Home office guide: A desktop or laptop?

[Redaktion]

Working from home might require an investment in some computing power. There are clear advantages and disadvantages in choosing either a desktop or a laptop. From a bang-for-your-buck perspective desktops are usually the champs while offering other benefits. From a flexibility perspective, laptops clearly come out on top. So which do you choose -- a desktop or a laptop? It might come down to the work that you do.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Home-office-guide-A-desktop-or-laptop.460019.0.html

[BenX]

I am working 7 years 100% remotely based on my experience as stated ideal is lapotop + desktop but laptop with external monitor + keyboard + mouse could be sufficient for most people.

Good headset and chair is essential too.

[Teo]

Interesting choice is using mini-ITX-based desktop machines.

I am using such one, and its pros are numerous:

• Desktop components, at desktop prices, with desktop cooling. With all the ports you need and components upgreadability.
• Laptop sizes - in reality, my corporate-issued ThinkPad takes more real estate on my desk than my gaming machine! Plus, I put hot or heavier objects on top of my desktop case without risking anything.
• Portability is not bad. If you go into some more exotic choices, you can have very portable solution. Obviously, it weights more than an ultrabook, but you can definitely move it around the house.
• These things are beautiful. Regardless if you can go for a "mainstream" offerings like Fractal Design, Streacom, or Inwin, or even a custom 3d-printed one, you can find something with the right blend of great aesthetics and functionality which is right for you.

The cons are few:

• The case itself is unexpectedly expensive
• You learn to look for the SIZE of your components, especially the video cards

It very easily can become a very compelling choice - I have a properly cooled GeForce 2070 Super gaming beast in less space than my 14" laptop! And I already updated it twice for less than an year owning it.

[_MT_]

While it's true that a laptop is more flexible in the sense that it's easier to pack up and set up, the problem is that few places are really good for work. While I can use a laptop in any room in my home, only the office has a suitable chair. And the only other desk with suitable height and size is the dining table. While being able to work from a park sounds intriguing for someone loving nature, sitting on a wooden park bench in blinding daylight (even in a shade) is far from ideal. In the end, purpose build office is the most productive environment. And if there is one piece of equipment that can really improve productivity beyond a good chair and a desk (for the coming hot months), it's an air conditioner.

I think it's also worth mentioning that a desktop can be much quitter while being more powerful. To me, personally, that's a big thing. And one reason I don't like open offices. If I'm to be in an office building, I want my office. I want piece and quiet. And I like pacing while thinking. :-) Also, a secretary is nice. If there is one thing I really hate while working, it's calls. I like it best when calling me directly isn't really possible.

[_MT_]

It seems my brain is on vacation: it should have been built and peace.