Over the past few years, remote working has become part and parcel of working life. Digital devices have become lifelines for Malaysians, and computers are arguably crucial for any office worker.

When it comes to getting one, picking between a laptop and desktop can be difficult, as each has its own perks. While it’s true laptops are more popular than desktops these days, the latter are not obsolete by any means.

Here’s a handy list of reasons why you should pick one over the other.

1. Price

Although a desktop requires additional equipment like a mouse, keyboard and speakers, the starting point for one on its own is relatively cheap. A basic model will set you back about RM1,500 in Malaysia. It might have limited storage space, but it can be more than enough for your working needs.

Laptops, however, are an all-in-one package, with all the essentials in a single device. Still, from an economic perspective, desktops are the winner – though this might soon change, with the prices of laptops consistently dropping.

2. Mobility

Is this even a fair contest? Laptops are obviously more portable and, with workers working remotely from different locations these days, it is the much more desirable option. All you need is a backpack, and you can go about your business with your computer always at hand.

Sure, you could lug a desktop from one location to another, but it’s hardly an easy or practical task. But if you are someone who is anchored to a specific workplace, a desktop should suit your needs.

3. Processor

Size does have certain advantages – a bigger central processing unit (CPU) or processor completes tasks more quickly. Given their size, desktops tend to have larger ones, making them typically more powerful than laptops.

Also, desktops are not dependent on battery life, making it more practical for them to have a more powerful CPU. And although this isn’t set in stone, whenever new processors are released, they are often marketed for desktop computers first.

None of this is to say laptop processors are inferior; in fact, they have nearly caught up performance-wise and will likely be on the same level soon.

4. Internal storage

Given how easily desktops can be customised (more on this below), there are fewer limits on how many internal storage drives you could install.

Laptops, on the other hand, typically have room for one internal drive, at most two. If more space is required, you would need to completely upgrade the drive.

Of course, external and cloud-storage options exist for both, but desktops tend to beat laptops in this category.

5. Assembly

Setting up a desktop is hard work, never mind building one from scratch. Experience is key here, and mistakes could happen if you don’t know what you’re doing.

You will also need to set aside a physical space to store your desktop, and sort out the mess of wires that comes with it.

Laptops, on the other hand, can be used the moment you take them out of the box, booting up with a touch of the power button.

6. Screen size

If you are planning to watch movies on your computer, desktops are unsurprisingly the go-to, as monitors can be 19” or larger.

Owing to their need to be portable, laptops require a smaller screen size, ranging from 10” to 17”.

Still, while desktops win this category, most modern-day televisions and projectors connect to laptops and desktops easily.

7. Power consumption

Desktops are natural power guzzlers when compared with laptops, given their need to keep numerous components running. This leaves desktops at the mercy of power supply; if the electricity goes out for whatever reason, your desktop is effectively useless.

Laptops require far less power due to their smaller size. Their built-in battery also means they can operate for a time without being connected to a power supply.

If you are working somewhere where blackouts are common or access to electrical outlets is limited, laptops are definitely the winner.

8. Upgrades

Desktop components are almost always removable, making them far easier to upgrade than laptops. Their cases are also larger in size, meaning there’s more room to add or remove hardware.

Laptops, in comparison, are more limited, with memory and hard drives feasibly the only things you could upgrade. Current tech trends mean laptops are increasingly being produced with built-in parts, depriving them of further customisation.

Furthermore, certain upgrades might be incompatible with the device.

9. Repairs

Generally, repairing desktops is easier as most of the required hardware can be found at your local computer store.

Opening up a laptop to fix faulty parts, on the other hand, can be more difficult, with replacement components harder to track down. More often than not, you will have to send your laptop to a specialist for diagnosis and repair, which can cost a pretty penny.