Desktop Computers? Laptops? Which are better?

The main advantage of the “all in one package” laptop is its size and mobility. Features of the laptop range vary considerably. An entry model Laptop typically comes with a 2.0GHz Intel Processor, 2 GB of RAM, a 250 GB Hard Disk Drive and integrated graphics and is priced at around $600. A high end model, fitted with a 2.8GHz Turbo Boost Intel Core i7 CPU, 8GB of RAM, a 1.28 Terabyte (1280GB) Hard Disk Drive and discrete graphics, is priced at around $2999.

Notebooks come supplied with an LCD screen typically ranging in size from 15.6” to 18.4”, although a facility to plug in a larger external screen is generally provided.Other features that may be include a dual-layer DVD burner, a Network port, a number of USB Ports, HDMI, Firewire, Built-in Webcam & Microphone, Digital TV-Tuner, Card Reader , WIFI etc.

The main (and significant) disadvantage of the laptop is its lack of flexibility in available options. What you buy is what you get to use. Apart from installing additional RAM, upgrades and retrofitting of facilities after purchase are usually not an option.

The PC on the other hand can be supplied with the features and facilities to exactly meet all of your requirements. The retrofitting of additional features is generally simple and cost effective, provided the initial choice of main board and CPU will allow such upgrades.The option of installing up to two “dual output graphics card” facilitates a high level of multi-tasking through the use of up to four monitors on the one computer.

This is particularly useful for multiple screen spreadsheet applications, accounts analysis, design applications, video and audio editing and games such as flight simulators etc. where the flexibility of the PC often provides the user with more useful bang for his buck.