Laptops+vs+Desktop

Laptops vs. Desktop Back

Most of the functions that a desktop can perform can also be performed by a laptop. However, these two kinds of computers are built very differently and the parts are not interchangeable. As an example, a plane and a helicopter can each travel to the same destination, but they cannot be repaired with the same spare parts. This is also true for laptops and desktops. Few components can be shared between desktops and laptops.

Desktop components tend to be standardized. They usually meet universal form factors. Desktops made by different manufacturers can often use the same components. A DVD/CD-RW drive is an example of a desktop component that has a standard form factor.

Laptop components are much more specialized than desktop components. This difference is because laptop manufacturers focus on refining components to make them more efficient and compact. As a result, manufacturers design laptop components to follow their own specific form factors. Laptop components are proprietary. You might not be able to use components made by one laptop manufacturer to repair a laptop made by another manufacturer.



Compare and contrast desktop and laptop motherboards

Desktop motherboards have standard form factors. The standard size and shape allow motherboards from different manufacturers to be interchangeable. Laptop motherboards vary by manufacturer and are proprietary. When you repair a laptop, it is strongly recommended that you obtain a replacement motherboard from the manufacturer of the laptop. Laptop motherboards and desktop motherboards are designed differently. Components designed for a laptop generally cannot be used in a desktop.



Compare and contrast desktop and laptop power management

Power management controls the flow of electricity to the components of a computer. Desktops are usually set up in a location where they remain plugged into a power source. Desktop power management distributes electricity from the source to the components of the desktop. There is also a small battery in the desktop that provides electricity to maintain the internal clock and BIOS settings when the desktop is powered off. Laptops are small and portable. This portability feature is achieved by combining the small size and weight of a laptop with the ability to operate from a battery. Unlike a desktop computer power supply, laptops can accept only DC power. AC adapters convert unregulated AC power to the regulated DC power required to run the laptop and charge the laptop battery. When the laptop is plugged in, laptop power management sends electricity from the AC power source to the laptop components. The laptop power management also recharges the battery. When the laptop is unplugged, laptop power management takes electricity from the battery and sends it to the laptop components.

Compare and contrast desktop and laptop expansion capabilities Expansion devices are attached to laptops and desktops differently. A desktop attaches these devices with serial, parallel, USB, and FireWire ports. A laptop attaches these devices with the same ports and PC Cards. ||  ||
 * ||  || Expansion capabilities add functionality to a computer. Many expansion devices can be used with both laptops and desktops:
 * External drives
 * Modems
 * Network cards
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">Wireless adapters
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">Printers
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">Other peripherals

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;">Summary

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">Laptops and desktops are belt very differently and their components are sometimes different. Desktop components are standardized which meet universal form factor. Therefore, we can use components of one manufacturer who has the same component of our desktop manufacturer. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">On the other hand, laptop components are specialized due to efforts of manufacturer to improve the laptop capability. So that, each manufacturer designers has his own specific form factor. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">An example of the different component is that both laptop and desktop has different components of the motherboard. Component of motherboard for a laptop cannot be used in a desktop. Another comparison between laptop and desktop is the power management that both have. Desktops remain in the same place where they plugged into a power source. However, laptop is portable and it works by electricity from the AC power or use its rechargeable battery. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">Many expansion devices can be used with both laptops and desktops such as: NICs, Modems, Printers and other peripherals. However, expansion devices are attached with serial, parallel, USB and FireWire ports. Laptops attach the devices with the same ports and PC cards.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 12pt;">Resource

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">CISCO Networking Academy Program Website