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Desktop vs Laptop: Which Do You Need as a College Student?

November 6, 2022 by AbroadGuy Leave a Comment

As a college student, you will agree that having a personal computer is as vital as your textbooks. However, the question most college students has is the desktop vs laptop question – what do you really need as a college student?

Generally, college life is quite demanding and either a desktop or a laptop is an essential tool that can help make life easier. Now, the question remains which is better to have as a college student; a desktop or a laptop.

In this article, you will learn the difference between a desktop and a laptop as well as which to go for between the two as a college student.

Table of contents

  • Why You May Need a Computer in College
  • Desktop vs Laptop Similarities
  • What is the Difference Between a Desktop and a Laptop: Desktop vs Laptop?
    • Power
    • Mobility
    • Screen size
    • Speed
    • Storage, memory and data
    • Cost
    • Upgrading
    • Maintainace and Repair
    • Usablity and assembly
  • Should I Choose a Desktop?
  • Desktop vs Laptop: What Do You Need as a College Student?
  • Conclusion
  • FAQs – Desktop vs Laptop: Which Do You Need as a College Student?
  • References
  • We Also Recommend

Why You May Need a Computer in College

Nowadays, laptops are no longer a luxury but a necessity as it has become an educational dependency. Below is a list of reasons why you may need a desktop or computer in college:

  • You can get to join online classes. Also, engaging with your fellow students and your professors.
  • It will help you to complete your coursework as well as to research the assignments you are assigned in college.
  • You can connect as well as communicate with your friends and family.

While you are here, you may check out: 40 Free Online Courses in the UK with Certificates| 2022

Desktop vs Laptop Similarities

While there are some distinct differences between a desktop and laptop, there are some similarities too. According to Difference Between, below is a list of some similarities between the two:

  • Desktops and Laptops are sold with pre-installed software and operating systems like Windows 7, or if it is an Apple computer, then the Mac OS.
  • Both computer units come with port connections (varying between each make and model), and a built-in CD/DVD component, however this is being phased out in some of the newer Laptop models.
  • Peripheral devices can be connected such as external hard drives, printers, cameras, and phones, etc.
  • For both the Desktop and Laptop, key specifications to consider before purchasing is
    • CPU
    • Memory (RAM)
    • Hard drive capacity
    • Graphics card.
    • These specs determine the computer’s limits so if video production is the primary task and the computer has a low end graphics card, then the computer (laptop or desktop) will not be well suited for the job.

What is the Difference Between a Desktop and a Laptop: Desktop vs Laptop?

There are a lot of distinct differences between a desktop and laptop. We will discuss them right away.

Power

Desktops are not built for any battery use. They can only be operated and run on main powers. However, laptops can run on batteries and main power.

Their batteries can last up to several hours, although this is mostly dependent on the processing power being used, open Bluetooth and WiFi connections as well as other settings and features that increases battery power consumption.

Mobility

Typically, desktops are usually put in homes and offices. They usually need to get connected to an external monitor, keyboard and mouse to be used.

On the other hand, laptops come with built-in components, unlike the desktops, and so can be easily transported from one environment to another as one complete device./head

Screen size

Typically, the screens of desktop monitors can vary from 15 inches to larger screen sizes as 34 inches.

On the other hand, laptops come with inbuilt screens whose screen sizes vary too. Basically, the larger the screen size, the heavier and larger the laptop is.

Speed

The speed largely depends on what you intend to use the desktop or laptop for. However, in recent times, desktops and laptops have become competitive in speed as well as in performance specifications.

In terms of speed, desktops are more powerful for gaming and video production. However, it is for basic office and internet usage, then a laptop will perfectly be recommended.

Storage, memory and data

If you need to store a large amount of data, then a desktop would be more suitable as you could easily expand the memory to improve performance. If not, then you could expand the hard drive to contain the large file you are trying to save.

On the other hand, although laptop memories can be expanded but not as much as desktops can.

Also, in terms of data, you do not need to worry about losing your data on desktops although backups are recommended for all data regardless of which computer unt it resides in. However, you are exposed to more risks to lose your data on laptops due to cases such as theft, physical damage, loss of computer and malware.

Cost

In terms of costs, entry level desktops tend to be be relatively cheaper for most users. Although there are desktops with higher specifications at more expensive prices, one can purchase the entry level versions at very affordable rates for average household.

On the other hand, entry level laptops are more expensive than desktops. They tend to have laptops with varying specifications and features and the high the specifications, the higher the prices.

Upgrading

On desktops, the components can be dismantled and replaced to allow easy upgrading of specifications such as memory, storage capacity, graphics controllers and some others.

On the hand, the things that can be replaced in laptops include the hard drives and memories. You will need to purchase a new and higher laptop model if you are looking to upgrade any other aspect.

Maintainace and Repair

Because it is easier to remove, change or replace the components of a desktop, it is a lot simpler to repair when there is a damage.

However, this is different for laptops. Laptops have a compact design and with most of its components being non-removable, it usually requires technical expertise to fix when there is an issue.

Usablity and assembly

Typically, desktops are not much easier to use than laptops. Desktops,when newly purchased, requires to be manually setup by connecting the necessary devices. Also, they need larger worker areas.

Unlike desktops, laptops are more portable and do not require large work areas or any manual setup and connection to other devices before you can use them. All you need to do is to power it up and open to begin to use. Usually, there are only a little effort needed to for the basic setup.

Should I Choose a Desktop?

Undoubtedly, many people still go for desktop computers over laptops. This is because depending on their need for the computer,

Desktop vs Laptop: What Do You Need as a College Student?

Selecting which to buy between a desktop and a laptop as a college student will require considering some factors to help you determine which will best suit your needs.

Conclusion

That’s it! That is basically all you need to learn about the difference between a laptop and a computer. We hope that you have been able to decide on which best suits your college needs.

FAQs – Desktop vs Laptop: Which Do You Need as a College Student?

Is it better to have a laptop or PC for college?

Do I really need a laptop for college?

Is it worth it to have a desktop and a laptop?

What size computer does a college student need?

Should you have a desktop in college?

Why are desktops better than laptops?

Do desktops last longer than laptops?

What can a PC do that a laptop can’t?

References

  • differencebetween.net – Difference between Desktop and Laptop

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