A laptop is a computer which is designed to be portable. Usually this entails making sacrifices in terms of performance and utility. Laptops are intended for people who travel a lot and need a computer which can go with them.
A desktop computer is meant to be stationary. This usually results in a lower price and better options for upgrading. Desktops are intended for permanent workstations and generally have more power and storage capacity than laptops.
Laptop = portable computer that pretty much looks like a notepad with keyboard and a monitor.
Desktop = keyboard, mouse, pc case and a monitor all connected together, usually takes up lots of space on the desk (DESKtop)
What is Desktop computers
Desktop computers are much bigger and heavier than laptops and notebooks. They usually store more information and have more features than the other computer types. This being said, they are usually left at home and are not for quick transport. Also, desktop computers usually have all of their parts in different pieces. the main "brain" of the computer is linked to the screen, power source (it has no battery) and keyboard/mouse through wires. While desktops are bigger and not portable, many find them to be faster and easier to work with.
Laptop computers are designed for on the go travel. While they can be used as home computers, laptops are fitted with batteries and can be transported easily from one place to another. Laptops and notebooks are usually confused as the same thing. While they both are designed for travel, the laptop usually has graphics cards, CD writer drives, and larger (usually heavier) screens. A big question to consider when buying a computer is whether you should hav* designed for heavy use and large capacity
* ideal for home office/family computer
* easier to use for most peoplee a laptop or a notebook.
Desktop computers - good qualities:
* designed for heavy use and large capacity
* ideal for home office/family computer
* easier to use for most people
Desktop computers - bad qualities:
* not portable
* can take up a lot of space
Laptop computers - good qualities:
* portable and easy to set up
* compact yet capable of media play (videos, games)
* can substitute as a home computer
Laptop computers - bad qualities:
* can still be heavy if needed for constant portability
* battery life is not always very long (depending on what it's doing)
* can get bogged down
