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
DEVELOPING Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
BREAKING Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
On federal budget, Macklem says 'fiscal track has not changed significantly'
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canada's fiscal position has 'not changed significantly' following the release of the federal government's budget.