Laptop or Desktop: What’s Our Best Bet?

So we need a new computer but cannot decide between a laptop and a desktop. Both are personal 

computers (PC) with their own advantages and disadvantages. It all boils down to what we will use it 

for. For example, gaming, studying, or a mix of both.

The above picture is a laptop computer

Portability

If we move around a lot or just need a computer which can be carried around workplace, school or a coffee shop to get some work done, then the laptop is the way to go. Laptops are portable, lightweight( 2-3kg ) and is an all-in-one device suitable for students. Desktops on the other hand has no portability 

whatsoever.

The above picture is a desktop computer

Price to Performance Ratio

Performance-wise, PC often outperform laptop in gaming, video editing, multitasking and other heavy workloads. This is because desktops are easier to upgrade. They are also comparatively cheaper than similar laptop variant parts. Laptops have limitations in many areas like companies limiting the  power of CPU and GPU. There are gaming laptops, but the battery cannot support them for long term usage and thus needs to be plugged in to unleash its full performance. Moreover, desktops are more hassle-free in terms of upgradability and customization. 

Customization & Upgrades

This is an easy choice. If we are inclined to upgrade personal computers later, we should always choose a desktop because we can replace any parts such as Processor, Graphics Card, Motherboard, Ram, Storage, Power Supply etc. Laptops these days, which are around the market, will allow us upgrade Ram and Storage . Anything else might clash with guarantee or warranty.  

Space

Desktops take up a lot of space when compared to laptops. Essentials like monitor, keyboard, mouse will take quite a good chunk of table and may even take the whole table . 

In this comparison the laptop wins because it is an all-in-one solution. Firstly, we just need to charge it like how we charge mobile phone and after charging we can use it without any wires . Secondly , we can carry it in our hands or in backpack. Finally , we can work anywhere when we feel like it and this greatly increases productivity.

The Final Boss : Gaming 

While there are many gaming laptops out there, when it really comes down to getting the most out of

our games, no laptop can beat a desktop (hardware must be same for fair comparison). Desktops have

advantages like higher framerates, better cooling, and upgradability which laptop can not beat if they 

have similar hardware.

Casual gaming is fine on laptops, although there will be some sacrifices if you want to run the latest AAA-title games at maximum settings. Moreover, ask any gamers opinion about desktops versus laptops and they will give passionate defense for desktops like they are fighting for an important cause.

Conclusion

Should we get a laptop or desktop? It depends on what we really need or what type of work it 

will be used for. If we want something portable and easy to set up, go for laptop. If we are after raw 

power and versatility with the best performance for according to our budget, we  will choose desktop.

But for majority of us we should remember that it is our parents who will 'gift' us the opportunity to 

own a personal computer, we have to be mindful of their financial situation and must choose 

computer that align with their budgets and financial capabilities.  A person don't need computer which 

costs around  100,000 Tk  if the workload involves typing in Microsoft word, watching YouTube, web 

browsing, document editing and other lightweight workloads. Therefore, it is necessary to balance it well.