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
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.