Good day. Recently, the blog has been publishing mostly step-by-step instructions, but today I want to digress and not bother you with endless screenshots of “how to do and where to click”. Let's take a break and discuss the topic: which is better, a computer or a laptop?
Of course, it’s impossible to simply answer such a “holivarious” question. Yes, and this is useless, although it still makes sense to evaluate what advantages each device has in order to understand what you need specifically.
Everything was simple before. There were computers, there were laptops. Computers were usually much cheaper and much more powerful than their mobile brothers ... just a couple of years ago, I did not think that laptops would gain such popularity.
Our world is changeable, so now it is difficult to say: what is a computer and what is a laptop? I will try to consider devices as close as possible to our usual computers and laptops. In conclusion, for each I will try to recommend for which tasks this or that device is suitable.
To understand what is more interesting for us, I decided to highlight similar devices. Of course, I can be wrong, and if you have something to say, correct me, but my vision of the current situation in the computer market is as follows:
A computer
Desktop computer
Classic laptop
Tablet-transformer
It's important to understand that I'm only looking at computers with x86 processors that work great in the Windows environment we're used to. I consider it inappropriate to compare Android and other devices here, since these devices, with all their striving, cannot yet fully replace a laptop or computer. Who knows, maybe they are the future… but we still live in the present!
Desktop computer
This is the same old man familiar to everyone. It was with such a computer that I started my acquaintance a long time ago, now I don’t even remember when it all started. What do I want to say about him? The usual system unit (Which many, and probably even the majority, calls the processor), Monitor (it is the same for all "TV") and a keyboard with a mouse.
Its main advantages are the possibility of modernization, as well as good ventilation due to its size. Conventional desktop PCs are less prone to overheating than their compact laptop brothers. Another huge plus is high maintainability (although technologies are developing so quickly that sometimes it’s not always possible to find a replacement for a computer for a computer bought half a year ago).
If there is good ventilation in a spacious case, then it is logical that more powerful and voracious components can be placed here, because the issue of heat transfer is not as acute as in the case of a laptop. In general, if the computer is in your home and it is not required except at home, then definitely taking it will come out cheaper and more efficient!
What is Monoblock? This is the monitor we are used to, in which the system unit was “placed” (as a rule, laptop components are used. After all, they heat up less, take up less space ...) And I don’t even know what to call it: is it a monitor with a computer built into it, or in general laptop screwed to the back of the monitor. But if a laptop is primarily mobility and the name itself reminds us of a book, then we will assume that the Monoblock is a familiar computer.
The only plus that I see is that it will take up less space for you, which, given their cost, is a very dubious pleasure. With its form factor, the advantages of a desktop computer are completely destroyed, and the problems of laptop hardware and tight layout are added.
We've finished talking about computers, now let's move on to laptops, otherwise we won't be able to answer our question. Which is better: computer or laptop?
Classic laptop
A laptop familiar to many, it is likely that you perceive it as your main computer and working tool. At the moment, laptops have gained their popularity due to lower prices and increased performance. If we used to talk about a gaming laptop as something inaccessible and insanely expensive, now this is no longer the case.
Modern laptops have sufficient performance, and some may even show similar to a regular stationary laptop (although the price will be noticeably higher than a regular PC) and a quite adequate price tag. But there are also disadvantages: due to the fact that the place is limited, there are problems with overheating (and many people like to lie on the bed with a laptop, closing the ventilation holes for everyone), it is almost impossible to upgrade (improve), and often laptop screens do not amaze with clarity and color reproduction. However, they are mobile, you can take them with you and work on the road, but it’s expensive to carry it with you all the time ... after all, it is bulky and a little heavy.
Ultrabooks are a logical continuation of laptops, but they have one feature. Ultrabooks use energy-efficient components and typically have high-capacity batteries. The main task of an ultrabook is to be always at hand. Therefore, they are always: thin, light, cold and hold a charge well.
Ulrabuk is perfect for those who constantly have to work on the road. Such an assistant will be simply indispensable (For example, my MSI X340 fits easily into a folder for papers and does not particularly weigh it down)
Tablet-transformer
The most fashionable and in my opinion absolutely useless combination. Hybrid tablet and laptop (keyboard attaches). There is no particular pleasure either when using it as a tablet, and as a laptop it is also not very pleasant to work with.
I collected all the shortcomings of a laptop and a tablet, although in the future I think it is a promising direction, but in the form that it is now, I don’t see the point, and the price tag is exorbitant.
About 5 years ago there was a boom in netbooks. ASUS introduced its mini laptop, and other manufacturers did not stand aside and picked up the fashion. A netbook is usually a 10-inch screen, a weak processor and a capacious hard drive, coupled with a powerful battery.
At the moment, they are living their life, almost completely replaced by tablets. You can't really work on such a screen, a weak processor also makes itself felt ... so I think that they have a place in history, although for some it may be a good option, given their relative cheapness.
I am of the opinion (and recommend it to you) that a regular desktop computer is the ideal solution for the home. The monoblock, although technologically advanced, has no special advantages over a conventional PC. So if there is no need to drag the computer from corner to corner, then you shouldn’t even think about it: definitely PC The tight layout affected the heating, but you can take it with you. Relevant if you are a student and rent an apartment. If you move, there will be no problems. If possible, take an ultrabook. It is light, comfortable, and everything else I consider superfluous And there is no better, the best is what suits you
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When deciding to acquire new computer equipment, users often ask themselves the question: “Which is better to buy: a laptop or a desktop computer?”. There is no 100% answer here, because the final choice depends on the purpose of the purchase and further use. Whether you need equipment for gaming battles, work or writing educational essays - the article offers effective advice on choosing for each case, revealing all the pros and cons of equipment.
What you need to know before choosing?
To further simplify the choice, solving the dilemma - which is better, a PC or a laptop, it is worth studying in detail all the pros and cons for each technique.
Advantages and disadvantages of a laptop
A laptop is an ideal unit for those who travel a lot on the job (for example, model). Due to mobility, compactness and light weight, it is easy to take it on a business trip or a cafe, while all the accumulated information will be "at hand". In this case, there is no need to dump tons of data on a USB flash drive to show a presentation or an established project. You just turn on the laptop, select the desired file and “voila”. This is the main advantage of the laptop.
Fans of such a device highlight other advantages, for example:
- the ability to connect to Wi-Fi anywhere where the wireless network “catches”;
- autonomous battery operation, that is, there is no need to be near the outlet all the time;
- complete set on the basis of one body (speakers, webcam, keyboard, touchpad - the same mouse), no need to buy additional items.
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Despite the abundance of advantages, the device is not without disadvantages. Among these are fragility and expensive repairs in case of breakage or damage. Another disadvantage is low performance when compared with a stationary PC. But the main disadvantage of a laptop is the impossibility of its improvement: the internal “stuffing” of such equipment quickly becomes obsolete, and it cannot be upgraded.
Advantages and disadvantages of a computer
A PC differs from a laptop, first of all, in its dimensions. For a desktop, you need to allocate a permanent place in the room, purchase special furniture, compactly lay out a large number of wires.
Despite such a large scale, in favor of buying a stationary PC, its main advantages are:
- Acceptable price. With the same performance of laptop and computer components, the latter, in most cases, turns out to be cheaper.
- Possibility of modernization. Outdated parts are easily replaced with new ones. So, you can improve the memory, video card, etc.
- Utility. By purchasing a monitor with a diameter of 22 inches or higher for your computer (+ adding a TV tuner to it), you can easily arrange family viewing of your favorite programs in the evenings.
In addition, the permanent location of the desktop in one place eliminates the possibility of mechanical damage, which significantly increases the life of the equipment.
The disadvantages of the equipment are directly related to its dimensions. There are only 3 of them:
- Lack of mobility.
- Lots of parts and wires.
- To build a PC, all items are purchased separately.
The operation of the computer requires a constant connection to electricity, that is, if its supply is lost, it will simply turn off. So that the equipment does not burn out during frequent voltage drops, a stabilizer is additionally purchased.
Desktop PC or laptop: which is better in the end?
When choosing between two devices, it is worth giving the flag to the one who will best match the type of activity and personal preferences of the user. As a hint to buyers, below is a list of 5 purposes for which computer equipment may be needed.
In a home environment
What is better, a laptop or a computer for home? It is difficult to give an exact answer. Of course, a laptop (for example) is more suitable for a small apartment, which can be hidden in a table or moved to any room. In addition, he:
- silent and does not interfere with the sleep of other family members;
- combines all the elements necessary for work and leisure (camera, keyboard).
Drinking tea in the kitchen or taking a bath to your favorite TV series is especially nice when you have a laptop at hand. If you choose a model with a powerful processor and graphics card, you can have fun playing any of the modern games.
A computer is also a good option for a home when space is available. This technique is especially practical if there is a child in the family. Turning on cartoons for a baby on a large computer screen is many times safer than on a laptop. Why? Yes, just the child will not reach the large monitor, which means that it will not be able to damage it.
For hardcore gamers
What is better to choose, or a gaming computer? There is nothing to think about here: a computer and only a computer. Here are 4 reasons:
- Any configuration can be added to a stationary PC, thanks to which it will pull even the heaviest game.
- Gameplay on a larger display is brighter, more interesting, and more immersive.
- There is surround sound, which is necessary to enhance the effect of the gameplay.
- The cooling of a desktop PC is better than that of a laptop.
In addition, it is much cheaper to assemble a gaming PC in detail than to purchase a ready-made gaming laptop.
When deciding to finally buy expensive equipment, many cannot make a choice. What will be best: a system unit with a monitor or a fancy laptop? Both of these devices have their own advantages and disadvantages, according to which you can make a choice in one direction or another. When buying equipment, it is important to first understand the needs that need to be met.
What to buy a computer or laptop, and how to solve this issue? Let's figure it out together.
Advantages and disadvantages of a laptop
Initially, you need to deal with laptops, which are now the most popular. Without a doubt, the main advantages of laptops are compactness, light weight and the ability to choose the right accessories. You do not need to connect many cables to it, just one is enough for recharging. The keyboard, screen, camera, speakers - all this is already built into the laptop and is available for transportation.
All laptops have a built-in battery that allows you to work for some time without being connected to the network. This allows you to take your laptop to different places and use it wherever possible. Another advantage of these devices is that they consume much less electricity, and there is practically no noise from them. Of course, do not forget about regular cleaning of internal parts, then the laptop will keep working for a long time.
Nevertheless, it is necessary to take into account the possible shortcomings that it has. Unfortunately, many laptops are not upgradeable. The maximum that can be done here, and even then not in all models, is to install one more RAM.
You can, of course, put a more powerful hard drive, or replace it with an SSD drive. The stores have adapters for this, so there will be no problems with installation.
Some models may have discrete graphics cards, which can be replaced if desired. However, this will not bring much benefit in terms of performance. Another disadvantage is low maintainability, since repairs are not always advisable due to the high cost of the parts themselves, which may simply not be.
Laptops often get hot and the only way to improve the situation is with the help of cooling pads. But to put a powerful cooling system will be impossible. When using heavy programs, the laptop heats up quickly. You need to constantly monitor its work, because with frequent high temperatures inside the case, an early failure of all laptop components can be observed.
Advantages and disadvantages of the system unit
The good old system engineers have quite a lot of advantages, as well as disadvantages. First, pay attention to the positive features. First of all, it must be said about the cost, which will be cheaper than buying a laptop with the same characteristics. It will be much easier to find a computer for your needs, as there is a wide variety of different components. In this case, a person can independently choose what will be inside.
Another plus is the ability to upgrade such equipment in various ways (change a video card or processor, add more RAM slots, form an improved cooled system, and much more).
As for repairs, it will come out much cheaper in terms of money, and in some cases a person can solve many problems on his own.
As noted earlier, the user himself chooses which components, monitors, keyboards to install. For designers, programmers, surveyors, the best option would be to buy a computer. The monitor here can be purchased large and with a high screen resolution. In this case, the entire workspace can fit on it, which will be very convenient when doing some projects.
As for the shortcomings, they, of course, are also here. And perhaps the main disadvantage will be the size of the device. For a computer, you will need a separate desktop, purchase of a keyboard, monitor, mouse, speakers and much more. All this will take up a certain place in the house, which is very limited for many. The disadvantages include frequent tangles of wires and high power consumption (600–1000 W), which can damage data if the power goes out unexpectedly.
So what is better to choose - a laptop or a desktop computer?
It is difficult to say the exact answer here, as it depends on the further use of the device. To begin with, you should familiarize yourself with all the pros and cons mentioned above, and then think about why exactly you need the purchased equipment.
Which device is suitable for home?
If the PC will be used to play music, surf pages, watch movies, then buying a laptop would be an ideal solution. They take up less space, there is practically no noise, and practically no energy is expended. If desired, it can easily be moved from one room to another or even go with it to some place.
However, if you do not plan to drag the device somewhere, that is, store it in one place, and also periodically play with it, then it is better to take a closer look at stationary computers.
It is important to remember that the purchased laptop cannot be upgraded, so it is better to avoid cheap options, because in the future it will work even slower.
What to take for work?
Depending on the tasks and opportunities, it is worth starting in this case. For designers, programmers and those people who will use complex programs like 3D studio, Photoshop, AutoCAD, you need to buy a powerful system unit and a large monitor with good resolution. Those who are actively working on video editing should also consider this purchase.
If the work will be connected with simple programs, the Internet, documents and spreadsheets, then a laptop is worth choosing. This is especially true for those people for whom mobility is important.
What to buy for games?
In this category, of course, you need to choose a desktop computer, since it is he who will allow the user to discover all the possibilities of the gameplay. Moreover, it will be much cheaper to assemble a powerful computer than to purchase a ready-made gaming laptop. The cost of the latter will be much higher, which cannot be said about its characteristics.
Component parts for computers are now universal, so finding or replacing them will not be a problem. What's more, the device can be upgraded to improve the performance and speed of reproducible tasks.
As for laptops, they are not designed for playing games. It would not be a very reasonable acquisition for such a purpose. However, if there is absolutely not enough space in the house, and mobility is in the first place, then you can take a laptop. Some users successfully pass Warface and World of Tanks and other popular toys on it.
Nevertheless, you need to prepare for the fact that the laptop will need to be constantly taken to a service center, giving your own money for cleaning internal parts or replacing thermal paste. If you wish, you can do these steps yourself, as there are many lessons and videos on this topic on the Internet.
Thus, when choosing these two devices, you need to carefully read all the advantages and disadvantages, as well as understand the main thing, what the equipment will be needed for, what main tasks it will have to perform. And then proceed from this.
Hello, friends!
Business people, housewives, gamers, students and retirees all use laptops. Some need them for work, others for playing strategies and shooters, others for watching movies and chatting with friends. At the same time, everyone wants to choose a laptop that would have the best value for money, serve well for many years, be powerful and easy to use. But a huge selection can knock everyone down, so it’s worth dwelling in more detail on how to choose a laptop.
P advantages and disadvantages laptops and computers (PC)
Sometimes buyers think about whether they really need a laptop or whether it is better to prefer a desktop computer. To dispel any doubts and make an accurate choice, you should familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
The advantages of laptops include the fact that they:
- they are lightweight and compact in size - some laptop models weigh up to 1 kg and fit easily into a bag, so you can keep them with you always and everywhere, which cannot be said about a PC;
- provide full-fledged work without connecting external devices - the laptop case combines a screen, a keyboard, and a touchpad, but in order to work on a desktop computer, all these devices have to be connected;
- can work offline - the rechargeable battery allows you to work for several hours on a laptop without being connected to the mains;
- allow you to connect to wireless networks - the built-in Wi-Fi adapter allows laptop owners to connect to the Internet in any public places.
But laptops also have disadvantages that make some buyers prefer PCs. And it's not at all that portable computers require a more careful attitude and break down more often.
These disadvantages include:
- low maximum performance - due to the compact size of laptops, there are special requirements for their cooling. As a result, all components in laptop computers must comply with strict heat dissipation limits, which in turn reduces their power. Therefore, even powerful gaming laptops cannot match high-end PCs;
- limited opportunities for upgrading - most often on portable computers you can only replace the hard drive and RAM yourself, but replacing a video card, processor or any other component can cause significant difficulties.
In general, there is a rather narrow circle of consumers who may really lack the working parameters of a laptop. These include programmers, graphic designers, system administrators and gamers. But here everything is relative, because not every desktop computer will be able to compare in performance with the latest models. gaming laptops from Acer or Asus.
Choosing a powerful laptop
When choosing a laptop, each buyer has his own idea of the optimal combination of price and quality: someone is ready to give any money for the latest MacBook model, someone needs an inexpensive and reliable computer for work, and someone wants to play the latest version of FIFA and needs a very powerful laptop. But in any case, there is a certain list of parameters that all buyers without exception will pay attention to.
Screen and weight . For people who plan to take a laptop with them always and everywhere, compact and lightweight models with a screen size of up to 13 inches are suitable. Laptops with a diagonal of 14-16 are best suited for home use, but 17th models are ideal for working with graphics, video editing and computer games.
But there is also a direct relationship - the larger the diagonal, the greater the weight of the laptop. On average, laptops with a diagonal of up to 13 inches weigh from 0.9 to 1.3 kg, with a diagonal of 14 to 16 - from 1.5 to 2.5 kg, over 17 - from 3 to 5 kg.
People who are forced by the nature of their work to always have a computer with them, increasingly prefer ultrabooks - they have a thickness of no more than 20 mm, weigh up to 1.4 kg, and the maximum diagonal is 14-15 inches, so it is very convenient to take them with you .
Also, when choosing, it is important to pay attention to the type of screen matrix. On inexpensive laptops, TN-type matrices are installed, and in expensive models, TFT IPS matrices are installed, which are distinguished by better color reproduction and provide a wider viewing angle.
Frame. Notebook Review of the latest models showed that now the cases of budget models are made of plastic, and more expensive models are made of aluminum. The metal case is very important for high-performance laptops, because the metal dissipates heat faster and prevents the laptop from overheating. In addition, the metal case is less susceptible to mechanical stress and better protects the expensive stuffing of the laptop from shock.
CPU. Most buyers prefer Intel processors because they are considered to be the most advanced technologies used in their manufacturing process. However, many assemblers believe that there is not much difference between Intel and AMD processors for the average user, but you need to pay attention to such parameters:
- clock frequency- the higher the clock frequency, the more productive and expensive the processor. For normal office work, the power of any modern processor will be enough, but for multimedia systems it is better to choose processors with a clock frequency of 2.6 GHz;
- number of cores - now even the most budget models have two cores, and this is quite enough for solving simple multimedia tasks, working with a standard set of programs and surfing the Internet, but for games and working with graphics programs you need to choose more powerful 4- or 8- nuclear processors;
- built-in "graphics" - processors with an integrated video card are inexpensive, do not make noise during operation and consume energy more economically, while a discrete video card has higher performance and provides high quality graphics;
- size of RAM - the optimal size of RAM depends on how many tasks the computer will have to solve. Budget laptop models now have from 4 to 8 GB of RAM, and expensive multimedia laptops - 32 GB and above.
In general, the average user who does not work with graphics and does not play resource-intensive games, a dual-core processor with a clock speed of 2 GHz and 4 GB of RAM is enough. But if the laptop heats up and hangs, then this indicates that its owner needs to choose a model with a more efficient processor.
Battery. The larger the capacity of the battery, the more hours the laptop will be able to do without charging. With a minimum screen brightness and a low load, budget laptops can work for 5-6 hours, but gaming models hold a charge for about 4 hours. At the same time, most laptops are now equipped with lithium-ion batteries, which have a fairly high capacity and performance. True, lithium-polymer batteries are already being installed on very expensive ultra-thin laptops.
A laptop is an indispensable companion for many people. That is why when choosing it, there are no unimportant parameters. You need to pay attention to everything, from the brand of the manufacturer to the number of USB connectors in the case.
But chasing the most advanced parameters is not worth it, because high competition encourages manufacturers to constantly bring to the market more and more advanced laptop models, which not every user can download.
Or PC. Of course, for standard use in home mode, a desktop computer is better suited. It does not matter age, ways of use or occupation. There are several reasons for this:
- A desktop computer will be cheaper. Even if a laptop and a PC have similar characteristics, then buying a computer will be more economical. Among other things, as a rule, less productive components are installed on budget laptops, which means that it will still not work as fast as a computer.
- Desktop PC is easier to upgrade. Technical development steps forward every day and, perhaps, the user will want to update or add . Also, you can easily replace the old fan, which will not cool as actively over time, and so on.
All these points lead to the replacement of components. They are easier to find on a computer, easier to buy, and easier to replace on your own than on a laptop.
Choosing a computer depending on tasks
If frequent trips are planned, and it is simply impossible to part with documents and files, in this case the choice is obvious. If there is a child of school age in the family, then the situation turns a little differently. Some schools voluntarily advise you to bring a laptop with you. At such moments, it is easier to buy not even a laptop, but a netbook. The reasons are simple: lighter in weight, contains standard programs, meets educational requirements.
If the child is fond of not only learning, but also computer games, then a stationary PC is better suited here. Even if the price category of a gaming PC and a laptop are the same, the performance of the computer will be higher. And again, the topic of component replacement is touched upon, especially when current computer games wear out components much faster than simple use.
Now there is already a large selection of expensive gaming laptops, with the most powerful and new video cards, but the question is worth the price. For older people, a medium-sized laptop is perfect. Nowadays, older people are increasingly trying to learn the basics of using a PC. An average-priced laptop will satisfy all needs and will not be so full of unnecessary programs, like a gaming laptop, for example.
Among other things, the laptop will be convenient in terms of carrying, you can put it anywhere and take it with you to the country. Of course, the only main criterion when choosing is the diagonal of the display. It is advisable to choose more, since the main thing is comfortable use. Laptops these days are incredibly convenient and functional. For those who like to surf the Internet, use social networks, watch videos and movies online, chat on Skype or other video chats, the ideal option is to buy a laptop. The speed of his work will be more than enough.
Of course, there are downsides to desktop PCs as well. This is insufficient mobility, more power consumption than for a laptop. The release of a large amount of heat can also be counted as a disadvantage.
It is always difficult to choose clearly, since both sides have their pros and cons. Everyone has their own preferences, someone cannot live without games, someone without access to the Internet in general. If it is possible to purchase both a PC and a laptop, this is an ideal option for everyone. If there is no possibility for such costs, then it is worth weighing all the pros and cons carefully and in detail in order to choose the most suitable option depending on the expected tasks that will have to be solved on the computer.
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