From the course: Computer Literacy for Mac (2018)

Laptop vs. desktop computers - Mac OS Tutorial

From the course: Computer Literacy for Mac (2018)

Laptop vs. desktop computers

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- [Instructor] When it comes time to pick out and purchase a Mac, one of the first decisions you'll have to make is whether you want to get a desktop computer or a laptop computer. Here, we have an example of a laptop Mac. Laptops are also often called notebook computers. Apple's current lineup of notebook computers all have the term MacBook in their names, like the MacBook Air or the MacBook Pro. Notebook computers are designed for portability, often weighing less than three or four pounds, and they have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse device built-in, so you usually don't have to plug in any other accessories to use them. You just open the lid and start working. And, here, we have examples of desktop Macs. Now, the term desktop can mean different things when you're talking about computers, but in this context, desktop refers to all computers that either sit on or next to your desk or workstation. So, here, we have Apple's Mac Pro, iMac, and Mac Mini. Unlike notebook computers, desktop computers are not designed to be portable or carried around a lot. But how do you decide which type of Mac to get? Well, for the most part, you should really only select a notebook if you genuinely need the portability. The Mac notebooks today are nearly if not just as powerful as some of their desktop counterparts, but you'll be spending more money on notebooks for the same amount of power you can get from a desktop computer. Desktop computers usually also have the advantage of being more upgradable. Just about all of Apple's desktop computers are very easy to add additional memory to. And desktop computers generally have more built-in ports for adding peripheral devices. Just bear in mind that if you go with a Mac Pro or a Mac Mini desktop, you'll also have to purchase a monitor. And with the Mac Mini, your own mouse and keyboard as well. So be sure to consider those items in your budget. All of Apple's MacBooks also offer the ability to connect second monitors, which many people find useful when they're working with their notebook computers at home and would like a larger screen to work with. However, these days, connecting accessories to the current line of MacBooks can be a little more complicated. In recent years, Apple has been moving towards the idea of using only a single type of connector called USB-C, also known as Thunderbolt 3, on their portable devices. For example, on the standard MacBook, which we see here, there's only a single USB connector, which is where you connect the power cable. If you want to use additional accessories, like an external monitor or something that uses the older USB style connectors, you'll also need to purchase one of several adapters, like this one, which has a USB port for accessories, an HDMI port for connecting to a monitor, and a USB-C port for charging. Depending on what you need to connect to your MacBook, finding the right adapter or a combination of adapters can be a little challenging, so bear that in mind in your decision-making process. Now, you've most likely heard of a third type of computer from Apple called the iPad, which is considered a tablet computer. The iPad features a touchscreen display and you operate it by touching and tapping the screen with your fingers. However, I wouldn't recommend the iPad as your only computer. It's not nearly as powerful or capable of doing professional work. So if you need a computer for school or work to do word processing, photo management, video editing, and so on, you'll probably want to get a full notebook or desktop Mac. iPads are great devices to have and you can do all kinds of work on them, from word processing, to video editing, but, at this point, for most people, I don't think they're suitable to be the only computer in your office or household. And throughout the rest of this course, I'll be working on the assumption that you either have a desktop or notebook computer.

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