What is The Difference between Laptop and Desktop?
Exploring the Difference between Laptop and Desktop:
Readers, In this article you are going to learn about the difference between Laptop and Desktop. In our daily life computers are used in our homes, offices, and industries to perform different tasks. From the invention of the very first computer to till date different types of computers have been developed for different purposes. The two basic and major types of computers are Desktop Computers and Laptop computers. Both of them are the types of microcomputers used in every home as well as office to perform different tasks.
The key difference between a laptop and a computer is that a desktop computer is non-portable while a laptop computer is a portable device. Desktop computers have different parts like CPU, Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, etc., and they are connected together via cables and wires. On the other hand laptop computers are portable devices and all parts are assembled in a single unit. That’s why they are easy to carry out anywhere. The aim of this article is to explain the important difference between a laptop and a computer on the basis of size, storage, work efficiency, and much more. Before going to discuss the difference between laptop and Desktop first we know about. What is a desktop? What is a Laptop?
What is a Desktop?
It is a type of microcomputer that is used to do different tasks like office work, entertainment, homework, etc desktop computers have different components like CPU(Central Processing Unit), Mouse, Keyboard, Monitor, etc. that are connected via cables. A desktop computer requires more space on a table or desk. Desktop computers require a continuous power supply connection to stay ON. They can not be easily carried out from one place to another like portable laptop computers. Desktop computers are designed to use at one location and they are more efficient than laptop computers. Its initial and maintenance costs are comparatively less than laptop computers.
What is a Laptop?
A laptop is commonly known as a notebook or personal computer(PC). A machine smaller than a briefcase containing a battery or AC power supply. Unlike desktop computers, its components such as Keyboard, Mouse, Speakers, CPU, and display screen are assembled in a single unit. Rechargeable batteries are also assembled in it. A laptop is a unique and useful machine that can be easily carried out anywhere. It can be carried out in airplanes, libraries, official meetings, offices, etc. it is also called a laptop computer. Compared to a desktop computer, a laptop is easy to use and more convenient to carry. Laptops are comparatively more expensive than desktop computers.
After getting the basic difference between laptop and desktop individually, let’s discuss the main difference between laptop and Desktop.
Difference between Laptop and Desktop
The following table will help you to understand the major difference between laptop and Desktop.
| Sr# | Parameters | Laptop | Desktop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Parts Configuration | In laptops all essential parts are assembled in a single unit. | In laptops, all essential parts are assembled in a single unit. |
| 02 | Uses/ Applications | Laptops are lightweight and smart devices, so they can easily be carried out anywhere. | In laptops, components can not be easily replaced. |
| 03 | Size | Laptops are lightweight and smaller in size. | Desktops are heavier than laptops and also bigger in size. |
| 04 | Portability | Easily portable from one place to another at any time. | Desktop computers are non-portable machines. |
| 05 | Power Supply | Laptops contain builtin rechargeable batteries. | Desktops get direct supply from the AC mains outlet. |
| 06 | Keyboard and Mouse | Laptops have a built-in keyboard and mouse. | Desktops required an external keyboard and computer mouse. |
| 07 | CPU | Laptops have less powerful CPUs. | Desktop computers have more powerful CPUs. |
| 08 | Repair | Maintenance of laptops is costly and complex. | Desktops are easy to repair and cheap. |
| 09 | Initial cost | Laptops are more costly than desktop computers. | Desktop computers are cheaper in price. |
| 10 | Screen Size | Laptops have a small built-in screen. | Desktop computers can be connected with different size screens. |
| 11 | Component Replacement | In desktop computers, components can be replaced easily. | Desktops have more IO ports. |
| 12 | Weight | Laptops are lightweight. | Desktop computers are heavier than laptops. |
| 13 | Input-output ports | Laptops have a low number of ports due to compact sizes. | Laptops contain built-in rechargeable batteries. |
| 14 | Maintenance | Laptops require high maintenance. | Desktops require less maintenance. |
| 15 | Power Consumption | Laptops consume less power. | Desktops consume more power. |
| 16 | Upgradation | In laptops, upgrading is not easy. | In desktops, upgrading is easy. |
| 17 | Time to set up | Laptops require less time to set up. | Desktops require more time to set up. |
| 18 | Standard Screen Size | Standard screen sizes for laptops range from 10 inches to 17 inches. | All components like CPU, Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, etc are connected with each other via cables. |
| 19 | Processor | Laptop processors still have limited processors | Desktop processors are more powerful than laptops due to their large size. |
Conclusion
Ultimately it depends on the choice of the user whether he wants to use a laptop or desktop. The above table describes the difference between laptops and Desktops. A desktop computer is comparatively large in size and it is designed to be used regularly at one location. Due to its large size, it can not be transported easily from one place to another. However, a laptop computer is a lightweight and easy-to-move device. We can carry it while traveling. It can help to work remotely at any time and any place. The key difference between laptop and desktop is, that in a laptop all the components are assembled in a single unit. On the other hand, in a desktop computer, all the basic components are connected together with cables.