Laptops have been the longstanding and undisputed gadgets in the world of portable professionalism. Tablets and other similar gadgets, including smartphones, have tried to replace them. However, the hold that laptops have in today’s tech-advanced world is beyond simple touch functionality and accessibility.
Meanwhile, SBCs (single-board computers) are making a breakthrough in the tech industry. They are becoming a preferred addition to various digital infrastructures and enterprises for extensive tasks. With energy and cost-efficiency as the priority, the SBCs are here to stay.
And this brings us to the debate today – Should you buy a laptop or the SBC? Let’s help you out with a simple guide:
The Versatility Of Laptops
In the world of portable computers, laptops have come a long way. You have a sleek design, flexible screens, and a multi-touch interface. A laptop can last you multiple hours on the battery it has and comes with a proper screen, touchpad, and keyboard. These qualities make it stand out.
In the laptop, you can find various categories for Professional Use, Regular Use, Gaming or Graphics, Chromebook for Education, and more. This diversity makes laptops a great choice, often more than a CPU.
Qualities Of The Laptop
- Higher power (RAM, Processor, Battery) and better cooling options are available.
- It is ready-to-use out of the box and comes with all the necessary components.
- You can use a laptop anywhere with the battery without the need to plug it into the power sockets.
Who Should Consider Buying A Laptop?
Anyone who wants everything pre-setup and available for them should consider SBCs. You won’t have to invest in a screen, speakers, and other peripheral devices separately. However, modern laptops are usually challenging to upgrade. You can upgrade them one or two levels above, but that’s all.
Laptops are suitable for almost anyone, a student, professional, etc., but if you are someone who might have to work while travelling, it is a better choice. You can be most productive with a laptop.
The Efficiency Of SBCs
SBCs are growing popular primarily due to their affordability. You have a single board that has all the integrated components like the RAM, Processor, and GPU. An SBC also comes with all the latest connectivity options like HDMI Ports, USB Ports, WiFi, and Bluetooth.
These features are also available in Laptops, but a single-board design makes them more compact and portable.
Qualities Of The SBC
- Highly affordable for the same specifications as the Laptops.
- Reduced size ensures better cooling and energy efficiency for the same tasks that a laptop can do.
- Can operate with any kind of operating system (Windows, Linux, ChromeOS, even Android).
Who Should Consider Buying An SBC?
SBCs are better at offering better specs at the price. You can check it out at RS. They make up for generic use. Everyday commercial uses in Shops and Stores, or education institutes, is a better choice for SBCs. As you can’t upgrade SBCS, you are stuck with the specifications you choose.
Indeed, modern SBCs come with power-packed processing, GPU, and other capabilities, but they might not always be future-proof. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t need to work while travelling, it is a better choice.
The Bottom Line – The Portable Professionalism
SBCs are often used as Mini PCs that you can carry around, but they are only good for setting up a workspace remotely. If you travel and might have to work mid-travel, then laptops are better. Both SBCs and Laptops come in a versatile range and support all the operating systems available.
It comes down to the budget and the purpose, in the end. For general work, both are a great option. For gaming and graphics, Laptops might be a bit better.