SHC1913-01
SISTEM MAKLUMAT DAN TEKNOLOGI
(INFORMATION SYSTEM AND TECHNOLOGY)
ASSIGNMENT ON -
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A DESKTOP & A LAPTOP
HAIRIYAH BINTI PANGAT 920702-01-5656 (A11HAOO33)
Introduction
Computer is an important part of our life now. Many years ago we are often use desk computer for our life and workfor promotion and the latest few years, computer has developed from desk computer to laptop and get more and more portable but do you know what the Difference between Laptop and Desktop computer is?
It's easier for a desktop computer to have a bigger memory and to hold more RAM than a laptop computer simply because there is more space available for the storage.
The space in a desktop computer will often allow the user to choose almost unlimited accessories and options that a laptop computer just may not have the space to hold. Things like a top speed processor, the latest state of the art sound and graphics cards, extra ports for external linking and more than enough storage space for all of the programs, music and video clips that you'll ever need.
The extra space also comes with one more big benefit that you don't often find with a laptop - the ability to easily upgrade. This means that you can keep your machine from becoming obsolete for much longer by continually adding the latest programs, components and accessories.
The one glaring advantage a laptop computer holds over its desktop counterpart is portability. If you have a job that requires you to travel, or if you're a student living in a closet sized dormitory with three others students, a laptop computer is practically a necessity. No matter how powerful or fast your desktop computer is, you can't unplug it, take it to the subway and finish writing your report while you travel.
The Difference between a Desktop & a Laptop
A laptop is more portable, but not as customizable. The fundamental difference between a laptop computer and a desktop computer is portability. A laptop is a compact, self-contained unit designed to run on battery power. A desktop computer usually has to stay put--and plugged in.
Size
· Laptops are about the size of a book; they get their name from the idea that there's enough room on your lap to operate one. Desktop computers have gotten smaller--especially the monitors--but remain bulky.
Components
· With a laptop, everything comes in one small device: central processing unit, monitor, keyboard, mouse-type device, hard drive and an optical drive, such as for DVDs. On desktops, the monitor, keyboard and mouse are usually separate components.
Laptop Benefits
· Laptops' self-contained nature offers convenience on the go and saves space at home. Modern laptops also offer computing power that rivals that of desktops.
Desktop Benefits
· Desktop computers are cheaper. They are far easier to customize, modify and upgrade. They're better for multimedia applications, and because they don't go anywhere, you can add peripherals such as extra hard drives and monitors.
Consideration
· As Computerworld's Alex Scoble points out, laptops boost efficiency by allowing you to work anywhere--but they can also create the expectation that you can and will always be working
The Difference between Desktop and Laptop Motherboards
Laptop and desktop motherboards differ in many ways.
Personal computing began in the early 1970s and has since evolved to suit the needs and wishes of consumers of all types. The motherboard is the central nervous system of personal computers, and they differ greatly between desktops and laptops.
Layout
· Modern desktop computers use a modular layout for the motherboard, which makes it easier to upgrade components such as video and sound cards and memory. Laptops, however, have precious little space to work with, so laptop motherboards are designed to fit each type of laptop specifically.
Expansion
· Computer technology evolves rapidly, and the motherboards in desktop computers provide more expansion slots than those in laptops, allowing for easier upgrading to increase the longevity and performance of the computer. Each laptop, with its unique motherboard layout, sacrifices expansion to allow for ever-thinner and lighter models.
Compatibility
· Laptop and desktop motherboards also differ in the type of components they are compatible with. Some laptop manufacturers use proprietary memory modules, which means you can only expand the memory capacity of the computer if you buy the memory stick from your computer's manufacturer. Desktops, on the other hand, support an extensive choice of component manufacturers
Laptop Ram Differ From Desktop Ram
Module size
· Laptop RAM differs from desktop RAM in the size of the module, or card that is inserted into the motherboard of the computer. A laptop RAM module is smaller than a desktop RAM module. Otherwise, the way RAM (which stands for random access memory) processes data is the same.
Number of modules
· Desktops usually have one RAM module card, while most laptops have two. So, if there is one 512 MB RAM card in a desktop computer that's all the RAM that computer will have until a card with more RAM replaces it. In a laptop you can have one 512 RAM card and the computer will run fine, but you can also add another card with 512 of RAM and double your RAM to 1GB.
Types of RAM for desktops and laptops
· RAM is not interchangeable between desktop and laptops. The RAM used in a laptop is specific to that model due to the size of the card and the connectors on the motherboard. Beyond the size of the module the types of RAM are the same. SDRAM and DDR used to be standard but have now been replaced by DDR2 and DDR3. 512 MB of RAM used to be standard, but now 1 GB is considered the minimum needed for full optimization of your laptop or desktop.
Difference between Laptop Memory & Desktop Memory
Memory
System memory, more commonly known as random access memory or RAM, is present in all computers, regardless of their size or compactness. It allows the central processing unit (CPU) to quickly recall relevant data rather than having to read it from or write it to the computer's hard disk drive. However, different sizes of RAM chips are available, which is the primary difference between laptop memory modules and desktop memory modules. Laptops typically contain a type of RAM called SO-DIMM; desktops contain DIMMs.
DIMMs
· Dual in-line memory modules are the standard for desktop computers. They range in length between 4.5 to 5 inches and can contain 100, 168, 184 or 240 pins.
SO-DIMMs
· SO-DIMM stands for small outline DIMM. SO-DIMM chips are shorter than DIMMs, but function the same way. They range in length between 2.5 to 3 inches and can contain 72, 100, 144, 200 or 204 pins.
Types
· Both DIMMs and SO-DIMMs are available at different speeds. Synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM) is available in both sizes, as well as double data rate (DDR), DDR2 and DDR3.
Pins
· Different generations of RAM use different numbers of pins, the metal areas on the chip with which the connection to the motherboard is made. This prevents differing types of RAM from being used in the wrong slot.
Notches
· To prevent users from improperly installing RAM into slots not designed for one type of RAM or another, some memory modules have notches that will only line up with the correct slots.
Performance RAM
· High-end performance RAM is more difficult to find for SO-DIMM slots than it is for DIMM slots. Desktops are more commonly used for memory intensive applications, and the confinements of the laptop enclosure can cause higher voltage components to overheat.
Upgrading
· If considering a RAM upgrade, it is safe to say that a laptop will probably use SO-DIMM chips and a desktop will use DIMMs. But it is also important to verify the type of RAM to avoid buying RAM that won't fit the slots available on a computer's motherboard. You should be able to find information about what type of RAM your computer contains in its owner's manual or on the motherboard box.
Others Differences Between Desktop and Laptop
Laptop display brightness
· A bright laptop screen is usually one that drains the battery quickly. Besides, 300 nits is so bright that it's hard to look at indoors, and most users turn their display's brightness down a little anyway.
Power consumption and heat
· Laptops produce a lot of heat because there is so little space inside for the fans, so always put your laptop on a flat, even surface so it does not overheat. The other thing is laptop uses less power therefore things like the CPU run slower and they have a battery while desktops do not. Other than that there is no difference as far as the architecture goes, a laptop can do anything a desktop can do.
Weight
· Small differences in weight make a big difference when you're lugging your laptop around wherever you go. The difference between 3.5 pounds and 5 pounds may not seem like much, but when your laptop bag is on your shoulder all day, it's enormous
REFERENCES
· http://www.ehow.com/facts_7209042_major-between-desktop-laptop-motherboards_.html#ixzz1413KfE3l
· http://www.ehow.com/facts_6741203_difference-between-laptop-desktop_.html#ixzz1413kZmFT
· http://www.ehow.com/facts_6741203_difference-between-laptop-desktop_.html?ref=Track2&utm_source=ask
· http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_are_laptops_different_from_desktops#ixzz14138slBR
· http://www.ask.com/questions-about/Difference-between-Laptop-and-Desktop#anc_0