Which is a better buy, a notebook or a desktop PC? Which is more affordable? Which meets your needs as a college or university student?
Laptop computer or desktop PC? Which kind of computer system best meets the needs of a college student? Before you make a decision, here are some advantages and disadvantages to keep in mind.
ADVANTAGES OF LAPTOP COMPUTERS
- Portable. This is a big plus in the life of a busy, mobile college student. You can take your laptop to the library, to a coffee shop, to a friend's room, or wherever you want to study. Unlike desktops, laptops can easily make a trip home for break. College students move around quite a bit, and moving a laptop from apartment to apartment is no hassle at all.
- Can be used in class. This is a big plus for a college student. As long as you have decent typing skills, taking notes on a laptop in class is very efficient. Just resist the temptation to IM, check email, or play Tetris during class!
- Wireless Internet. As wireless Internet becomes more widely available, laptop computers become all the more convenient and cool.
- Takes up less space. This can be a huge advantage to college students who live in a small dorm room or cramped apartment.
ADVANTAGES OF DESKTOP COMPUTERS
- Cost. Getting a cheap but reliable desktop computer is much easier than getting a cheap but reliable notebook computer. This is less true than it used to be, as notebooks are becoming more affordable. However, dollar for dollar, you get more for your desktop buck than for your laptop buck. Desktop computers also are less expensive to upgrade.
- Speed. Dollar for dollar, desktops are faster. You can get a fast laptop, but it will cost you.
- Cheaper and easier to repair. If a spill a Coke on your desktop keyboard, you'll need to spend $15 on a new keyboard. If you spill a Coke on your laptop keyboard, well, you'll be lucky if you still have a working laptop.
- Much more difficult to steal than a laptop computer. This can be a huge advantage on a college campus, where theft often is a problem.
- More ergonomically correct. Generally speaking, desktops are easier on your eyes, hands, and backs. Students spend a good deal of time on their computers, so this is an important consideration.
- Nothing to lug around. Speaking of ergonomics, lugging a heavy laptop computer around campus isn't good for your back either. Yes, you can get lightweight laptops, but they'll cost you.
- Less easy to damage. Sure, if you drop your desktop computer, you're going to damage it. But how likely is that compared to the likelihood of dropping your laptop?
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The copyright of the article Laptop or Desktop? in Campus Life is owned by Naomi Rockler-Gladen. Permission to republish Laptop or Desktop? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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May 10, 2008 3:10 AM
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