Laptops and desktops both come with advantages and disadvantages of their own, but depending on what you require from a PC, you might want to examine what disadvantages you're in for when you do choose. Here are the downsides of opting for a laptop.
1. Limited Upgrade Options
Unlike desktops, there's only so much you can upgrade when you're using a laptop. While some laptops allow you to upgrade components like hard drives, RAM, processors, and even GPU, they can be hard to find compared to the variety that's offered for desktops. This means that your laptop might have a shorter lifespan.
2. Limited Performance
There are gaming laptops out there that you can purchase. Still, when you compare the price range to a desktop that has the same kind of power, you'll find that the laptop will cost you more, partly because it requires smaller components so it would fit the compact computer, and the fact that it is portable compared to a table-top computer.
3. Battery Life
Of course, there's always a choice to keep the laptop plugged in while you use it so it does not run out of battery, but that will damage the PC. You can also remove the battery in the meantime, but dust and debris could get into the slot and damage it. That leaves you with using the battery as intended and having a limited time when it comes to usage.
4. Smaller Screen
As it is designed to be compact and portable, the biggest you can get for a laptop screen is 21 inches, that's rare. The standard is around 13 inches to 15 inches. You can choose to connect a monitor for a bigger display, but that beats the purpose of the laptop and will cost you more for the extra equipment.
5. Poor Ventilation
Having a smaller device comes in handy when you need to carry it around, but less space means that there's also less airflow, which could lead to your laptop slowing down or overheating. To avoid this, you might have to purchase ventilation accessories that you usually place under the device, which is also yet another cost you have to account for.
6. Prone to Damage
You're not supposed to eat or drink near your electronics, but if you do, then your laptop is more susceptible to damage compared to a desktop. When you spill liquids on your keyboard, then it could immediately seep through the components of your computer as it lies directly on top. That will cost you more in repairs if it could be repaired at all.
7. Easier to Steal
When you're out and you have your laptop bag with you, its portability can also serve as a disadvantage as it is easier to take away. Even at home, robbers would find it difficult to carry an entire desktop out of your home because of the weight along with all the wiring, and they would be happy to get away with a small laptop.
