Difference between Desktop and Laptop
What is Desktop?
A Desktop Computer is designed for steady use at a particular location near a desk due to its huge size and power requirement. It uses devices for interaction, such as a printer, mouse, monitor, and other input/output devices. The most common component of a desktop computer is the computer terminal, which is powered by a grounded electrical source called a socket. It uses the main power supply and has different parts connected to make up the desktop unit, so it is located at only one location, which also causes it to be not portable. A Desktop Computer may have a vertical or horizontal form factor, or it may be in combined form to make All-in-one Computer.
What is Laptop?
A Laptop is a small and portable personal computer that has a screen and alphanumeric keyboard. We can also define it as "It is the Portable Computer that includes a rechargeable battery, microprocessor, keyboard, fold-down screen, and mouse." So, it is also known as All-in-one Computer. Basically, it is a computer that is small in size and works on batteries or AC power. When you charge it, you can work on it for several hours. It also helps the user to use peripheral devices by connecting them through a Cable. If you talk about the transport of the laptop, you can see that it is in small size and has all components in one so it is easy to transport it.
If you are confused about what you should buy a desktop and laptop, then you can see the features of both and what are the advantages or disadvantages of both so you can easily identify which suits you. Therefore, there are following some features of both Desktop and Laptop:
| View | Desktop Computer | Laptop |
| Physical Size | It has separate component that causing its size is larger. | It has all components in one device. Therefore, its size is slightly smaller than the desktop computer. |
| Internal Storage | Its internal storage is large as Desktop computer can install multiple devices as per our requirements. | In a laptop, there is only one space. If we need to add a device, then we have to remove the older device then. So as compared to the desktop, its internal storage is lower. |
| Processor | On the desktop, there is a more powerful processor than a laptop because whenever a new processor comes into the market, then it fits firstly in the Desktop Computer and then in others. And also it is larger in size. | The processor of a laptop is limited as compared to a desktop. And, it has a comparably slow processor, but in the gaming laptop, the performance will be like the desktop computer, however, it will be a bit costly. |
| Screen Size | The monitor size of a desktop computer can be 19" and can be above in size. Its size may be like the television size, and the desktop may be connected to the television. That’s why, its size is changing as per our requirement. | In the laptop, the screen size can be as a television size or be a smaller size as per our requirement Hence, the laptop may have different sizes. Its size may vary from 10" to 17". But you can also connect an external display to the laptop. It has the ability to display on any size of the screen like Monitor, projector, etc. |
| Speed | From the view of speed and the performance, they both have the same quality on desktop and laptop. But in the case of Gaming activity or video production, the desktop will be more powerful than the laptop. | There can be many types of laptops as per our specifications. But if you are using a gaming laptop, then it will be as powerful as the desktop. But in this case, your laptop cost will be increased. Or if you want to buy the laptop for basic purposes like viewing photos and internet use or other basic usage, you can choose the standard laptop. It will be the best for you. |
| Power Usage | As compared to the laptop, the desktop computer consumes high power, and it requires high power wattage because it has many peripheral devices like a monitor, printer, CPU, and some other also components, so it consumes more power than the laptop. | In laptops, it consumes low power as compared to the desktop because it contains small components. Also, it has a battery by which it can be used for many hours with external power. |
| Power Fluctuations | When you are working with some important data on desktop, and the power goes off suddenly. You have to do work again if you do not save the data because you will lose your unsaved data. | On the laptop, if you are doing the same and the power is off, it does not affect the work. All data will be safe. That is why, in view of power fluctuations, the laptop is best than the desktop. |
| Upgrading | On the desktop, there is the most component that can be removed and added. The upgrading system on the desktop is very simple. Also, desktop provides more room inside to use tools, organize cables and add and remove the hardware. So the cases of the desktop upgrade are many than the laptop. | In the laptop, there are only two components that can be removed, which are RAM and hard drive. Then you only need to upgrade RAM and hard drive. Apart from this, all components cannot be removed causing it is built-in components. And if you want to any upgradation, you have to buy a new laptop. Hence, there is a limited components that can be upgraded in the laptop. |
| Ease of Assembly | In the desktop computer, it takes time to start because it attaches all the peripheral devices such as Monitor, mouse, keyboard, CPU, etc. to start, and it needs only one time to start. After that, it will work smoothly. And it is not hard to set up everything, but it is still more cumbersome when you compare it with a laptop. | In the laptop, it takes a little time to start because it has small components. And it uses the battery and AC power to run. It can be used easily in any situation, like traveling. To start it, you can simply take it out of the box and push the power button, and it will start. It can be in use within the 2minutes. Also, it is designed for easy to use. |
| Ports | On the desktop, there can be any number of peripheral devices connected because it has many ports | But in the case of a laptop, there is less number of ports available, so there cannot be connected to any number of devices. |
| Portability | A desktop needs the main power supply, and it has many separate devices to make up the desktop unit. | The laptop is small in size, and all components are in one device, so it can be transported anywhere easily. |
| Keyboard | The full-size keyboard includes a number pad that is used on a desktop computer. In the desktop keyboard, there is no limitation. | On the laptop keyboard, there is a limited number of buttons in the keyboard, so there will be no limitation of buttons on the keyboard. |
| Game | The high-powered video card is used on the desktop, therefore, there will be less heat production and higher power requirements. | The laptop has limited physical space, which limits the graphics capabilities. And in the laptop, there will be heat reduction limited. |
| Repair | The repairing of the desktop computer will be easier. | In the laptop, there are all components in one device. Therefore, repairing components is not easier than the desktop. |
| Cost | There is a various range of costs available on the market, but the starting rate is lower. The desktop price starts from $400 for the full package systems. | It also has various costs available in the market. But as compared to the desktop, it is cheaper, but when you want the perfect laptop and want the powerful laptop and its component, its price may be slightly higher. The highest cost of a laptop is $1500. It has more powerful processors and storage space. |
Finally, you can see that both laptop and desktop have their own features, as per your requirement you can buy any of these computers. If you want a computer that can be used everywhere, then you should buy a laptop, and if you want a computer for company uses then you should buy a desktop because it has big capacity and has more space as compared to the laptop.
Also, there are following some advantages and disadvantages of both Desktop and Laptop:
Advantages of Desktop Computers
- It has more power and more Features.
- It is easier and has not cost much to upgrade.
- It has a more comfortable mouse and keyboards.
- It has High Performance.
- It has data Security and has high speed.
- It has a high level of the processor at a low price.
Disadvantages of Desktop Computer
- It is not portable.
- It is not easier to move it.
- Takes up much space.
- It has separate components like Monitor, Keyboard, mouse, etc.
- It requires a power supply regularly.
Advantages of Laptop
- It is portable because of its small size and weight.
- It can be changed, so it does not require a power supply regularly.
- It is easy to use.
- It can be used during traveling.
- It has an LED screen that consumes low power.
Disadvantages of Laptop:
- It has small keyboards.
- It has low sensitivity.
- It can be stolen easily because of its size.
- The data is not very secure on laptops