Laptop Vs Desktop: Which to Choose in 2023

Ever since the first commercial laptop became available, people have debated which was better: a laptop or a desktop computer. Of course, over the decades, the nature of that debate has changed significantly. Factors which made the desktop better in the past are now more true of laptops and vice versa. We use these devices to do very different tasks than we once did.

So let’s look at this debate as we move toward 2023. Which is better for modern users: a laptop or a desktop? The pros of a laptop are the cons of a desktop and vice versa. As such, we’re going to focus only on the pros of each. Let’s start with the laptop.

The pros of a laptop

Portability

Portability is the most obvious pro of getting a laptop over a desktop. Yes, it makes the device a little bit easier to steal, but that’s why you have insurance for your laptop. The reality is that being able to carry around a laptop is hugely important in today’s world. You don’t need to go to a specific place to work.

In today’s world, with the ability to work remotely so important, most people can’t do without a device they can take on the go. That device doesn’t have to be a laptop, as tablets have become extremely efficient for getting work done, but you’re ultimately looking for a laptop alternative.

Ease of Use

If you’re into tech, this isn’t necessarily a big deal for you, but the ease of use that today’s laptops come with makes them hassle-free and saves you time. Opening up your Macbook and going straight to where you need to be is a smoother, more enjoyable experience than getting started on a desktop.

Power Usage

As we go into 2023, saving power is more important than ever. Not only is our planet struggling due to climate change, but energy has become extremely expensive. With inflation, as well as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, most people cannot afford to waste power.

Laptops use a lot less power than desktops. They have smaller components that need to be run. They are also less likely to become energy vampires as they don’t need to be plugged in most of the time.

These are the main advantages of laptops. How about the humble desktop?

The pros of a desktop

Affordability

By far one of the most commonly cited advantages of a desktop is how cheap it is in comparison to a laptop. Laptops can get very expensive very quickly, especially if you want impressive specs. Paying over $1,500 for a laptop is not unusual.

Since desktops are so affordable, you will be able to get far better specs than you would on a laptop. You get more power and capability at a far better price.

Processing Power

A desktop can contain a far bigger CPU and therefore has higher processing power. This makes it perfect for running programs that are heavy on memory. Many people in creative industries use desktops because they need this processing power.

Gaming

You can game on a laptop, even connecting a bigger monitor to do so. However, desktops are far better suited to gaming than even the best gaming laptop. While you’ll pay thousands for your gaming laptop, you will be able to play games on regular desktops. Most gamers do not require portability, making desktops the perfect option.

Upgradability

Upgrading a desktop is also far easier. You can change components, and improve them as you go, keeping your desktop up-to-date with the latest cutting-edge technology. A laptop, on the other hand, is far more rigid. While you can build your own laptop, you’re still limited in what you are able to include and what can be updated down the line.

There is no single answer as to whether a laptop or a desktop is better. Many people cannot work without a laptop they can carry around. Many others cannot work without the processing power of a desktop. Ultimately, the pros and cons of each will resonate differently with different people.