The pandemic has forced almost all students to adjust to the online class setup. Since face-to-face classes are risky, most schools have opted to mandate online classes for all students. With this major change in the education system, all students have been required to invest in a computer to enable them to attend their classes even when they are in the comforts of their homes.
However, parents and students alike have to face new decisions such as choosing between a desktop or a laptop for your child. Both are computers, but each one offers a specific set of advantages and disadvantages. How will you know which one to buy? Below are the advantages and disadvantages of laptops and desktops. May these factors help you decide better between the two options for a computer.
Major Differences
The first obvious difference between a laptop and a desktop is the fact that a desktop is bulkier compared to a laptop. Therefore, a desktop is a stationary computer whereas a laptop is a computer that you can carry around with you at all times. However, despite this fact, it is easier to upgrade desktop computers compared to laptops.
This means that you have the liberty to upgrade the specs of your desktop computer to enhance its performance. Sure, you can also do this for a laptop, but there are more limitations involved in upgrading a laptop compared to a desktop.
In terms of portability, laptops win every at every angle. A laptop has a built-in screen, keyboard, and trackpad which are essential components of a computer. Paying for a laptop is paying for all of these parts in one device. On a desktop, however, you need to pay separately for a monitor, a keyboard, a CPU, and a mouse.
Although you can carry a laptop around with you at any time, you have to mind its battery power. Most laptops are only capable of running for 12 hours at a time. The battery power duration can decrease depending on the activities performed on a laptop. A desktop, on the other hand, needs to be plugged into a power source for it to work. Therefore, a desktop is a computer that you cannot easily drag around when you need to.
In terms of repairs, both computers require the expertise of an experienced computer technician. However, you can conduct basic repairs on your own such as configuring some settings or fixing the internet connection on your device.
Positive Points for Laptops
Laptops are the computer option for students who are going to school every day. Students need to have a portable computer that they can carry around to use for schoolwork. Most laptops have improved designs and durability to make them more capable of all the tasks that a student needs to perform on a computer.
However, laptops are not built for heavy computer activities. These devices can be used for light work such as streaming videos, reading, word processing, and also using social media. Laptops also need to be charged now and then to make sure that they can be used regularly. Convenience and portability are the best strengths of a laptop computer.
Positive Points for Desktops
Desktop computers are known for their versatility. Desktops are capable of storing huge files and run heavier tasks such as games and programs for video editing. The graphics in a desktop computer are also better compared to the graphics of a laptop computer. Furthermore, desktops are easier to upgrade compared to laptops.
Students have the liberty to upgrade a desktop computer’s graphics, RAM, and storage to improve their computing experience. However, desktops are not portable because they need to be plugged into an electrical source to function. Therefore, desktops are the best option for students who are studying from home especially now that there is a pandemic and face-to-face classes have been canceled.
Things to Consider
Since online classes have become the norm for education because of the pandemic, buying a desktop is the most reasonable and economical choice. However, you also need to consider the fact that this pandemic might end soon and face-to-face classes will resume. Therefore, you have to think about the advantages and disadvantages of both computers first before you make a decision.
Both computers can help you meet your needs in terms of schoolwork. However, they have several significant differences that make it difficult for most people to decide on which computer to buy. To make it easier for you, consider your needs and match these needs with the advantages of each computer device. After that, making a decision will be easier.
