Laptop vs. Desktop

I remember the first computer I ever played with was a Macintosh Classic in 1990. The first computer that I bought with my own money was a Compaq Presario Desktop. I tell you this story because I believe that every time a new computer leaves the store, a new life starts. Back in the day it was understood that a laptop could never replace a desktop because of hardware constraints.  When a customer asks,” what should I buy?” I always stress to the customer not to buy what they do not need. Besides saving the customer money, I’m also building trust because I am a technician not a salesman trying to make a quick commission (No offense to salesmen).  As technology evolves, computer equipment price is going down, but inherently hardware quality is going up. Normally I assess the reason why my customer wants new equipment. To me this is the best approach because I can better assist the client in picking out a product that satisfies all aspects of the requirements as well as getting the most of their money.

There is not black and white when choosing the equipment. It all depends on the user’s needs and budget. You can get a great desktop for under $500 but you would be sacrificing things like portability, space and quantity of required equipment. On the other hand you are gaining performance, easier upgrade and power. Laptops do not fall too short from the tree. A good laptop can start at $699 which I know is more expensive than a starter desktop but you are gaining the freedom of portability and not having to worry about nuances such as extra equipment and power surges since you have battery supply. Most end users just need a computer for Internet and Gaming which means that high end computer equipment is not needed. Most people that needed a high performance machine normally buy a desktop because of the myriad of options when it comes to buying new internals.  People that travel and like light equipments get a laptop. Plain and simple, it is all in the customers need the lies the necessity for certain equipment.