Nowadays, we have more choice than ever when it comes to technology, and although it is a great thing, it can also be overwhelming. The first point of call before comparing computers online is to establish your needs; and then once you have done this, it's then time to assess the pros and cons associated with the options available.
Although we have more portable technology, (what with the weight of technology continuously decreasing and the screen size of our phones and tablets increasing) there is still a desperate need for the capabilities a laptop or desktop can bring. Now that we've established that there are some things a tablet just can't do, the next step is to work out whether a laptop or a desktop would be better suited to your needs.
The first question to ask oneself is, where will you be doing the majority of your work? If you think you're most likely to use this technology at home rather than on the go, the ergonomics of a desktop will be hard to beat. If you are even in part as bad as me, you can easily spend hours in front of your screen without realising the length of time that has passed-and there's every chance you've been hunched over your keyboard the entire time… As a result (and to save your poor back) it is crucial to have your desktop set up in the correct way, in order to reduce strain, fatigue and any other injuries.
Although laptops can also be set up ergonomically, (with the right accessories) you are most certainly more likely to be hunched over your laptop, (like I am now) when inspiration hits, or during transit. So if you do require portability, it pains me to tell you that you can't exactly whip out your desktop on a train or take it to a meeting, well - not without some serious set up time.
That said, portability allows for flexibility and it allows you to carry your work without constraints and wherever you go and it allows for continuous productivity (which I guess could either be perceived as a good or a bad thing). As an example, during an important meeting where your client asks for specific stats to back up your persuasive argument, you can whip out your laptop, stealthily bring up the research results, and seamlessly close the deal.
The only thing to consider is the cost of having mobility, as this will certainly increase the price tag of your purchase. The smaller and more portable the device, the more time and effort has been invested to combine the capabilities of a desktop into an ever decreasing shell, therefore In terms of bang for your buck, a desktop may be better value (but you lack portability).
Screen or display size can also play a big part when trying to decide between a laptop or a desktop. In my view, if you're using lengthy excel documents a great deal, then the bigger the screen the better the productivity. Previously, the larger the screen, the heavier the laptop, however nowadays, the weight isn't really impacted by the inflated inches, therefore you are spoilt for choice.
Overall, your choice will be dependent on your personal needs, and screen display, storage, user experience and productivity will all be aspects of your decision-making. However, it is also important to mention that it doesn't necessarily always have to be one or the other. If you find yourself at a loss reading through these pros and cons, you can consider utilising both the positives by purchasing a laptop, but also setting up an ergonomic workspace at home, with a monitor and accessories. Good or bad, the possibilities are endless. I hope this article has helped discover your needs, and with a little more research, you'll be enjoying your laptop, desktop or a hybrid of both in the near future.
