Page Title Laptop vs. Desktop Computers Students should examine their computing habits to determine whether a laptop or desktop computer would best suit their needs. Laptop or notebook computers provide students with a great deal of flexibility. Laptop computers are generally small enough to slip inside a backpack and can be used in virtually any location. Students should be aware that because of their portability, laptop computers present a higher risk for theft and damage. Adequate insurance coverage for a laptop makes good sense.
Desktop computers are generally less expensive for a given amount of computing power.
Desktop computers also offer larger displays, larger hard drives, and additional features, such as internal Zip drives and CD-ROM drives, which are difficult or more expensive to put into a laptop computer.