An Introduction To Computers: 4. Desktop or Notebook?

Up until recently I had always been a desktop computing sort of person. However with today’s growing technology one does consider purchasing a laptop. But how do we choose?

Let me lay out the pros and cons of both options and you can decide what is important for you.

Notebooks

This range of computers is great for people who need to be mobile. Business, insurance and a variety of sales people would very commonly require mobility in the course of their daily activities. Coupled with today’s growing network of wireless broadband services, it enables a person to utilize faster internet services from the conventional home dial-ups and ADSL services. Notebooks are light, the average weighing just short of three kilos. They are especially useful on trips as an entertainment center.

The problem with notebooks is that once you have purchased it there is very little room for upgrades. The average notebook becomes redundant after a couple of years. Newer software and operating systems may force you into buy another notebook. You also have to change the batteries every couple of years and after four or five years your notebook’s battery maybe hard to come by. Another drawback with notebooks is that most cannot take much knocking about unless you fork out another RM800 or so for a hardy built. Most brands today are able to sell notebooks at prices that nearly compete with desktop machines because they use cheaper and less durable chassis and casing. Also replacing parts in a notebook can be rather costly and difficult to get if your unit’s parts are phasing out. Most of the time you will have to leave your notebook computer at the shop for a few days to get it fixed. The disadvantage of a notebook computer that bugs me the most is that you only have two slots for your memory cards, so upgrading memory is limited and you’d sometimes have to waste the existing memory card to give space for new ones. Last but not least, you are limited with the screen size. If you want it small you have to sacrifice the size of the screen. Of course you can attach a screen to it but you still can’t bring it around with you.

Desktop

A desktop computer, commonly called the PC, is simply a computer that you cannot stuff into a briefcase or carry it around. So it has to sit on a table or desk (hence the name). A desktop computer has a casing that is internally spacious, which means that you can easily add components to your unit at anytime. Where a notebook computer can only have one physical hard drive, a desktop can have up to ten depending on the size of the casing. Most motherboards (the computer’s main circuit board) can cater for more memory cards; anywhere from 4 to 8 slots. Another advantage of a desktop is taht you can change your screen at anytime without having to send the whole unit to the shop. You simply go out, but a new screen, come home and plug it in. This is also known as Plug-and-Play. A notebook computer’s keyboard is compact and does not have an attached numeric keypad, whereas a desktop has a variety of keyboards available to suit your needs and just like the screen it’s Plug-and-Play. For the most part, if something breaks down in your desktop, you simply go to the shop and buy the latest model and replace the part.

I guess the most obvious disadvantage of a desktop is its mobility, or lack of. Also, a desktop uses more power compared to a notebook and the more components you add to it the more power it consumes. A notebook computer uses a battery so manufacturers have to design specific low-wattage components so they only run out of power after 2 to 4 hours. Another thing is, most desktop computers do not come with wireless connectivity, but for a few hundred ringgit you can easily add it.

In conclusion, the only real question is – do you really need your computer mobile?

Hybrids

Since there is a growing demand for mobility, the computer industry has developed a new breed of computers combining the notebook and the desktop computer. I don't know exactly what they will be called, but I refer to them as mobile-desktops. They weigh about 5 to 10 kilograms, comes with a full keyboard and screen size above 17 inches; so having the whole unit on your lap may not be as comfortable. These are basically computers that have most of the advantages of a desktop coupled with the latest in design to provide mobility;

the best of both worlds. Mobile-desktops have more room for more components. Some models come with detachable wireless keyboard, more than one hard drive and longer battery hours. They even come with cool sound systems coupled with sub-woofer and all. These machines won’t phase out nearly as fast as a notebook, as they are only packaged with the latest and the best in computer technology. This leads us the only disadvantage that this range of computers have – High Price Tags. You are looking at a starting price of around RM15,000.