What should I do? Should I get a computer with a keyboard or a mouse? This is an issue that confuses both first-time purchasers and those who want to replace their current computers.
There are tons of buyer’s manuals on the internet to help you decide the right configuration. But they don’t offer much guidance for people who aren’t sure what to do with their computing needs.
Which of these computing options is right for you?
A desktop or laptop is better for your computing needs due to factors like ergonomics. Budget, portability, performance, and portability. When you consider modern-day wildcards like global chip shortages or supply chain issues, things can get complicated.
This article will provide the most complete and up-to-date answer to the often-asked question: Should I buy a tablet or a computer laptop?
Size Matters Even for Computing…
In engineering applications, greater is often better. A Lamborghini Aventador supercar’s 12-cylinder engine is much more powerful that the small, two-stroke engine on the Bajaj Cherak scooter. Computers are no different.
Although processor nodes can be reduced in size to allow chip manufacturers to include more transistors per die, the best way to increase processor and graphics card performance is to increase their physical footprint.
Larger chips also consume more power and generate more heat. This results in larger power supplies and cooling system, making these powerful computers more bulky.
Desktop PCs have the luxury to store these heavier components and efficiently dissipate hot heat. Laptops do not have the flexibility to host the heavy, power-hungry components and the cooling sub-systems.
While a regular desktop can handle a heavy aluminium cooler with no problem, powerful laptops must use pure copper radiators equipped with vapour chamber cooling technology. The same is true for power delivery circuitry. It is extremely difficult to create more power while maintaining an acceptable size and weight.
Laptops are now more expensive per watt than their desktop counterparts. Laptops are often sub-optimal, and therefore more expensive for highly demanding applications like gaming and video editing.
…But Ergonomics Matter As Well
It is important to determine how much time you plan to work on a single computer. Laptops are useful for short bursts or quick play, but not for the daily 9-to-5 grind.
Even the largest laptops can’t be used for long periods without eye strain because of their small screen. Also, a permanently attached keyboard to the laptop can cause long-term ergonomic injuries such as repetitive stress injury (RSI), capillary tunnel syndromes (CTS), and other orthopedic ailments of the neck or shoulders.
You can use a laptop safely for extended periods by connecting it to an external monitor. What you get is an underperforming, expensive desktop computer.
Apple’s Pro , a MacBook Pro that is equipped with a M1 Max processor, promises to bridge the performance gap to the average desktop computer. However, the ergonomics perspective of the MacBook Pro still doesn’t make it feasible for a permanent computing solution.
Laptops, Desktops and Power for Mobility.
Based on all the information that we have seen, it is best to buy a desktop for high-demand applications like gaming or professional content generation. Laptops are best for tasks that place mobility above performance. Laptops are best used for tasks where mobility is more important than performance.