A desktop computer can be a smart and ergonomic pick if you’re setting up a home office and aren’t worried much about mobility. Staring into a monitor puts less strain on your neck than staring down into a laptop. You also generally get more power per dollar spent with a desktop than you do with a laptop.
Some models come with a built-in display, and others require you to supply your own. Luckily, you can find good computer monitors for reasonable prices. In fact, while all-in-one models with a screen tend to be aesthetically pleasing and take up less desk space, they can cost a lot more than buying a desktop computer and monitor separately.
Mac or PC? It’s really up to you. You’ll find models on both platforms that score well in our labs. They’ll support the most popular software options, too, from Adobe Photoshop to Chrome, Slack to Zoom. But there are benefits to pairing a Mac with an iPhone or an Android phone with a PC. You may be able to answer a text message with your keyboard, for example, or share copy-paste data between a computer and a smartphone.
Desktop Computer Types
Desktops generally offer better bang for your buck compared with laptops, delivering more power and performance per dollar spent.
Depending on the model you choose, you may have to supply your own mouse, keyboard, and monitor. In that case, you might want to consider buying an ergonomic mouse and keyboard. And given the rise of video chatting, you may also need a webcam because freestanding monitors typically don’t come with one built in.