Desktop Or Laptop For College? The case for a desktop:Basically, desktops give you better performance for the buck. Budget desktops start at around $300-$400 (LCD monitor included) while the cheapest laptops will cost you at least $100 more. Desktops are easier to upgrade manually than laptops, and are harder to steal. They also tend to be more reliable than laptops, which are moved around often and are more prone to failure....... Similar Editorial : by Christophe Catesson. | Source : Toshiba Laptops