Laptop vs.

Smartphone

When looking for a computing device, there are many options out
there. Today, a decision you may have to think about is whether to
purchase a computer or a smartphone. Both can provide computing
capabilities, run software and perform other tasks, but there are many
factors to consider between the two options. Below is a chart to
highlight some of the important factors to consider, including the pros
and cons of each.
 Topic Computer Smartphone
Power More powerful computing Smartphones are more compact
processors typically require and do not have the capability of
greater amounts of power and providing the amount of power and
cooling. Computers are cooling that more powerful
equipped to provide these processors require. They are limited
requirements for processors, to lower voltage processors,
thus being able to feature although processors of this type are
higher computing power becoming more advanced and
overall. powerful.
Cost Prices for a computer (desktop Cell phones, specifically
or laptop) can vary widely, smartphones, can vary in price
depending on its capabilities, based on power and various
storage, and features. A more features, but not as much as
powerful computer will be computers. Prices can be $100 to
more expensive, but computer $500 in most cases with a contract.
prices can range from $300 to
$2000.
Screen sizeDesktop computers use Smartphones, due to their smaller
monitors with large screen size, feature smaller screen sizes
sizes. Standard monitor sizes ranging from 2.5" to 4.8", with a few
are between 17" and 24" in exceptions. To get a bigger screen
most cases, but larger displays size (up to 10"), you would have to
can be used. These include a venture into the tablet market,
TV or projector. Laptops which can sometimes feature phone
typically feature screen sizes call capabilities, but that is not
up to 17". standard.
Portability Desktop computers are not Smartphones, while a bit bigger
considered to be portable. than a standard cell phone, are still
They are not easy to move more portable than any computer.
around. Laptop computers are They are very lightweight and can
portable, lightweight, and easy fit in a purse or pants pocket with
 to place in a backpack. ease. They are designed to be taken
However, laptops with larger everywhere with you, thus the very
screens (17"+) can be bulky definition of portable.
and more difficult to carry,
weighing up to seven or eight
pounds.
Storage Computer hard drives are Some smartphones come with built-
already over one terabyte (TB) in storage, ranging from 8 GB to 64
and continuing to increase in GB. In some cases, an expansion
size. Even the most basic slot may be available for adding an
computer comes with a 250 additional memory chip for more
gigabyte (GB) hard drive storage capacity. Smartphones, in
today. This applies to both general, will offer less storage
desktop and laptop computers. capacity than a computer, but for
For most people, storage will most users, the storage provided is
not be an issue, since even more than adequate. As memory
250 GB is more than enough chips increase in size, so will the
for many users. storage capacity of a smartphone.
ConnectivitAlthough a computer can Smartphones have a data plan that
y connect to a 3G, 4G or other allows them to be connected to the
phone network, computers do Internet at all times, as long as the
not come with the necessary phone is receiving a signal from a
equipment. Most laptops rely cell phone tower.
on a Wi-Fi signal to connect to
the Internet.
Operating Computers come with a more Tablets come with a more slimmed
system fully featured operating down operating system due to
system due to having the having more limited computing
computing power and memory power and memory. TheAndroid OS
requirements. Both desktop and Apple iOS are adequate
and laptop computers can run operating systems for tablet users,
a fully featured version of an but not the fully featured operating
 operating system, with the system found in a computer. Even
option to choose the operating the Windows operating system
system on PCs. found on select smartphones is a
slimmed down version of that found
on a computer.
Data Entry A computer uses a keyboard Smartphones feature an on-screen
and user for data entry that most users touch keyboard that is much
input are familiar with and smaller than that of a standard
comfortable using. The mouse computer. The smaller keyboard
is also available for easy can make typing more difficult for
scrolling and clicking. users, especially for those who have
big fingers. Some smartphones
feature a slide-out keyboard, with
actual keys to press. Again, this
keyboard is much smaller than a
standard computer keyboard and
can still be difficult for some users.
Most users today have both a smartphone and a computer in their home.
They use a smartphone for phone calls, messaging, browsing the Internet,
reading e-mail, and other small jobs and use a computer for more
complicated projects or work. If you are trying to decide between only a
smartphone or a computer, also consider a tablet or a hybrid computer,
which offers the best of both a laptop and tablet.
Finally, if you're considering a smartphone but don't think you'll use the
Internet much, we highly recommend purchasing a feature phone instead of
a smartphone to avoid monthly data costs.