Ultrabook or Desktop PC for Work? You Decide

Computers are integral to your daily life, especially when you’re at work. If your entire professional life exists on your computer, then you know why speed, graphics, performance, and other specifications are so important. With so many advances in technology, many professionals are curious about making the switch from desktop PCs to smaller, sleeker Ultrabooks, so take a long look at the pros and cons of each.

The Battle of the Bulge

Although desktop PCs are much smaller now, they’re still quite bulky. When shopping for a home PC, you can easily purchase items separately, you don’t need the entire setup. At work, however, you’re dealing with the tower, the monitor, an external mouse (and mouse pad, of course), and speakers. If you do a lot of conference calling, telecommunicating, or webinars, then you’ll also need a webcam, headphones, and a microphone. Furthermore, the main pieces of equipment are heavy. Lift your monitor or tower a few times a day, and you’ll never have to hit the gym again.

In contrast, Ultrabooks are slim, sleek, and streamlined. Because of the way they’re made, you’re not sacrificing technology or quality either, although that’s another point altogether. Many Ultrabooks aren’t even an entire inch thick. They’re half that, but they’re incredibly solid and durable. More importantly, everything you need is right there. You can certainly purchase external additions, such as a mouse and pad, a camera and speakers, but they aren’t necessary. They’re built right into the computer, so it takes up much less space.

A Tangled Web

Let’s talk about cords. A lot of professionals don’t consider the nest of wires haphazardly hidden yet hopelessly knotted, squirreled away under desks or in the corners of offices. However, PCs need lots of cords, mainly due to all the tools and accessories mentioned above. You know what it’s like trying to discover your mouse cord, unplug your speakers, or move to another office. Ultrabooks erase that mess entirely. A long battery life means you don’t even need to stay plugged into a power source. They also rely on Wi-Fi and wireless connectivity, so Ethernet and USB cords are unnecessary.

Tip-Top Performance

When people buy tablet PCs for entertainment or for work, they sometimes worry about performance. The same questions arise when they start considering an Ultrabook. How can something so small stack up to the performance of a desktop PC? The answer is “quite well,” as a matter of fact. Most Ultrabooks boast 4GB worth of RAM at minimum, and it’s easy to get one with much more memory. The processor promises the quick speeds necessary for everything from data processing to gaming. They’re comparable to desktop replacements and gaming laptops in terms of color display and sound as well.

So if you’re wondering whether it’s a good move to trade your work PC for an Ultrabook, the simplest response is to go for it. You won’t sacrifice anything in terms of performance, speed, or connectivity, but you’ll gain a lot in terms of mobility, a sleek design and efficiency.

Sources:

http://www.coolpctips.com/2012/03/laptops-vs-netbooks-vs-ultrabooks-whats-the-main-difference/

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/tablets/tablets-vs-ultrabooks-in-the-enterprise/764

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=25528

http://www.pcworld.com/article/246691/ultrabooks_laptops_as_light_as_air.html