By Christos Demos, C&IT Departmental Computing Services
This document aims to provide perspective on the difficult decision of purchasing a computer to use while pursuing a degree at Wayne State University. Of course, there are no absolutes in the computer industry. The following are general comparisons and guidelines.
| Trait | Desktop Computer | Laptop Computer | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ability to upgrade and customize |
Most desktops are based on open architecture and can be easily altered with more powerful components. If you need to add a DVD-recorder, a faster processor, or multiple internal hard drives, you can do so with most desktop computers. | Only the memory, and often the hard disk drive, can be upgraded. Sometimes the CD/DVD drive can be upgraded as well. The ExpressCard or PC Card slots provide for limited expansion capabilities.Otherwise, you are stuck with what you originally bought — particularly the video subsystem (video chip and monitor!) | Desktops |
| Cost | Parts for desktops are always lower in price. The same is true for the overall cost of a system. | Shrinking a computer down to the size of a laptop increases the overall cost. In addition, most laptops are designed to adhere to general industry standards but with parts that are largely specific to the particular brand and model. | Desktops |
| Power | The latest processors, the fastest video cards, the biggest hard drives are all available for desktop computers first. Choose a desktop if you want to maximize performance. | The reduced laptop size also imposes certain limits to performance. Keeping the internal system cool in a limited space is a major engineering problem. Laptop users have to wait for months, even years in some cases, to use the same technologies seen in desktops. Still, the performance gap has been shrinking. | For the same amount of money, you always end up with a faster computer if you buy a desktop. |
| Portability | No, not really. | Portability is the reason why laptop computers now outsell desktop computers with no trend reversal imminent. | Not even close. |
The following guides on these Websites contain detailed information about purchasing laptop and desktop computers:
After you decide on a computer to buy, make the C&IT Software Clearinghouse and the C&IT Help Desk supported software Web page your first stops to get software at deep discounts — or for free!
Also, make your computing experience at WSU more enjoyable by keeping your computer clean of malicious programs like viruses and spyware. C&IT offers a lot of helpful information on Safe Computing Practices:
Desktop computers have a better price/performance ratio. However, unless you have compelling reasons to do otherwise, you probably will find that a laptop computer can best fit your needs. It all comes down to portability. This is a critical factor not be overlooked.
Whatever your choice, make sure to also read the aforementioned desktop-and laptop-specific guides.
