The laptop vs desktop dilemma has been around for decades, dating back as far as 1984 when the first transportable computer was launched (in case you're wondering, it was the IBM 5155 Portable, which weighed just over 11kg). In more recent years, we've seen people move from a desktop workstation to a sleek and portable laptop for graphic design instead. But why?
There are some excellent computers for graphic design out there too, you just need to decide if a desktop – commonly in the format of a chunky, static, plugged-in computer – is the best option for you as a creative. The portability and space-saving nature of a laptop does offer a clear advantage, however, desktops are more customisable with enhanced horsepower under the hood.
Deciding between a laptop vs a desktop isn't as easy as you might think. Sure, you could always have a desktop setup for your home office and a laptop for when travelling, but these devices are expensive and a big commitment when things go wrong. You'll want to think carefully about which format is more beneficial for you. It's in the name, really. Lap-top, desk-top. You're essentially choosing between a device that you can use solely at your desk, or one that can travel on your person.
Are you a content creator by day but a gamer by night? If you don't have a next-gen console already then you could save money by doubling up your home office into your PC gaming sanctuary too with impressive hardware.
Or if you tend to do most of your work on the go and are pretty set on buying a laptop, make sure it can handle your workload. We have a guide to the requirements for a graphic design laptop to set the benchmarks of what you'll need to look out for. Still not sure whether to stick with stationary or go completely portable? We're here to help and break things down for you.
Laptop vs desktop: advantages of a desktop
First off, one of the advantages of owning a desktop over a laptop is that it's allowed to take up space. A desktop doesn't need to be ultra-portable, lightweight, or thin, so this type of computer can pack in some seriously powerful processors, offer greater storage flexibility and can host some of the most advanced graphics cards out there. The customisation potential with a PC is much better than with laptops, and you're free to upgrade your hardware as you please and overclock your graphics card.
For both of these reasons, desktops are typically favoured by gamers, as well as creatives working with resource-heavy software, such as the best photo editing software. Even the best video editing computers out there for filmmakers, VFX professionals and 3D animators can be a great option for swapping over to a different monitor, mouse or keyboard setup for different editing styles.
Desktops also tend to have more ports for connecting peripherals, whereas recently, laptops have been getting thinner and more portless, now with fewer connectivity choices that don't involve WiFi or Bluetooth. Plus, as a general rule of thumb, a desktop can sometimes be cheaper overall than a laptop with similar specs. Keep in mind that not all desktops like the latest iMac have a display, so you'll need to make space in the budget for one of the best 4K monitors.
Laptop vs desktop: advantages of a laptop
Having a portable laptop is pretty much essential for creatives who need to travel into the office, and can make it easier to get work done on the go or at your local coffee shop too. Other obvious benefits of owning a laptop include moving around the house with your device or being able to stream a movie in a hotel room.
Today's extended battery power means that you don't necessarily have to worry about being near a power socket for at least a few hours, and you don't have to spend too much time getting set up either. Just open up the lid and you're away. Powering up is usually quicker with a laptop than a desktop, and there are no annoying cables to get in your way. The built-in webcam on most modern laptops is easy to angle for business meetings and includes privacy sliders for peace of mind.
We think a capable student laptop is undeniably the best choice for students, considering you'll need to move to and from a dorm room, travel around campus, and possibly attend online courses. The all-in-one form of a laptop means you don't need to worry about purchasing any external monitors, or one of the best webcams for showing your face during virtual lectures, and you can still get some great accessories like the best keyboards for creatives too if you prefer.
Laptop vs desktop: portability
We've already talked about how portability is a huge benefit for busy creatives on the go, and this is obviously a big no-no if you own a desktop – imagine carrying a desktop (and display) to your local coffee shop to get set up. This is where owning a laptop instead becomes the better choice.
A desktop becomes pretty much set in stone once you choose where in your workspace to put it (unless you own the Mac mini, of course) so you need to make peace with the fact that your desktop is tied to one room, and choose carefully which room this will be. Does your broadband stretch far enough? Is the backdrop behind you suitable for business meetings? Can you get under your desktop to clean it?
You could easily carry a Mac mini desktop from one room to another, or even take it into the office with you, although you'll need to ensure that there's a monitor waiting for you wherever you plan to go, to actually see what you're working on. We think the Mac Mini is an excellent MacBook alternative for pros who work from home, and it's not a bad price either if you're weighing up the budget for a laptop vs a desktop.
Laptop vs desktop: performance
Aside from the portability issues, another downside to a desktop might be power consumption if you use it for extended hours. Desktop PCs don't run on battery power, so you'll need to have it plugged in at all times to function.
This could possibly eat up your electricity bill, but this depends of course on your usage habits and how long you have it running for. To give you an idea, large desktop and gaming computers are said to use between 200 and 500 watts of electricity on average, compared with only 30 to 70 watts for an average laptop.
If you're an Apple fan, some of the latest M2 and M3 chips you'll find on the best MacBook Pro models are powerful enough to compete with a desktop, so with one of these laptops, you might be equipped with the power of a desktop in your lap anyway. Typically, desktops are considered to be much more powerful than your average laptops, but the newer and faster processors, extra graphics core, and potential for added RAM with the latest MacBook Pro models make them worthy rivals to the latest iMac model.
Productivity-wise, having a more defined office space that surrounds a desktop can help you to feel more "in the mood" for work mode, while using a laptop around the house can lead to easy distractions. This makes a desktop the perfect choice for anyone who seeking a clean separation between their work and personal lives. You won't be tempted to scan new emails, for instance, while on the sofa, or sitting at the breakfast bar in your kitchen, for a better work/life balance.
Laptop vs desktop: Screen
If you choose to buy a desktop, you might need to invest in one of the best monitors for graphic artists if your device is not an all-in-one format. Even so, it can be useful to have a dual monitor setup depending on the extent of your workload and how you perform at your best.
At a more basic level, a laptop screen can be thought of as more susceptible to damage than a sturdy monitor display, given that it can get scratched easily by other items in your bag, be dropped, or knocked off a worktop or counter – especially if you're the clumsy type (guilty). Still, if a large, beautiful screen is what you're looking for, the iMac is probably your best bet. There are other iMac alternatives that are worth considering too, however, like the ASUS NUC 14 Pro mini PC which was announced today at CES 2024.
Desktop displays can also be easier to calibrate, which is essential for the best monitors for photo editing to ensure colour accuracy and guarantee that what you see on your screen is exactly how your image or document will appear in print, or how it will look on the web. While laptops like the ASUS ProArt Studiobook are Pantene-certified for colour accuracy, nothing beats the satisfaction of viewing your work on a larger and high-resolution monitor or desktop display.
Laptop vs desktop: Connectivity
One major downside of owning a laptop instead of a desktop PC is not only the lack of being able to customise your hardware, but there's also the sheer lack of ports and connectivity options that many creatives desperately rely on. There are plenty of modern laptops now that don't even have an SD card slot or a headphone jack.
For example, When it comes to connectivity, MacBook Pros can be as limited as most of the ultra-thin laptops to hit the shops in recent years. You usually get two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and that's your lot. So to connect a lot of peripherals, you'll need one of the best docks for MacBook Pro.
Laptop vs desktop: Price
When it comes to price, I call this laptop vs desktop dilemma a draw. Commonly, desktops can be the more affordable option for creatives in the long run, given the longevity that individual components can last for, and the option to reconfigure these parts as they run their course.
You don't get that kind of sustainability with a laptop, and chances are even high-end laptops might only last you five years at a maximum if you're lucky.
There's not much difference in price between the 13-inch MacBook Pro (M2, 2022) which retails at $1,299, and the Apple iMac M1 model (2021) which can be had for the exact same price, and sometimes cheaper during seasonal sale events.
FAQs
Is it okay to use a laptop as a desktop computer?
There's no reason you can't install your laptop as a desktop computer, and many do. This allows you to connect it to a larger, external monitor, a more advanced keyboard, and a proper mouse, which you may find easier to use than your laptop's trackpad.
Your setup will depend on the type of device you have and your specific needs. But typically, you'd need to buy a laptop dock, which will supply your laptop with power and provide extra ports for connecting up your peripherals. Some laptop docks also double as a laptop stand, if that's what you're looking for. Alternatively, if your laptop has Bluetooth, you may be able to connect your monitor, keyboard and mouse wirelessly instead.
Which lasts longer, a laptop or desktop computer?
Desktop computers generally last longer than laptops. A laptop’s lifespan is generally reckoned to be around three to five years, compared to a desktop computer's lifespan of around five to eight years. However, in practice, how long either type lasts will vary hugely, depending on specific factors.
One will be the build quality of the original machine. Apple computers, for example, are broadly thought to be more robust and long-lasting than most, although you will pay more for them too. Another is how well you maintain your machine. Keeping computers free from dust and debris is vital, as well as regular cleaning and software upgrades.
If you tend to be clumsy, consider whether a laptop or desktop computer is more likely to get damaged in your presence. Laptops that you carry from place to place are likely to get dropped, of course, but if you habitually eat and drink at your desktop, that too may end up frazzled due to accidental spillages.
Either way, be aware that because of their compact design, laptops are generally more difficult to open up and repair when damaged than desktop computers.
Which is the best value, a laptop or desktop computer?
If you're short of cash, desktop computers generally offer better value than laptops with similar specs. That's because laptops are more expensive to produce, given – for example – the extra cooling technology they require to support their most compact design.
This is even more the case if you already have a computer monitor, keyboard and mouse to connect to a desktop computer, meaning you only need to buy the base unit.
Be aware, though, that desktop computers don't always offer better value than a laptop: it's very much a case-by-case basis.
To that point, let's get specific. In the remainder of this article, I'll compare Apple's MacBook Pro with its desktop cousin, the iMac. For a quick overview of the main specs for each, see the table below. Then read on, as I compare the most obvious differences between the two computers.
