Desktops can work out cheaper for the same specs. So it's worth considering whether you will really need a laptop, if you want to save some money. If you are unlikely to take your computer out of your home, think about whether a laptop that you can move from room to room and stash away will be useful.
Below, we've outlined five key considerations when picking your next computer.
News, deals and stuff the manuals don't tell you. .1. Value for money
At a glance:If you're on a tight budget, desktops are typically the cheaper option, especially if you already have a computer monitor, keyboard and mouse. They're also easier to upgrade meaning you can extend their lifespan when performance starts to dip.
Laptops are typically more expensive than desktops with similar specifications because they have extra features, including a keyboard, mousepad, battery and webcam. They also need more advanced (and expensive) cooling technology, because the small case of a laptop gives the tech inside – which generates a lot of heat – less room to cool off.
It's worth considering repair costs, too. Generally speaking, desktops are easier to repair as individual components can be replaced. Dealing with a problematic laptop might mean sending it off to a technician.
If you're looking for an affordable machine, see our rundown of the and2. Speed
At a glance:
Speed alone doesn't have to be a deciding factor for most people. In our expert laptop tests, we run computer speed analysis during tasks including web browsing, editing documents, tweaking photos and making videos.
If you edit a lot of videos, you should opt for a laptop with a higher-spec processor and Ram (at least 16GB), or consider a desktop. Gamers might be tempted by a desktop as you can swap out the graphics card when your current one starts to show its age.
To see which laptops have soared through our lab tests, see our guide to the .3. Longevity
At a glance:A cheap tower desktop computer is about the simplest computer you can buy, due to its lack of extra features. It's just a box with a processor, motherboard, Ram and storage. That means there is less to go wrong with it.
A broken monitor, or a separate keyboard that's had juice spilled all over it, can be switched out simply and fairly cheaply. An all-in-one desktop (with a built-in screen) won't be quite so well protected, but at least an errant cup of coffee isn't going to scramble the entire computer – perhaps just the separate keyboard and mouse.
Pouring liquid over the keyboard on a laptop, on the other hand, could write off the entire device. Plus, because laptops are designed to be carried around, the chances of dropping one are obviously higher.
4. Portability (or lack of)
At a glance:If you pick a desktop over a laptop, you have permanently eliminated any opportunity to take the device out and about, or even just easily move it around your home if you fancy a change of scene. This might sound obvious, but it's worth considering your future needs as well as what you want right now.
And don't feel tied to buying a desktop because you need a bigger screen than is available on even the largest laptop; you can have the best of both worlds by buying a laptop and an extra monitor to connect to it.
5. Aesthetics
At a glance:Most of us don't have the luxury of choosing a device simply for how good it looks on a G-Plan desk or Eames bureau. But if budget allows, it is worth considering, especially if you will be using the computer in a room that serves other purposes, such as the living room.
A laptop can easily be hidden away and there are plenty of stylish, slimline models that look good even if you leave them out permanently.
There's no getting around the fact that desktops are usually bigger and bulkier, but a humble tower desktop can be hidden away under a desk and you can choose a wireless keyboard and mouse combo to reduce desk clutter even further.
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