Skip to content
Truman State University
  • Admission
  • Academics
  • Alumni
  • About
  • Student Life
  • News & Events
  • Truview Login
  • Athletics
  • Directory
  • ITS Home
  • Get Help
    • Get Help
    • Technical Phone Support
    • Student Computing (How To)
    • How do I?
    • IT Service Center Laptop Checkout
    • Documentation
    • Training & Tutorial
    • Security Awareness
    • Phone Services
  • Forms
  • Purchasing Technology
  • Software & Labs
    • Software and Labs
    • Computer Lab Map
  • Learning Technologies
  • Policies & Procedures
  • Enterprise Systems
    • Enterprise Systems
    • Student Directory Data Request
  • About ITS
    • About ITS
    • IT Governance
    • ITS Annual Reports
    • Planning
  • Home
  • Laptop vs. Desktop – Deciding Which One to Bring

Laptop vs. Desktop – Deciding Which One to Bring

If you are considering purchasing a computer for use at Truman, you may be wondering if you should get a desktop or a laptop computer. The percentage of laptop computers has increased in recent years.  There are pros and cons to owning each type of system.  The following table lists some information that might help you with this decision.

  Laptop Desktop
Price Laptops usually cost slightly more than a comparable desktop.  However, prices have dropped in recent years and laptop prices are very competitive. Desktops usually cost slightly less than a comparable laptop.
Portability Laptops are very portable. This is good for moving around on campus and for taking home on breaks. Usually, desktop systems are not portable and must remain in a fixed location.
Expandability Laptops may not be as easy to upgrade with new technology. Be sure to configure a laptop with the features that you need. Desktops are usually much more expandable.  You can usually more easily add a new video card, larger hard drive, a new processor, or other components when technology changes.
Network Access A properly-equipped laptop will allow you to access the Truman network by directly connecting in your residence hall room or the library or by connecting via the wireless network from most locations on campus. Desktop computers, if properly equipped, can be connected to either the Ethernet or wireless connection in the residence hall room. 
Security The portability of a laptop makes this a more attractive item to be stolen if it is not properly secured.  However, security cables can be purchased with laptops that reduce this threat. Desktop computers are generally more secure due to their size and lack of portability.

Related Documents:

  • CAE Office Hours
  • Student Email Migration from Gmail to M365 Happening August 7th
  • Classroom and Other Infrastructure Updates for Summer 2023
  • Progress on Microsoft Office Upgrade to MS365
  • Email Updates
  • Enhanced Website Analytics
  • New Website Search Tools
  • Teaching Improvements and D2L Brightspace
  • Zoom Recording Deletions
  • Technology Improvements for Spring 2023
  • Classroom Improvements and Course Support
  • Changes to Google Storage
  • New Classroom Technologies!
  • Procedure for Creating an Outlook Data File or .PST File in Outlook
Truman Logo
#1 for 26 consecutive years  Ranked 9th out of top 50 most affordable Top 6 Masters University
Truman State University
100 E. Normal Avenue
Kirksville, MO 63501 USA
(660) 785-4000
©2025 Truman State University
   Contact Us
Give To Truman
  • Get to Know Truman
    • Admission
    • Academics
    • Alumni
    • Student Life
    • About Truman
  • Explore
    • News & Events
    • Athletics
    • Directory
    • Parents & Families
    • Employment
    • TruView
    • Maps & Directions
  • Policy and Safety
    • Policies
    • Racial Equity & Institutional Change
    • Title IX/Statement on Non-Discrimination
    • Disclosures
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility
    • Emergency Information
  • University Tiktok Account

Truman State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Back to Top