When it comes to selecting the perfect computer for work, there are many options. One can opt for a desktop, while others can choose a laptop for the same job. Even tablet PCs are capable of a decent level of computing tasks. Computers have unlimited usages, but we will only talk about typical office usage. If you’re considering buying a device for your office,  then the war of laptop vs. desktop comes in a specific direction. Here we have to compare them head-to-head as per their purpose, deliverance, costing, and other factors.

As we know, laptops have taken the market by storm due to portability, but desktops have many things to offer, which lead this debate to a discussion. This debate of laptop vs. desktop goes on multiple dimensions, whether office usage or personal computing. So, dive into the topic to understand the core differences and determining factors that keep these two devices apart from each other.

Core differences between Desktops and Laptops?

Laptops:

IBM introduced the first laptop back in the early 1980s, but in 2008 for the first time, the sales of notebooks surpassed the sales of desktops. The rise in the popularity of laptops was driven mainly by one key point–portability.

Apart from being portable, laptops are lightweight and can run on a battery, making your computation independent from the access of a power socket. You can have computation power while on the go.

Apart from mobility and built-in battery, laptops also feature a full-size monitor with a standard-sized keyboard, making it a full-fledged computer for general usage, anywhere & anytime. HP Omen 17-ck0010nr laptop is a perfect example of a powerful high-end computer for portable users.

Desktops:

Desktop computers are meant to be set up and used on a desk. So, portability is not an option for desktops. While the desktop lacks the power of portability, it is also barred from having an inbuilt battery. So, the desktop is dependent on external power sources all the time.

But when it comes to processing power. Desktops feature much more powerful hardware components which outperform the best laptops easily. Talk about CPU, Memory, or GPU; each part is 2-3x powerful than the laptop counterparts.

Desktops come in multiple forms nowadays, like SBC (single board computer) and compact PCs. Also, it is easier and affordable to embed a new technology with desktops.

Pros of a Desktop Computer over Laptop?

As it is already clear that desktops are powerful and affordable, let’s discuss the pros of desktops which replace laptops as a choice of office computers. The pros of desktop computers will establish why, even after decreasing sales and popularity, desktop computers are still the best.

• Powerful: Desktop computers are more powerful than laptops. If you consider a modern laptop like HP 17-cn0097nr with an HP Pavilion TG01 desktop which is almost the same in price, you will find the difference. The desktop will be 2-3x faster than the laptop in processing.
• Upgradability: You cannot do much when you think about upgrading your system with a laptop. Only memory (RAM) and storage devices (SSD/HDD) can be replaced in notebooks. You cannot change the CPU, GPU, or motherboard in it. In the case of a laptop, you might need to get a new one to meet your compatibility requirements. But, on the desktop, you can upgrade any parts according to your choice and hardware support.
• Maintenance: When a component starts malfunctioning, it is difficult and costly to service a laptop. A simple keyboard or trackpad costs way higher than a desktop keyboard or mouse. Some faulty components of a laptop’s motherboard or graphics card turn the whole laptop in the trash. Most of the installed hardware components on the desktop can be replaced separately. Even from a backdated desktop, you can salvage multiple parts for future usage.
• Affordability: Laptops do cost more than desktops. Whether you go for a branded desktop or a custom one, desktop parts are way cheaper than laptops. According to your requirements, you also have the freedom to choose what components you want.
• Longevity: Laptops are costly and made in premium quality, but even after that, laptop components’ lifespans are shorter than desktop counterparts. So, a desktop is better value for money in the long term.
• Cooling & Overheating: Laptops are compact and lightweight devices, and if you are putting enough processing load, it is bound to overheat. While in the desktop tower, you can install multiple fans and even liquid cooling systems, which keeps the temperature under control even after putting immense processing load. Desktop CPU cabinets also feature a lot of air space for ventilation which reduces the heating and boosts the lifespan of the components.
• Connectivity: Desktops support multiple storage devices, which can be very useful for office purposes. Many motherboards support not one but multiple GPUs to be installed simultaneously. That immensely increases graphics processing power. For the same reason, crypto-miners use desktops only for mining. Also, the desktop is more agile with intra-network connectivity and multiple monitor setups.

Verdict

For in-office purposes, the workers must work from the office; there is no need for portable computations. In such cases, a laptop is not mandatory. So, IT managers must think about the cost and other considerable points before setting up the office. From a business perspective, desktops are all the way better than laptops due to reliability, longevity, and value for money. Apart from specific requirements, desktops are always a better choice for office setups for in-house employees.