As a prospective buyer of a new computer, one of the first things you need to decide on is whether you're getting a laptop or desktop. The differences between laptops & desktops Let's start by outlining the major factors that will influence your purchasing decisions, and which type of computer has an advantage in that particular department. Performance Potential -- Desktop This one is almost a no-brainer since even the most powerful gaming laptops in the market use the less-performing “mobile” versions of their desktop counterparts. Laptops are way smaller and lighter than desktops, allowing you to carry them anywhere. But even if you could manage to pack a small desktop and all its peripherals into a backpack like some people have done, laptops also have batteries that allow you to use them untethered to a power source. Display and Multimedia -- Laptop You might be thinking that desktops should hold the advantage for this category since you can upgrade your monitor at any time, and a laptop is stuck with its built-in display. Input Devices -- Desktop The argument can be made that the same logic from the display category can be used here -- you can easily hook up a different keyboard and mouse to a laptop. Read more in our articles including "Laptop or Desktop: Which one is better?" and "ASUS ROG celebrates 20 years at CES 2026 with new gaming laptops, desktops, OLED monitors, and AR glasses".
As a prospective buyer of a new computer, one of the first things you need to decide on is whether you're getting a laptop or desktop. The differences between laptops & desktops Let's start by outlining the major factors that will influence your purchasing decisions, and which type of computer has an advantage in that particular department.
Performance Potential -- Desktop This one is almost a no-brainer since even the most powerful gaming laptops in the market use the less-performing “mobile” versions of their desktop counterparts. Laptops are way smaller and lighter than desktops, allowing you to carry them anywhere. But even if you could manage to pack a small desktop and all its peripherals into a backpack like some people have done, laptops also have batteries that allow you to use them untethered to a power source.
Our coverage of laptop or desktop comparison includes: "Laptop or Desktop: Which one is better?"; "ASUS ROG celebrates 20 years at CES 2026 with new gaming laptops, desktops, OLED monitors, and AR glasses"; "HP Firefly Laptop has 17" and 4.3" Screens". Each article provides unique insights and information.