Laptops vs. desktops: Which one is right for your small business?

Posted on Friday October 13, 2023

When you're running a small business, every dollar counts. That's why it's important to make wise choices when it comes to purchasing computers. Should you buy laptops or desktops for your business? Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs. Here are five things to consider when making your decision.

1. Portability

If your employees must be able to work from anywhere, then laptops are the obvious choice. They're lightweight and easy to carry around, so your employees can take them with them wherever they need to go.

However, desktops can also be portable, especially if you choose an all-in-one model. All-in-one desktops have the monitor, CPU, and other components built into a single unit, so there's no need for a separate tower. They’re not as lightweight or compact as laptops, but they can be a good option if you need a more powerful computer that's still relatively easy to move around.

2. Durability

Laptops offer the convenience of portability, but they can be more prone to damage and need more frequent repairs than desktops. This is because laptops have smaller and more delicate components than desktops, and they are more likely to be dropped, bumped, or spilled on. However, there are now rugged laptops available on the market that are designed to operate even in harsh conditions.

Desktops are generally more durable than laptops, but they can still be damaged if not handled properly. For example, desktops can be knocked over or dropped, and their components can be damaged by dust, moisture, or electrical surges. However, desktops are typically easier and cheaper to repair than laptops.

3. Price

Laptops and desktops can vary widely in price, depending on the specifications and features. However, laptops are generally more expensive than desktops with the same specifications. This is because laptops require more specialized components and engineering to make them portable and lightweight. For example, laptops use smaller and more efficient components, such as mobile processors and graphics cards. They also need to have built-in batteries, which can be expensive.

However, it's important to note that the price difference between laptops and desktops has gone down in recent years. This is due to the increasing popularity of laptops and the declining cost of manufacturing components.

4. Performance

In the past, desktops were the clear winners when it came to performance. Laptops were limited by their size and weight, which made it difficult to fit high-performance components inside. However, laptop technology has advanced significantly over the years, and the gap between laptops and desktops in terms of performance has narrowed considerably.

Most laptops offer more than enough performance for basic tasks like word processing, emailing, and web browsing. However, if your business requires running more demanding applications, such as video editing, 3D modeling, or software development, a desktop is still the better choice.

5. Security

Desktop computers are generally more secure than laptops because they are typically kept in a single location, where they can be more easily monitored and protected. For example, you can install security cameras and physical access controls to keep unauthorized people away from your desktops. You can also easily install firewalls and other security software to protect your desktops from cyberattacks.

Laptops, on the other hand, are more vulnerable to theft and loss, and they can also be more difficult to secure. However, there are actions you can take to better secure your company laptops. First, implement strict cybersecurity policies for your employees' devices. This includes prohibiting your staff from connecting to unsecured networks and requiring them to use encryption to protect sensitive data. You should also invest in a mobile device management solution so your IT administrator can remotely manage and secure your laptops, including wiping them of data if they are lost or stolen.

If you're still not sure which type of computer is right for your business, it's a good idea to consult with an IT expert. We can assess your needs and help you choose the best computers for your specific needs. Give us a call today.