Wat is the difference between a desktop computer and a laptop?

A laptop has all of the components built in. A desktop computer has a chunky processor that has to plug in with the monitor and the keyboard. It has faster RAM, though.

the laptop is lighter, try to put a computer in a bag and cart that around with ya all day. fun

size!OHH

A desktop has a separate case, monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers... Everything usually over a DESK. A laptop/notebook has all these components integrated into something resembling a NOTEBOOK. Usually desktops have more processing power than notebooks at the same price range. Thus they are generally recommended for activities such as playing games and working with CAD software. Software-wise, besides device drivers, there isn't really any distinction between them. The same operating systems, and consequentially the same programs are used both in desktop and notebook computers.

You'd have a hard time getting the desktop machine set up to run on the seatback tray-table on most planes. Not to mention difficulty in finding a cord long enough to reach the ground, if they don't have outlets on the plane. They are also inconvenient to carry back and forth between home and office in a backpack.

laptops are a lot smaller. Desktop have mouse and keyboard separate instead of integrated into the system.