In today’s world, where everything is portable and compact, the relevance of desktop computers has been a topic of debate. With laptops, tablets, and smartphones dominating the market, it’s easy to question whether or not you need a desktop computer. So, do you need a desktop computer?
As someone who has used laptops and desktops extensively, I can confidently say that desktop computers still matter.
In this article, we’ll explore why desktop computers are as relevant today, as they were a decade ago. We’ll look at the advantages they offer over other devices and debunk some common myths about them being outdated or obsolete.
So, if you’re on the fence about whether or not to invest in a new desktop computer for your personal or professional needs, read on!
More Powerful Performance
I believe desktops are more powerful than laptops and other mobile devices.
And I have used all of them over the years. You simply get better performance on a desktop than on a laptop. Sure, the technology for laptop computers has drastically improved over the years. Making them a solid contender for the desktop.
Other than the mobility feature that laptops have, and a few that comes with a touchscreen, there aren’t many other advantages they have over desktop computers. People purchase laptops primarily because of their mobility features, not for better performance.
Laptop computers are usually purchased in conjunction with a desktop computer, so you can take work with you, while you’re away from the office. It makes for better convenience.
But if mobility is not a concern for you and you have a desk that you work from on a consistent basis, then a desktop is your best bet. You’ll get better performance, and you’ll have more options to work with.
The reality is that desktop computers boast incredible processing power, over laptop computers. Making them perfect for resource-intensive tasks such as graphic design, video editing, and even gaming, if you wanted to have some fun while you work.
Moreover, the convenience of having a dedicated workspace with an ergonomic keyboard and mouse (which I’ll be talking more about in the next section) cannot be overstated. Sure, you can do this with a laptop, but that would defeat the purpose of getting one, since a laptop already has a built-in keyboard and touchpad (for the mouse), for mobility purposes.
Ergonomic Design
As I’ve alluded to earlier, a desktop computer gives you the ability to set up your workspace to be more ergonomically friendly.
Let’s face it, we spend a ton of time in front of our computers on a daily basis, while we’re at work. This will take a toll on our bodies over time, particularly on our hands and wrists. With a desktop, you have a plethora of options to choose from when it comes to ergonomic keyboards and mouse.
Speaking from experience, I’ve had to invest in some ergonomic keyboards and mouse for myself, because I spend so much time writing at my computer. My desktop computer of course. This is also an option with a laptop computer, but as I mentioned before, that defeats the purpose of having a laptop.
When you add all these additional peripheral devices to a laptop, now you’re making it more stationary and starting to resemble a desktop computer.
And I’ve seen it on many occasions.
Executives that travel a lot, take their laptops away with them, while on travel. When they’re back at the office, they connect their laptop to a docking station, that’s connected to different peripheral devices, such as a monitor, a keyboard and mouse, and even speakers.
This makes your laptop more versatile, as it can be both mobile and stationary. But it’s still limited.
Better Graphics
With a laptop computer, you are limited to the graphics card that it comes equipped with. Sure you can purchase one with a pretty good graphics card, that’ll do a good job in the long run, but that will make for a very expensive laptop computer.
A desktop on the other hand allows you the ability to upgrade your video or graphics card to higher quality one, without breaking the bank. You wouldn’t need to get a whole new computer just to upgrade the video card like you would for a laptop. All you need to do is simply replace the video card.
When you have a better video or graphics card, it makes for a much better experience for video streaming, video editing, and gaming. So, if any of these interest you, then investing in a desktop computer would be ideal for you.
With a desktop computer, upgrading a graphics card is as simple as purchasing a new one and installing it. The connectors for a desktop graphics card use a PCIe slot, which is standard for all desktop motherboards.
On a laptop computer, you’re stuck with the video card it comes equipped with. Upgrading or replacing a video card for a laptop usually means replacing the entire laptop with a new one.
Upgrade Options
We have already established that laptops are good for their convenience and portability.
Desktops on the other hand give you versatility that can greatly enhance your computing experience. When you upgrade components of a desktop computer, you are increasing the quality and performance of that desktop.
What desktop computers have over laptops, is larger cases, that provide room for different size components like processors and graphic cards (which we just talked about). Not only do their cases provide room to house these components, but they also accommodate the ability to upgrade, add to, or replace those components independently.
To be fair, you can upgrade and replace components on a laptop computer, as well. You can upgrade the RAM (Random Access Memory) and hard drive disk on laptops, but that’s about all you can replace.
You can upgrade just about every internal component of a desktop computer that’s connected to its motherboard. In fact, you can even replace the motherboard, if you so desire. There are some exceptions to consider, however.
With branded desktop computers, such as Dell, Hp, etc., replacing the motherboard isn’t as easy to do. Their boards are proprietary and customized to suit their specific desktop systems. So you would have to go through them to replace the motherboard, and that’s if they deem your mother is defective.
However, for generic-built desktops, such as gaming systems (which have been gaining a lot of popularity in recent years), all components are equally replaceable.
That’s the wonderful versatility desktops have over laptops.
Budget Friendly
One of the key benefits of choosing a desktop over other options is its affordability.
Your money will go a lot farther, purchasing a desktop computer, than it would with a laptop or other mobile devices. When you do the comparison, you will see that desktop computers tend to be significantly cheaper than laptops or tablets with similar specifications.
With their larger size and ability to accommodate various hardware components at lower costs, you can get more bang for your buck when purchasing a desktop. This makes them an ideal choice for those looking to stick within their budget, without compromising performance.
I know it’s hard to think about getting a desktop when there has been such a heavy emphasis on a wireless connection to the Internet. I mean WiFi technology has definitely improved a lot in recent years.
If being wireless is a concern for you, as it pertains to a desktop, many desktop computers today come with a built-in WiFi adapter. Even if your particular desktop doesn’t have built-in WiFi, you can also purchase an external WiFi adapter, they’re pretty inexpensive.
But let’s get back to the price comparisons.
Desktop computers are significantly more affordable than their portable counterparts. Due to their larger size and “lack of portability”, manufacturers can offer them at lower price points without compromising on performance. This is where they compensate for the desktop computer being a stationary computer.
This means that even with a limited budget, you can still get a high-quality machine that meets all your computing requirements. And again, you can always get a wireless adapter for your desktop, if that’s important for you.
Finally, desktops are a good investment in terms of longevity. They tend to last much longer than other mobile devices, smartphones included.
Final Point
There are several compelling reasons why you should consider getting a desktop computer.
From its superior performance capabilities and expandability to the larger screen size and ergonomic benefits. A desktop computer offers a more efficient and comfortable computing experience than laptops and tablets.
Additionally, with the ability to easily upgrade and customize hardware components, you can ensure that your desktop computer remains up-to-date for years to come. From a longevity perspective, desktop computers have a longer lifespan than a laptop, by several years.
Moreover, the affordability of desktop computers compared to their portable counterparts makes them a cost-effective choice in the long run. So why settle for less when you can have the best? Invest in a desktop computer today and enjoy all the advantages it has to offer.