Laptop vs desktop: Which is better for your office?
Technology is advancing faster by the day, increasing the difficulty when faced with the task of selecting new office computers. As desktops get smaller, and laptop updates become more immersive than ever, how can you begin to make a comparison between the two? Of course, there will always be pros and cons to each, so we’ve saved you the job of having to do that part yourself. Let’s settle this debate…
Office laptops
Pro: Portability
Arguably one of the biggest strengths of a laptop is its portability, allowing users on the move to be productive from wherever they are. With popular office breakout spaces now becoming the norm, staff equipped with a laptop are able to move quickly and freely between working zones, allowing them to bring their device to a brainstorming session. Plus, if you enforce a hybrid working model, staff are able to simply pack their laptops up at the end of the day and set up their working station from home.
Pro: All-in-one system
If you find assembly instructions impossible to follow (don’t worry, we’ve all been there), another laptop perk is that it’s an all-in-one device that doesn’t require you to get your DIY hat out. Simply set up the system in a few easy steps, and you’re good to go. With this in mind, laptops are ideal for when you’re onboarding new employees, alongside juggling regular business operations, and are trying to get your office technology up and running fast.
Pro: Subtle
As secure as your office may be, it’s still crucial to minimise the risk of theft as much as possible. The subtlety of a laptop makes it easy to store away in a bag at the end of the working day, without fear that it could capture someone’s attention. For additional security, you could also ask your employees to make sure that they take their laptops home with them to store away in a safe place.
Con: Damage prone
Working on the go with a laptop is a massive bonus, but it does increase the risk of damage or it getting lost. Encourage your employees to take extra care when transporting their laptops around (if you end up sticking with this option), supplying cases for additional protection.
Con: Charging
When transporting a laptop around, your charger should never be left behind. Although their lightweight design makes them easy for work on the go, your employees should always remember to bring their chargers into work with them, otherwise they aren’t going to get very far.
Con: Slouching
Did you know that around eight million people in the UK suffer from back pain, according to recent statistics? Inappropriate seating conditions can often be one of the main causes for this, with laptops potentially leading office workers to start slouching. Sure, their portability is a massive bonus, but this also means that working from a settee is made possible. There’s nothing wrong with this when done for short periods of time (and we all need to kick our feet up sometimes), but relying on this new office setup can carry long term consequences.
If you decide that you’d rather use laptops in your office, create a comfortable, posture-supporting workplace that will enhance staff productivity. As an example, you may decide to create an office relaxation room, complete with a variety of office desks and comfortable workplace seating, or perhaps you’d rather invest in some standing desks to prevent the risk of back pain. Either way, there’s plenty of furniture options for you to choose from that’ll make your office space a relaxing (yet safe) environment.
Office desktop
Pro: Cost effective
As you will have to build up your office desktop computers with various different components, this allows for a wider price range that you can pick and choose from. Generally costing less than laptops, a desktop system can still be just as powerful, with plenty of space to store all of your digital files and documents.
Pro: Easy upgrades
Another advantage that comes with a desktop computer’s multiple parts is that, if you do want an upgrade or a replacement, simply switch out the old with the new. You may decide to install a second hard drive inside your computer to free up some space, or to improve overall performance, you could invest in the latest keyboard that makes typing much easier. Change up your system as you please!
Pro: Large screen
The visual display that comes with a desktop makes it all the more appealing, reducing the need to squint and stare at your work in confusion. Whether your staff will be using their computers for watching training videos, creating visual content, or are blogging on a regular basis, work is made much easier with a larger screen to look at.
Con: Limited space
When compared to a laptop, desktops can take up more space due to their bulkier design. But fear not, there are ways you can get around this to make lives, and desks, as clutter free as possible. You could use a cable spine or cable tray to neaten up the appearance of desktop wires, whilst also preventing any tripping hazards, providing plenty of space (and storage options) for staff to keep their computer accessories in.
Con: Lack of portability
A bulky design also makes portability a little more difficult than that of a lightweight laptop, however, the introduction of the mini PC (who would’ve thought it?), makes transportation simpler. With multiple ports to connect all of the accessories you desire, perhaps this could be the perfect solution for you.
Con: Noise
Due to the fans that desktops require for cooling down the system, they can often lead to unwanted noise. There are certain high-quality coolers and anti-vibration fan mounts that are designed to reduce this, but of course they do let out a certain buzzing noise which may annoy people in the office.
Hopefully this comparison will make your decision much easier, but if you do require some extra advice, our team of office furniture installation experts are here to help. We have everything you need to make your office the perfect working environment, so give us a call today to kickstart the transformation process!