Laptop or Desktop Computer?

So what have the relative merits of the laptop and desktop computer to do with energy saving, you may ask?

The answer is quite simple - sustainability. Both do the same job, but the difference is that the laptop has all its 'technological guts' squeezed into the smallest possible physical space. The result of this is two-fold.

1. Due to its compact nature, the chances of overheating and failure are extremely high
2. With a high level integration, any single failure could condemn the laptop in its entirety

The desktop by contrast is all about practicability and better construction. A much larger casing with ample space inside means overheating is almost never a problem. And of course, the discrete components within the casing can all be replaced individually if they fail, as can those that are externally connected such as the screen, keyboard, mouse and more besides.

If you do need a portable computer then the laptop is of course a 'must have' choice. And yes, there are other applications where a laptop makes perfect sense as the solution for your computing needs.

Desktop First, Laptop Second

In the last few years, we have seen the laptop become the default purchasing choice when we need a computer. We've become accustomed to thinking that we need a laptop, rather than 'we need a computer or PC'. Maybe this is because it's lifestyle issue, or may be there other pressures being brought to bear.

Our 'take' now is that because of the longer lifespan of a desktop - we're in the business, so we see it first hand - and the resultant lower maintenance costs, the desktop should be the default choice when choosing a new computer. Only then should you look at issues such as portability, space constraints and the like, and then think about purchasing a laptop instead.

So if you buy a desktop, you can hopefully look forward to lower running costs, as well as the ability to upgrade. And unlike the laptop, less there's chance of it being thrown if it develops a problem as it will usually be economical to repair.

This article is published by the Energy Saving Centre on behalf of Village Internet, helping domestic and business consumers to reduce their computing costs.