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- Computers typically come with a physical keyboard and mouse for input, which allows for faster and more accurate typing and navigation. Phones, on the other hand, rely on touchscreens for input, which can be less efficient for tasks that require a lot of typing or precise clicking.
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Nov 6, 2021 · A computer uses a keyboard and mouse for input, which most users prefer based familiarity and their comfortable sizing. Smartphones feature an on-screen touch keyboard that's smaller than that of a standard computer.
- Smaller screens. Let’s start with one of the most obvious differences: Mobile browser displays are smaller than their desktop counterparts. “Smaller” here means two things
- Slower processors. Although they are catching up, mobile devices generally have much less processing power than desktop computers. This is for various reasons, including cost and battery life.
- Less bandwidth. While cellular network speeds are improving all the time, a typical 4G mobile device gets a 5-12 Mbps download rate, compared to an average of over 50 Mbps for broadband internet users.
- Touch input. One important aspect of many mobile devices is touch-based input. Rather than using a mouse, the vast majority of mobile users work with their devices using their fingers (some desktops do as well).
- Overview
- Differences between laptop vs desktop
- The argument for a laptop
- The argument for a desktop
- What's the best choice?
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Versus
By Kim Key
Contributions from
Allisa James
last updated 21 July 2023
We pit laptop vs desktop to see which is right for you
A desktop PC is a static, stationary computer that will stay on a desk in an office or bedroom. It usually consists of various parts: a tower, a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse. PCs are generally more customizable than laptops as well. You can put together top-of-the-line parts for every aspect of the PC when you choose a desktop computer, and upgrade those components as they become outdated. This means that they last much longer than a laptop.
A laptop (also called a notebook) is a portable, all-in-one device that usually has USB inputs on the sides for optional peripherals. Laptops have a built-in screen, a built-in keyboard, a trackpad that acts as a mouse, and can vary in size. Laptops are generally limited by their size but many modern batteries are big enough to provide 12 or more hours of power before needing to recharge. However, unlike desktops, laptops are either very limited or impossible to upgrade, meaning that they last for a much shorter period of time than a desktop.
A laptop is the best option for students who are going to school outside of the home every day and need a computer for classes. While laptops are more delicate than desktop PCs, you can now find rugged laptops that will take a fall or two without being destroyed. And unlike a desktop, a laptop can be used right out of the box with minimum setup.
Laptops are best used for productivity work like reading, word processing, streaming videos, or using social media. If you or your child wants to have the freedom to roam while using a computer, a fully charged laptop should last an entire day for working or learning.
If you want a computer with a lot of versatility, a desktop PC is for you. Desktops can store huge files and gaming ones can run the best PC games at high settings. Desktops can also be changed to fit your needs.
You can add more storage, RAM, and a better graphics card to improve your computing experience. Desktop PCs also do not run on a battery, so you can use them for longer without stopping to plug in and recharge. But you can't easily transport a desktop computer around and schools don't allow for a desktop to be set up at your desk.
Desktop PCs are great for a home-schooled or distancing-learning scenario. A desktop computer can be used during the school day for learning and word processing, and during off-hours for gaming and entertainment.
There are also all-in-one PCs, which are stylish devices where their components are built behind the screen. This means they are easier to move and set up, as you don't need to connect as many wires, and they take up less space on the desk as well. However, they are also more expensive, and not as easy to upgrade as normal desktop PCs.
If a desktop PC and a laptop have the same specifications, the general rule is the laptop will be more expensive. Top-of-the-line laptops generally have higher price points than desktop PCs and they also have all of the limitations listed above. High-end laptops are still a great investment because they can be used for gaming and streaming in addition to schoolwork.
A top-of-the-line desktop can be used more often by a distance-learning student, with a lower up-front cost for parents. Eventually, upgrading the PC can be a time-consuming and expensive process, but the initial out-of-pocket costs don't have to be sky-high.
It really boils down to the student's specific needs, as well as the overall buyer's budget. If portability isn't necessary then it's best to invest in a PC
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Computers typically come with a physical keyboard and mouse for input, which allows for faster and more accurate typing and navigation. Phones, on the other hand, rely on touchscreens for input, which can be less efficient for tasks that require a lot of typing or precise clicking.
Jul 21, 2023 · Laptops combine the keyboard, monitor, mouse, speakers and the rest of the PC components into one small device. They have all the functionality of a desktop PC and can also be used as a tablet in the case of 2-in-1 laptops. Laptop Pros: Portability: First and foremost, laptops prioritize portability.
Jun 16, 2024 · A desktop makes you get hold of the display, the keyboard and a mouse unless you buy an “all in one” desktop, also called an AiO, which crams all the essentials into a monitor frame. Later on,...
Apr 16, 2018 · Should you get a laptop or desktop computer? In this post, we highlight the main differences between both options and go over the pros and cons of each.
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related to: what's the difference between a laptop and a desktop phone vs computer mouseFind & buy the right laptop or desktop. Powered by Intel Core. Shop Online Now. Save on Laptops, Desktops & More Powered by Intel® Core™.
