The Differences of Desktop, Laptop, and Notebook Computers
So what is the difference of a desktop, a laptop and a notebook computer? What are the best and worst qualities of each? Which one should I get?
These are all questions you may be thinking about. I have created this article in order to answer your important questions about desktop, notebook and laptop computers.
What is the difference between a desktop computer, a laptop computer and a notebook computer?
The main difference between a desktop, a laptop, and a notebook is obviously going to be the size and shape.
Desktop computers are a lot bigger and can be much heavier than laptops and notebooks. They usually store more information (in gigabytes) and have more features than the other computer types. This being said, they are usually left at home. Also, desktop computers are split up in functions. The main brain of the computer is linked to the screen, power source (it has no battery), speakers, keyboard, and mouse through wires. While desktops are bigger and not portable, many tribute them as faster and better at handling more important tasks that require certain capabilities (i.e. creating a movie).
Laptop computers are better prepared for traveling. While they can be used as home computers, laptops are fitted with an extended battery life and can be transported from one place to another quite simply. Laptops are note to be confused with their almost identical twin, the notebook. While they both are great to use for traveling, laptops usually have graphics cards, CD writer drives, and larger, heavier screens. An good question to think about is whether or not you should buy a notebook computer or a laptop computer.
Notebook computers are often confused as laptop computers. Notebooks are light, extremely portable, and have a long battery life. While popular with students and business men, notebooks have great qualities that anyone can enjoy. Notebooks are usually not fitted with graphics cards and usually have a smaller, more compact keyboard. They are ideal for homework, assignments, papers and forms. The main purpose of a notebook is functionality. It is not so much an entertainment medium as it is a project manager.
What are the bad and good qualities of each?
Desktop computers good qualities:
designed for heavier use and large capacity
ideal for a home office computer
easier to use for most people
Desktop computers bad qualities include:
not portable
can be a space hog
Laptop computers best qualities:
easier to carry and quicker to set up
small yet capable of playing media files (like videos, games)
could substitute as a home computer if necessary
Laptop computers worse qualities include:
can still be heavier if always carrying it around
battery life is not very long (depending on what programs your running)
can get bogged down easily (needs a checkup once in a while)
Notebook computers good qualities are:
very light and easy to move around
ideal for small documentation and quick presentations
great for a classroom setting or workplace environments
long battery life
Notebook computers bad qualities:
not really for graphical needs (videos,)
not as good for multi-tasking
Which one should I buy?
This choice depends on what you will be using the computer for. If you plan to keep it at home all the time and need a easy-to-use and efficient device, a desktop is the best choice. If you need to take it to meetings but also need to be able to create intricate graphical presentations on it, a laptop is the perfect decision. If your a student and need to take notes and homework assignments down, a powerful little notebook is right up your alley.
Its up to you now to choose the right computer for yourself! You must decide what require in a computer and get the one that suits your needs, otherwise it could be very expensive and a waste!
Related Reading:
Upgrading & Fixing Laptops For DummiesKeep your laptop on top of its game!Find out how to care for your laptop, what can go wrong, and what you can fix
A laptop is much more than a PC that shrank. It has unique needs, and this book shows you how to meet them. You'll discover how to diagnose and fix common problems, replace parts, add external upgrades, and develop workarounds. You'll even get the lowdown on networks, and find out when to repair and when to replace your laptop.
Discover how to
* Treat your laptop properly
* Identify common problems
* Know when repair may not make economic sense
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* Troubleshoot CD and DVD drives
* Add cool peripherals
Vintage Laptop Computers: First Decade: 1980-89The "Man"and his MachinesI hope this book will refresh the memories of the few who were lucky enough to use "laptops" in the early years. Also to spark an interest in a machine which changed the way we live and do business today. I believe this book will be an invaluable aid in furnishing the information required to start a very challenging pursuit of vintage "Laptop" Computers. This could be a fascinating venture which would connect you to our life-changing technological history.
Laptops Just the Steps For DummiesYou’ll get the straight, simple lessons that you need to effectively use your Vista powered laptop in Laptops Just the Steps For Dummies. Get where you need to go with a minimum of steps! This book lays out a specific goal and helps you achieve it with a series of lessons, paired with tips and graphics to illustrate the task. You can read this book from cover to cover or skip to the parts that you need to know. In a flash, you will understand the basic parts, switches, and drives that make up your laptop. You’ll learn how to operate the main functions of Windows Vista, like managing user accounts, navigating the system, and working with files, folders, software, and devices. You’ll learn how to create media and connect to the Internet with or without wires! You’ll discover how to troubleshoot and patch your operating system. You will find out how to:
- Clean and maintain your laptop
- Operate Windows Vista and manage its options
- Create and store media
- Set up a router, connect to a network, and go wireless
- Sync data and create backups
- Browse safely
- Troubleshoot hardware and software and patch your operating system
Laptops Just the Steps For Dummies provides you with all of the information you need to work more efficiently than ever before!
