Which is the Right Option for You?

pc, laptop, and tablet devicesAccording to statistics, 96% of Americans own a cellphone of some kind, with smartphones making up 81% of that figure. That’s up from just 35% captured in a 2011 survey measuring smarphone ownership trends, conducted by Pew Research Center , the non-partisan American think tank. So, it’s no wonder that today, three-in-five American adults use their smartphone to access the internet. Since the start of 2017, mobile has surpassed desktop use and that trend continues. But mobile phones aren’t the sole source of informational gadgets we use. In fact, we own a range of devices. Nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults now own desktop or laptop computers, while roughly half now own tablet computers and half own e-reader devices.

The Verge, a technology news and media network, says the worldwide PC market has grown consistently for the first time in eight years. Market research firms Gartner and IDC both cite Windows 10 upgrades for the increase in sales, as businesses around the globe have been forced to advance their legacy devices.

With this current data in hand, we decided to compare the pros and cons of laptops, PCs and tablets to help you decide which one best suits your lifestyle.

Laptops

laptop fixedToday’s laptop computer is significantly thinner than it was even a few years ago, making it now possible to purchase lightweight laptops with similar dimensions to a magazine. A typical laptop is comprised of two parts: the screen (including touchscreen versions) and the hardware, which includes the keyboard, the CPU or processor and the hard drive. The latest models offer next generation SSD or solid state drives that are higher-performing, faster and more reliable than previous hard drives.

While some laptops still have a CD/DVD player, newer thinner models will require an external buffalo drive to play discs, while still incorporating features like a built-in microphone and a camera. Although they have a built-in touch pad, many users prefer the comfort of a wireless mouse, which can be purchased separately.

Pros

  • Portability is a major advantage; the streamlined dimensions of modern laptops only enhances this benefit. Additionally, you can connect them to WiFi hot spots, which are increasingly abundant.
  • If you invest in a high-end laptop, you can get a gaming experience similar to that offered by a desktop.
  • Laptops are becoming increasingly affordable.

Cons

  • If you’re are out and about, you’ll be relying on the laptop’s limited battery power which on average is about two hours, before you’ll need to recharge the battery with an AC plug.
  • There are limitations on hardware upgrades since a laptop’s architecture is more fixed than that of a PC.

Desktops

desktop computer repairs in MesaDesktops are substantially bigger and heavier than laptops, and usually include a keyboard, mouse, monitor and tower. Desktops are the classic computer setup, and despite so-called conventional wisdom, they are still extremely popular. It is possible to incorporate the mouse into the keyboard, or you can purchase a desktop with a touchscreen. As a result, you no longer need to worry about the hassle of a mouse and keyboard.

Pros

  • Ideal for gamers, as desktops can handle the higher temperatures that generally wreak havoc on laptops over a long period of time.
  • Suitable for multitasking; this is not the case with laptops, where running multiple processes simultaneously will increase your CPU usage to 100 percent and cause your machine to run low on memory.
  • It is typically less expensive to repair hardware components on desktops than laptops; laptop parts are proprietary and typically more expensive and time-consuming to repair.

Cons

  • Due to the size and weight of desktops, they aren’t readily movable. Once you set them up, they’re pretty much there to stay!
  • They take up more real estate and need a dedicated space.

Tablets

Tablets are often seen as a bridge between smartphones and laptops, and they’re deemed ideal if your main purpose is to browse the internet or watch Netflix. Are they better than laptops or desktops? Read on to find out.

selection of tabletsPros

  • Tablets are small, light and portable, so they can be taken anywhere.
  • You can use your tablet as a GPS device.
  • A tablet battery typically lasts longer than a laptop battery.

Cons

  • Using the keyboard takes some getting used to.
  • Tablets have weaker capabilities than desktops and laptops overall.
  • It’s very easy to damage the hardware and screen.
  • The size of the screen is quite small compared to a laptop.
  • Tablets screen repairs are unreliable and can cost as much as a new unit.
  • There are few ports for accessories, and tablets can’t handle much data.
  • Data recovery is more problematic than with a laptop or PC.

Overall

When choosing a new computer, purchase according to your needs. It’s an important consideration since you’ll likely be spending hundreds of dollars. If you love gaming or need something with a lot of power and RAM and you’re prepared to sacrifice portability, then a desktop is the best option for you. On the other hand, if you want to access the internet on the fly, a tablet may be the better way to go. However, if you’re writing a book or you’re a full-time student, you may want a stronger more reliable machine with a mixture of capabilities that only a laptop can offer.