best for your needs, though? You’ll find pros and cons for each type of computer below to help you decide between the two.
Stationary vs. portability
When deciding between a laptop and a desktop computer, the first thing you should weigh is whether you need your machine to be portable. The selling point for laptops is that you can easily move from one spot to the next without hassle.
So, if you like working from a coffee shop or a plane, you need a laptop. You may even want a laptop for changing scenery while working from home. You can make a laptop stationary, of course, with the help of a docking station, but the primary reason people buy laptops is to have a portable computer to move around from place to place.
On the other hand, a tower computer is going to lack portability but in many cases, you’ll get more power and other more productivity-friendly features in return. For example, you’ll get a larger monitor when compared to the screen of a laptop — which can make it easier to work on.
The customization factor
If you like customizing your computer a desktop might be the way to go. They are highly customizable and have specs that can be maxed out and nearly all custom decisions are in your hands. You can choose the amount of storage and RAM, you can opt for higher quality graphics cards and have room for more drives and USB ports.
You also have tons of options for customizing peripherals, like your monitor and keyboard. Need two or three monitors to maximize productivity or to take gaming to the next level? You need a tower computer. Desktops also let you easily choose your mouse, webcam, and almost any other peripheral feature on the market.
You’re limited with what you can customize on most laptops. You’ll get to choose some options for RAM, storage, and dimensions — but you’re generally limited to what a manufacturer offers for the model of laptop you’re considering.
And while you can add an external mouse or keyboard to the mix, laptops are pretty limited in the number and types of ports they offer due to the size of the machine. You won’t be able to add a ton of extra accessories to a laptop unless you add more ports to the mix with a docking station.
5 critical hardware solutions for your small business
Courage, instincts and hard work. This is what it takes to run a business; however, there is one more important ingredient that should be added to the mix.
If you wish to remain competitive and successful in today’s market, you’re going to need strong, reliable hardware. No, not like hammers and wrenches. We’re talking tech here.
Great tech deals to help upgrade your business
If you’re looking to replace your laptops, desktops, routers or other electronics — or maybe you’re just looking to get your team mobile with smart devices — we’ve got a list of products to consider.
Kim has partnered with Dell for many years. In fact, if you ever visit the studios here at WestStar, you’ll see Dell in our server rooms, studios and work areas.