Desktop vs Laptop

Time to buy some new technology? The question almost always arises…desktop vs laptop. Which one should you get? Well, that is not such an easy question. Each has its advantages and disadvantages so before you choose, make sure you know exactly what you want and what you plan on doing with it. You also want to set a budge as both could be very different in price.

Desktop vs Laptop

The first thing you want to think about is portability. In today’s pandemic world are you working from home? Office? Both? Do you have a need to be more mobile than you have in the past? Keep in mind that laptops are much lighter to carry around so mobility is as easy as it gets.

Performance. When I say performance, I am talking about processor speed and memory. What kind of performance do you think you need? Everyone’s first response is “I need the fastest”. You don’t really need the “fastest”. You need good performance for what you want to do. If you are a gamer, then yes, you may need the “fastest”!

Security is also very important in making your decision on what to purchase.  A desktop computer is more physically secure because it’s often kept in one location, making it easier to guard. And because a desktop’s internet access is often a single source (whether through Wi-Fi or cable), it’s easier to defend it against malware and cyberattacks.

If you choose to invest in laptops, make sure to have strict policies on how to protect devices that are used outside of the office. Don’t let your staff connect to unsecured networks, and use encryption tools to protect data from unauthorized access. You must also employ mobile device management software to enable your administrator to wipe data clean off laptops should they get lost or stolen.

Does the price matter to you? I am going to go out on a limb here and say it does! Like all technology, you pay for what I call a “convenience” factor. The more convenient it is, the more expensive it is! Still, the prices of both laptops and desktops have dropped considerably and at this point, both are a viable option.

If you are undecided on what to buy, contact your IT service provider. There are many things you can learn so you can make an educated decision on which devices are best suited for your practice. You just need to understand the need you have, and what is most important to you.