Introduction
Starting from the dark ages to present times, there has been a vast change in the technology and from time to time technology has gone through different stages. From Abacus and calculators, now we have more efficient and easier to use technology present like desktop computers, laptops, tablet PCs, and personal digital assistants. The main discussion of this paper will be evaluating the Desktop and Laptop computers (Sung, & Mayer, 2012). We will discuss both of them in detail and try to evaluate which is the better option for use. Starting from the introduction, The Desktop and laptop computers both are used for household purposes. The major differences between them will be discussed to show the advantages and disadvantages of both. This will give us a perfect idea for choosing from both of them. A desktop computer integrates all the main elements it needs to operate like GUI, CPU, keyboard, mouse, etc. In addition, a laptop computer contains almost same elements including a battery to operate.
Arguments
Now our main discussion is to evaluate both the desktop and laptops computers in details. Here we discuss different evaluating criteria to get the original worth of laptop and desktop. First, we will evaluate them according to the criteria of cost (Bellieni, et al., 2012). There is a wide variety of desktop computers available in a variety of prices; desktop computers are cheaper than laptops. Laptops can have a wide variety of components, but they are much more limited than desktop. The price can be much higher comparing to the desktop, also depending on the brand purchased. Now, from the criteria of portability the desktops are larger because they have separate monitors, keyboards, mouse and other devices, while it is possible for a person to move the desktop computer from one place to another, but it looks clumsy (Sung, & Mayer, 2012). Desktop computer are designed to use at a single location and to move around on the daily basis. In contrast, Laptops are very much portable because of their compact size, they can easily be moved from one place to another, and even it can be carried in a backpack. Therefore, Laptops are more portable than the desktop computer (Straker, et al., 1997).
Discussing from processors criteria Desktop computers has little larger processors in size but it allows the user to have a much more powerful processor (Sung, & Mayer, 2012). Processors of laptops are smaller; they have a wide variety of processor but still limited than the processors available in the desktop. Gaming laptops are available with the equal performance, but they are much expensive, which does not allow a common user to buy a gaming laptop. The processor of advanced technology comes first in the market to the desktop computer rather than laptops. Therefore, desktop provide more powerful processors than a laptop in less price (Bellieni, et al., 2012).
If we look at the Keyboards, desktop have full sized keyboard including each key, including the number pad. However, in Laptops, small sized laptops do not contain any numeric keypad while in some larger screen laptops; there is an availability of numeric keypad, which makes them heavier. From the screen size perspective, it can be observed that Desktop monitors range from 15" on up. It is also possible for a user to connect the desktop to a TV, which could provide a larger screen to view. This factor provides flexibility in using a desktop and is one of the reasons people choose desktop (Deng, et al., 2011). In contrast, Laptops are made for portability, they have smaller screen size. However, laptops can also be connected to any external display, supports any size of the monitor, and can be attached to a projector.
Discussing the Upgrading criteria, the desktop is bigger in size; it is easy to work in changing or removing the components. However, in laptops memory and hard disk are the only two components that can be upgradable, and all other components are built-in, so cannot be removed or upgrade. This means that upgrading is much easier in desktop rather than a laptop. From the Gaming perspective, Desktops computers contain much more powerful video cards, power supply, and better memory space, allows the user to play unlimited games available in the market. These games do not work if not all the memory and graphic requirements are fulfilled. In contrast laptops have very less space, fewer graphics capabilities, do not allow the user to have games and CAD- based applications (Straker, et al., 1997). Power is also limited in Laptops, which does not allow video cards to run. From, repairing point of view, all the components of the desktop are easily available in the market, the cost of the parts are also less than those of the laptops (Deng, et al., 2011). In Laptops, it is difficult to repair and to find a replacement because not every component is available in the local stores, so it is required to call the manufacturer to supply that components. This means that repairing is easier in desktop. There may be so many criteria possible in the evaluation of desktop and laptops. However, all the above discussion has included the major criteria possible in evaluating desktop and laptop. Now we have a clear view in selecting any of these.
Conclusion
If we conclude all the discussion on evaluation of the desktops and laptop, the decision depends upon the needs of users. While the above discussion gives us an idea that desktop computers are better than the laptops. However, if we look from the portability’s point of view laptops are the best option. Although there are some issues, but some user may manage it according to their needs. However, when portability is not an issue, the best choice here is the desktop providing much more feasibility like price, gaming, upgrading feasibility. In addition, they are perfect for that user who just needs to use computers at their home. The final decision always depends upon the requirements of the user.
References
Bellieni, C. V., Pinto, I., Bogi, A., Zoppetti, N., Andreuccetti, D., & Buonocore, G. (2012). Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields From Laptop Use of “Laptop” Computers. Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health. http://doi.org/10.1080/19338244.2011.564232
Deng, L., Babbitt, C. W., & Williams, E. D. (2011). Economic-balance hybrid LCA extended with uncertainty analysis: Case study of a laptop computer. Journal of Cleaner Production, 19, 1198–1206. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2011.03.004
Straker, L., Jones, K. J., & Miller, J. (1997). A comparison of the postures assumed when using laptop computers and desktop computers. Applied Ergonomics, 28, 263–268. http://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-6870(96)00073-7
Sung, E., & Mayer, R. E. (2012). Students’ beliefs about mobile devices Vs. desktop computers in South Korea and the United States. Computers and Education, 59, 1328–1338. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2012.05.005
