Paul Kasaija

2/1/2021

11:32 AM

 

Desktop computers have many surface-level advantages to laptops— they can run better graphics, they have the better processing power, and they have more functionality for gamers, developers, home professionals, streamers, and other users in need of the heavy machinery. However, big issues come part in parcel with big computers—namely, they can be clunky, and they usually don’t last long. They have many different parts that work in conjunction to provide a singular experience, and that leads to not just one or two, but many points of failure.

 

I don’t even know what bricked my desktop, nor did I really see it coming. But lo and behold, the hardware failed a few months ago and I’m left with a black screen on a 24-inch monitor and a big, heavy Dell desktop tower that powers on but has one (or multiple) components that no longer function causing it to become a heavy, pricey brick. Now, I have had to roll back to my laptop, and while I may be disappointed at the loss of functionality in terms of running games and programs, I can’t say I dislike the simplicity, quickness, and ease of use that comes with a good laptop.

 

Now, I’ve been to the other side of “small” (e.g. notebooks) so I know how small a laptop needs to be at least functional; a notebook can barely handle two tabs on a web browser, much less meet the needs of most users have— good laptops are the middle-ground that bridges the two extremes. Clunkiness and incapability are these two extremes, but laptops have neither of those faults.  Therefore, singularly because they don’t stand out like the small and portable notebook or the highly capable glass-cannon desktops, aren’t seen as useful as they really are.

 

Most of the time while using the desktop, I honestly preferred the transparent and understandable user interface of the standard laptop. For me, I have been an HP user since the dawn of time. Now, since I’m forced back onto the middle-ground of computing, it’s nostalgic to return to a computer, a mere laptop, that meets my needs and does not randomly meltdown. It’s the backup that you didn’t know was the main actor of the play the whole time. It’s unfortunate to see the Dell brick, but I will need my files back so I can make the most of the relaxing HP vacation, thank you very much.