Desktop

I prefer a desktop, because of the larger keyboard, larger screen, generally faster than a laptop, much better speakers, and now I'm using dual monitors! It's kinda like my easy chair! Big and comfortable! It's also easier to maintain or update (which I do occasionally.) I find a lot of my more senior (retired) customers prefer desktops as well. Businesses tend to use desktops, for their deskbound users.

But, the biggest advantage to me, is more bang for the buck! Desktops are generally faster, dollar for dollar. They are cheaper to maintain, also. Fairly often, a laptop has to be replaced, rather than fixed. And many times fixed, because they were dropped. That is the main hazard of portability. I've had mine fall from an aircraft overhead (twice!) - survived once.

Desktop Advantages

• Better Keyboard
• Dual Monitors(or more!)
• Larger Monitors
• Higher Performance
• Other attachments - scanner, printer(s), joystick, speakers, TV
• Better for gamers
• Handles heat Better

Desktop towers are typically rather large, and that allows for much better cooling than laptops typically have. Desktop configurations allow space for bigger keyboards, joysticks, printers, scanners, etc. They are frequently faster, because they can handle high powered CPU's (which require enormous cooling!).

Now, for all of the above to be true, I'm comparing the latest model desktops to the latest model of laptops. Many of my customers, will visit stores that are showing them latest model of laptops, and compare them to the customers older desktop! They are comparing a dual core (or better) laptop to the customers older Pentium Desktop! Why do they do this? Because they are pushing laptops. Laptops are more expensive, and customers tend to buy laptops more frequently than desktops.

Personally, I use both desktop and laptops. The desktop is my main computer, the laptop is my "travel computer". I use my laptop on trips, and customer visits. In my office, I have dual monitors (plus a HDTV connected to my computer), a Laser printer (high speed and cheap printing), a color printer, scanner, and some very good speakers, an external hard drive, and easy connections for my cameras and cell phone.

At my company I do not sell computers, because as a repair person, I do not have a store, and do not sell enough volume to compete with the big guys. I do help customers order on-line, because they can buy better and cheaper on-line, if they know what they are doing! If the customer prefers Dell, I will help them order exactly what they need, without buying "extras". If they are not tied to any particular brand I recommend TigerDirect:

TigerDirect - Excellent Source for your next New-Computer

Desktop Disadvantages

• Lack of portability
• Size
• Locks you into one place

A laptop is smaller, so that even in your own home, you can move to a different room, even outside on the porch! But, a tablet is even more portable (though more limited). You can connect laptops or tablets to your desktop, so that you can transfer data, print, etc. Your desktop limits you to just one place!

Good article on Desktop vs Laptop