PC or laptop - which is better?
Related Videos: Gaming Laptop vs Desktop - Which Should I Choose? [Simple Guide] (April 2024).
In this practical tip, we explain when a PC or laptop is more suitable. Depending on the area in which you use the device and whether you already have equipment such as a monitor or keyboard, PC and laptop have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of a stand PC
If you are considering buying a PC, the cost and purpose of the application play a big role.
- The prices for a stand PC start at 150 euros. The big advantage is that you can first buy a basic framework and subsequently use more expensive and better components.
- With most tower PCs, you can change elements such as hard disk, graphics card or working memory afterwards. It is best to find out to what extent the device can be upgraded before buying. The choice of the mainboard is particularly relevant.
- The trend in PC size continues towards desktop PCs, so that you can place the computer next to your peripheral devices on the desk. However, the smaller the device, the more difficult it becomes to install or replace components later. Nevertheless, you will find enormously powerful mini PCs like the XMG Prime.
- If you already have a keyboard, mouse and monitor, you do not need to spend any more money on these components. If you buy a laptop, you always pay extra for these components because they cannot be deselected.
- Another advantage is that you can change the screen size later. Depending on the situation, a new graphics card is worthwhile if the resolution should no longer fit.
- You can usually unscrew and clean a PC yourself after a while. This is necessary if dust collects around the fan. With a laptop, cleaning is especially difficult for laypersons.
Laptop: these are the advantages
The biggest advantage of a laptop is that you can take it anywhere with no effort and you don't have to work near an electrical outlet. You can use other networks and go online via WLAN on the go.
- Depending on the device, the weight is between about one kilogram for the MacBook Air and 4 kg and more for gaming notebooks.
- In some cases, you can retrofit RAM and hard disk. This is often associated with more effort than with a stand-alone PC. Some manufacturers no longer give a guarantee for these cases.
- You have to decide which screen size and resolution you want to use before you buy. It is the same with the keyboard. If you use the laptop in a fixed place, you can alternatively attach an additional monitor and a different keyboard.
- A big disadvantage is if there is a defect on the laptop. The entire device often has to be sent in to analyze and repair the exact source of the error. This can result in high costs, which are often close to the original price.
- A laptop has fewer interfaces than a stand-alone PC. If you need more USB ports, expansion via a USB hub is suitable.
Notebooks up to 500 euros in the test
1
Dell Inspiron 14 3480 (6NX0Y)
final grade
1.7
Good
Review
- Facilities (2.2)
- Mobility (2.2)
- Display (1.3)
- Performance (1.4)
- Ergonomics (1.5)
price
from € 499.00
price estimate
Very cheap (1.0)
price comparison
price comparison
TO THE SHOP
(Cyber Port)
TO THE SHOP
(Cyber Port)
2
Lenovo V155-15API (81V5000CGE)
final grade
2.0
Good
Review
- Facilities (2.2)
- Mobility (3.1)
- Display (2.2)
- Performance (1.0)
- Ergonomics (1.6)
price
from € 479.00
price estimate
Inexpensive (1.6)
price comparison
price comparison
TO THE SHOP
(Easy notebooks)
TO THE SHOP
(Easy notebooks)
3
Lenovo V130-15IKB (81HN00TXGE)
final grade
2.1
Good
- Facilities (1.0)
- Mobility (3.3)
- Display (2.4)
- Performance (2.0)
- Ergonomics (2.0)
price
from € 475.00
price estimate
Inexpensive (1, 9)
price comparison
price comparison
TO THE SHOP
(Lapstars)
TO THE SHOP
(Lapstars)
4
Lenovo Ideapad 330S-15IKB (81F500MGGE)
final grade
2.1
Good
Review
- Facilities (2.7)
- Mobility (2.7)
- Display (1, 1)
- Performance (2.3)
- Ergonomics (1.6)
price
from € 429.00
price estimate
Very cheap (1.5)
$config[ads_text5] not foundprice comparison
price comparison
TO THE SHOP
(Amazon)
TO THE SHOP
(Amazon)
5
Medion Akoya E4253 (30024991)
final grade
2.1
Good
Review
- Facilities (3.4)
- Mobility (1.8)
- Display (1, 2)
- Performance (2.9)
- Ergonomics (1.0)
price
from € 480.43
price estimate
Inexpensive (2.0)
price comparison
price comparison
TO THE SHOP
(Source)
TO THE SHOP
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In another article you will read how to synchronize your PC and notebook with your smartphone. You can find out everything you need to know about notebooks on our category page. We also recommend that you keep an eye out for notebooks in all price ranges and for discounts.