Desktop computers make comeback as people continue to work from home
When the home computer became popular during the 1980s, the desktop model was the standard for the home and office.
Over the years laptops, tablets and even the smartphone have become the choice for many consumers who want to surf the internet and do work on the go.
However, with so many people working from home during the pandemic there has been a shift and according to Consumer Reports the desktop computer is seeing a resurgence in popularity and sales are up.
"There is a trade-off, but we think it may be worth it," according Nicholas De Leon, a tech expert with Consumer Reports.
While laptops have been the choice for many employees because they are great to use on the go and transport between home and office, the desktop computer with a large monitor is becoming the computer of choice.
Computer enthusiast Paul Germain builds his desktop computer himself.
"I can put the best components in, the best video, the best screen, the best processor. I’m not bending over to look at a little tiny screen. Everything’s just the way I want it," said Germain.
De Leon said there are several reasons to consider a desktop for your home office and when you have a large monitor there is no more hunching over to view a smaller laptop screen.
"Desktops have a large display, impressive computing power and are more ergonomic than laptops," said De Leon.
In Consumer Reports tests researchers gave top marks to the 24-inch all-in-one Apple iMac with an m1 processor which sells for $1,600. Researches said it did well in performance tests and has an excellent display.
A less expensive option is the HP Envy TE01-1134 full size desktop for $1,100. It was one of the fastest in Consumer Reports tests and scored excellent for ergonomics.
If you’re tight on space the compact Asus VivoMini VC66-C2 for $960 could be a good fit.
If you already have a monitor you may need to just upgrade your desktop tower, however new monitors have also improved and dropped in price.
While you can't take your desktop outside or to the local coffee shop, the power and large display may be worth the trade off.
Consumer Reports said that desktops usually offer more bang for your buck compared to laptops when it comes to performance per dollar spent.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 18-year-old woman who allegedly stole Porsche and ran over its owner
Police have arrested an 18-year-old woman who allegedly stole a Porsche and then ran over its owner in an incident that was captured on video.
Woman nearly shut out of mother's estate sues brother in B.C. Supreme Court – and wins
Since she was a young girl growing up in Vancouver, Ginny Lam says her mom Yat Hei Law made it very clear she favoured her son William, because he was her male heir.
Woman shot by B.C. police was Colombian refugee with young daughter, advocate says
Advocates have identified the woman who died this week after being shot by police in Surrey, B.C., as a South American refugee who was raising a young daughter.
3 injured after man with knife enters Montreal-area mosque
Three men were injured after trying to subdue a man armed with a knife during afternoon prayers at a Montreal-area mosque Friday afternoon.
Kamala Harris tells Oprah any intruder to her home is 'getting shot'
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris on Thursday issued a warning to any potential home intruder: 'If somebody breaks in my house, they're getting shot.'
Teen arrested in New Brunswick after emergency alert; 5 people in custody
A 15-year-old boy who was the subject of an emergency alert in New Brunswick has been arrested.
On the trail of the mystery woman whose company licensed exploding pagers
What Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, 49, the Italian-Hungarian CEO and owner of Hungary-based BAC Consulting, says she hasn't done is make the exploding pagers that killed 12 people and wounded more than 2,000 in Lebanon this week.
'We're still pushing hard': Search for missing Manitoba boy continues, RCMP find tracks
The search for a missing six-year-old boy in Shamattawa is continuing Friday as RCMP hope recent tips can help lead to a happy conclusion.
Video released of person of interest after cat is allegedly set on fire in Orillia, Ont.
Provincial police investigating the death of a cat that was allegedly set on fire in Orillia earlier this week released surveillance video of a person of interest in the case.