OnYourMark, LLC Blog

This month’s pro discusses the pros and cons of laptop and desktop computer.

As wireless technology becomes more widespread and business becomes increasingly mobile, many businesspeople find themselves wondering if it might be time to drop the short leash that is their desktop PC. In this month’s Ask the Pro, we examine the pros and cons of laptop and desktop computers in order to help you decide whether it is time to “go mobile.”

In recent years, laptop computers have come into their own. Gone are the days of 20-pound monsters with half-hour battery life. Today’s laptops are slim, powerful, and with battery lives as long as four hours, increasingly useful. With wireless technology becoming more prevalent, laptop users are finally overcoming the biggest obstacle to mobile computing… the lack of an Internet connection. Still, even with all of these advantages, laptops have some very definite downsides.

Laptop computers are still less powerful than their desk-bound cousins. Even if the processor speed is the same, laptops often reduce processor speed to save battery life. In addition, although peripherals such as DVD burners and wireless network cards are available in laptops, using these peripherals leads to significant reduction in battery life.

Power is not the only limitation. Many laptops aren’t really designed to take the beating they will get during the course of the active businessperson’s travels, requiring frequent repairs due to bumps and drops. These repairs are often specifically excluded from warranty, which can lead to costly repair bills. Finally, the design limitations of laptops mean that you won’t find ergonomic keyboards and mice built-in. Roaming businesspeople should take care that their shiny new laptop won’t lead to health problems such as Repetitive Stress Injuries.

Desktop computers, though immobile, have their perks. Because desktops are such a commodity, prices have gone down significantly. You can get a desktop for as low as $500, while a low-end laptop might cost closer to $900. Performance is less of an issue with a desktop, as they always operate at their full processor speed. Also, desktop computers usually offer more upgrade options than laptops.

For your constantly on-the-go traveling businessperson, a laptop can provide critical computing resources at the push of a button. With a wireless network connection, the laptop can be your lifeline to the home office, allowing you to access vital resources from anywhere in the world. If you are on the run three days or more during the week, a laptop is probably an important component of your business gear. If you find that your business runs more smoothly with your hands firmly on the wheel, don’t overlook the promise of the tried-and-true desktop with its greater power and lesser maintenance cost.

What would you like to ask the pro? Email your questions to askthepro@OnYourMark.com!