The Difference Between Desktop, Laptop, and Notebook Computers

So what are the similarities between a desktop, a notebook, and a laptop computer? What are the good and bad qualities of each? Which one should I buy?

These are all questions you may be thinking about. I have created this article in order to answer your important questions about desktop, notebook and laptop computers.

What is the difference between a desktop computer, a laptop computer and a notebook computer?

The main difference between a desktop, a laptop, and a notebook is obviously going to be the size and shape.

Desktop computers are much bigger and bulkier than laptop computers or notebook computers. They usually store more information (in their CPU) and have larger sized features than the other computer types. This being said, they are usually left at home since it would be a real pain trying to carry them everywhere. Desktop computers are also split up in functions. The main brain of the computer is linked to the screen, power source (plug), speakers, keyboard, and mouse through wires. While desktops are bigger and not portable, many consider them a lot faster and better at making big presentations or media creations (i.e. organizing music or a slide show).

Laptop computers are made for on the go travel and quick portability. While they can easily be used instead of home computers, laptops are fitted with long battery lives and can be transported easily from one place to another. Laptops and notebooks are often confused as being the same thing. While they both are good to use for traveling around, laptops usually have graphics cards, CD writer drives, and larger (usually heavier) screens. An important question to think about when purchasing a computer is whether you should buy a laptop or a notebook computer.

Notebook are often confused as being the same as laptops. While they are more popular with University students and business men, notebooks are helpful for anyone who could use them. Notebooks are very light, extremely portable, and contain a long battery life. Also, notebooks are very seldom made with graphics cards and usually have a more compact screen. They don’t come with mouse’s on the side like a desktop but rather, like a laptop, are built into a touch pad. The main purpose of a notebook is functionality. It is not meant as a media player but rather a notebook for quick documents and files.

What are the good and bad qualities of each?

Desktop computers good qualities are:

designed for heavy use and large storage of files

ideal for a home office computer

easier to use for most people

Desktop computers bad qualities include:

not portable

can take up a lot of space

Laptop computers good qualities are:

easier to carry and quicker to set up

small yet capable of playing media files (like videos, games)

can be a home computer if you needed it to be

Laptop computers worse qualities include:

can still be heavier if always carrying it around

battery life is not always very long (depending on what its doing)

can get bogged down easily (needs a checkup once in a while)

Notebook computers good qualities include:

much lighter and easier to move and travel with

ideal for small documentation and quick presentations

great for classrooms and the workplace environment

long battery life

Notebook computers worst qualities are:

not meant for graphics (games,)

not great for multitasking

Which one should I buy?

This choice depends on what you will be using the computer for. If you plan to keep it at home all the time and need a easy-to-use and efficient device, a desktop is the best choice. If you need to take it to meetings but also need to be able to create intricate graphical presentations on it, a laptop is the perfect decision. If your a student and need to take notes and homework assignments down, a powerful little notebook is right up your alley.

Its all about your needs in a computer, finding out what you need your computer to do will help you decide on which type of computer is right for you!

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