Desktop computers are also significantly less expensive to purchase, repair and upgrade than their laptop counterparts with comparable capabilities. Your decision should be based primarily on how you plan to use your computer, and then, how much your computing budget can handle. Your classic desktop computer, with its standalone CPU, monitor, and keyboard, weighs in at about 70 pounds. If you regularly want access to the contents of your computer whether at home, office or on the road, the portability of a laptop is an important criterion. And with their improved performance, longer battery life, and smaller size and weight, laptops have improved computing mobility.
Laptops also have a smaller footprint than desktop computers.
So if you live in tight quarters, a laptop might be all you can use. Ergonomics One downside of portability is diminished usability. The laptop's smaller display and keyboard, and restricted mouse functions can give you eyestrain and sore body parts. The desktop computer's design has evolved to ease the comfort of users. Its display is at eye level, and the keyboard allows for proper positioning of your back, arms, and wrists.