Laptops are smaller and self-contained, while desktops require additional accessories. Laptops run on rechargeable batteries, while desktops are powered by direct sources. Desktops are easier to upgrade than laptops, which can be costly to repair or upgrade due to difficult access to internal hardware.
A laptop and desktop computer differ in size and functionality. A laptop is much smaller and therefore often more comfortable to use. A desktop computer is much larger and tends to last much longer than a laptop before needing repair or replacement. A laptop is often a self-contained unit and no additional parts are required to run it. Users often need to purchase monitors and other accessories to operate a desktop computer. There is little or no difference in the types of software that can run on each type of computer.
Size is the most obvious difference between a laptop and a desktop computer. A laptop is a single machine with the hard drive, disk drive, monitor, wireless modem, keyboard and mouse contained within it and folds easily to fit into a carrying case. The only extra accessory often needed is a power cord with an adapter attached. A desktop computer consists of a tower, which is a large rectangular box. The hardware for the computer system is included in the box. It is often necessary to connect an external monitor, keyboard, mouse and wireless router to a PC in order to fully use it.
How a laptop and desktop computer are powered is another difference. A laptop runs on a rechargeable battery. The user often has to plug the laptop into a power source to recharge the battery. The laptop can only be used until the battery runs out, at which time the owner must find a power source to plug it in. A desktop computer is operated from a direct power source. Once the owner has found a convenient place to place the computer, it is plugged into a wall outlet and often remains in the same location for the remainder of its use.
The way a laptop and desktop computer is maintained and updated is different. If an owner wants to upgrade their desktop PC, they can install a new power source, graphics card, sound card, hard drive, additional RAM or other hardware with very little technical knowledge. This can often be done much cheaper than the cost of taking a computer to a repair shop. A laptop, on the other hand, is much harder to upgrade. Much of a laptop’s internal hardware is often difficult to access, remove, and replace. Because of this, the cost to repair or upgrade a laptop is often much higher than performing the same task on a desktop.
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