Why does a PC need a tower but a laptop does not?

Answer 1

are you talking about the cpu? laptops don't need it because they squeeze the cpu into the tiny space under the keyboard. that's why laptops are generally more expensive and sometimes don't last as long.

Answer 2

Well, technically I guess a desktop doesn't need a tower - the cpu and whatnot could be packaged in a different form like under your keyboard or something. It all depends on function. You want to be able to carry your laptop with you, so they made it light and compact, thus squeezing all the hardware into that space under the keyboard. However, that limited space puts limits on what your computer can do. A tower gives you options for a better cooling system (takes up more space), more drives, adding a second hard drive, etc. You can also update the components of a desktop at any time, whereas the form of the laptop means the processor is generally hardwired in. Like I said, it's all about function. You give up some capabilities to have a portable laptop computer and you give up size to have a desktop.

Answer 3

Hey,

Because of a process called miniturazation. Laptop electronic componets are getting smaller and smaller as technoloogy contiinues to advance. This causes very expensive pricing on the latest laptops. It doesn't mean that a laptop is better than a desktop or has more features.

A desktop PC can get away with using standard size electronic componets which are very cheap. Standard size capacitors and resistors only cost about $0.50 on average, depending on the specifications. This is the main reason for such a big price difference and what the difference in the computer are.

Answer 4

PCs don't need a tower. Look at the iMac, or several of the PC equivalents. It's about space. For a laptop, portability is critical, so they shrink and squeeze and get everything to fit into one portable component. The downside of this is that since everything is so close together there is very little airflow, and it gets really hot. So the manufacturers (generally) have to use special processors that don't generate as much heat, and aren't as fast. It's also much more expensive to manufacture the parts, since they need to be so small.

A desktop PC doesn't have that restriction. They can be as big or as small as needed. Some desktop PCs have room for 5 or more CD/DVD drives, and 10 or more internal hard drives.

It absolutely is possible to get a new laptop with the same power as a desktop PC, but you'll need to spend 4 or 5 times as much money to buy it. (Look at alienware and Dell XPS laptops. $5000 for the performance of a $2000 desktop)

edit: And the guy below me who said a laptop can't work for 24 hours doesn't know what he's talking about. Sure, there's a limitation on the battery life, but if you plug it in you can work on it until you pass out.

Answer 5

It's all made possible because of something called nano-technologies. Computers used to take up an entire room. They went from floor to ceiling and could only do very basic math problems. As we got more and more advanced, the computers got smaller and smaller. Thanks to nano-technology you can now carry a computer on top of your lap. You don't have all of the same components in a laptop, and typically you have to buy a new one after 5 or 6 years because they don't last as long as a tower PC. Ever heard of the Pentium Chip? (processor). it used to be something you could hold in your hand, now it can fit on the tip of a pen.

Answer 6

Desktops are much easier to expand and add in additional hardware. They can be beefed up for the rigors of the office. Laptops are not the work horse, they are just made for portability, and can be limited in upgrades and add ons.

Answer 7

Because PC's are are more powerful than laptops and are capable of holding more data and running programmes faster!

Answer 8

PC towers are more efficient that is why they are used as servers and can be on indefinitely, for its lifetime but laptops switch themselves off after a little bit of inactivity

Answer 9

ASK urself...do you think the laptop can withstand 24 hours hardcore computer usage?obviously NOT so the use of the CPU is clearly showing its main purpose...providing hour of computer usage without charging ur laptop battery...

Answer 10

You have to compare the amount of free space here:

laptops use much smaller components in order to cram into the smallest case possible in order to ensure portability. there's very little, if any room for expansion.

a regular pc needs to provide space for expansion in order to add things like dvd rewriters, graphics cards and tv tuners and it's size is only limited by your imagination! It's possible to even use it without its case!

Answer 11

cos lap tops are portable but cr@p power, speed and interface PC is big powerful fast and easier to use