Why are laptops so expensive?

Why are laptops so expensive?

Laptops are more expensive than desktop computers, but the main reason is that they’re just more expensive to produce. There are a lot of different parts in a laptop and all those parts tend to cost more than their desktop counterparts. The same goes for software licenses: there are huge fees paid by manufacturers for using Microsoft Windows or Apple OSX on every computer produced in their name.

Laptops Versus desktop computers at the same price points

Laptops tend to be more expensive than desktop computers at the same price points. The main reason for this is that laptops are more expensive because they’re made with higher quality parts and they’re meant to be portable. Manufacturers know that most people will be using them at home or on the go, not just sitting in one place next to an outlet, so they make them a little more sturdy.

Additionally, laptops have built-in batteries which increase their weight and thus their cost; plus, manufacturers must pay for licensing fees for operating systems like Windows or macOS as well as software like Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Office (which come bundled with many laptops).

Paying for convenience and mobility

You’re basically paying for convenience and mobility.

  • Laptops are more portable than desktops. They’re lighter and smaller, which makes them easier to carry around. This can be especially useful if you’re going on a trip or if your job requires you to travel frequently. If you have a laptop, then it doesn’t matter where in the world you are—you’ll have access to all your files, programs, and applications no matter where you go!
  • Laptops are more convenient to use than desktop computers because they don’t require special cables or wires that connect them directly with wall outlets (or other power sources). Instead of having cords running all over your office or home like a crazy person who never learned how not to tangle up wires/cords/etc., all laptops run on batteries so even when there aren’t any electrical outlets around just keep charging them up again until they’re fully charged again ready for another round!

The competition and components

You might think that the laptop market is a cutthroat situation where companies compete over who has the best hardware, but this isn’t always the case. Even though there are some big differences between laptops in terms of size and shape, most models use similar components because they’re all built on standard sizes (the same way you can buy different brands of cars).

So what makes a laptop more expensive than another one? It all comes down to materials and manufacturing quality. While desktops tend to be bulky boxes made from plastic or metal parts, laptops are designed for portability above all else—so they’re made with higher-quality materials like aluminum instead of plastic. Some models even have premium hinges or keyboards for improved durability and comfort when you’re using them on your lap!

There are huge software licensing fees for laptops

So what is a software licensing fee? It’s not just the cost of buying and installing the software. Software companies have to pay for the rights to use their software on all your devices, so they include this in their purchase price. If you buy a laptop, you’re paying for both the hardware and the software licensing fees.

If you’re more interested in what makes up a laptop’s price tag than why they cost so much, read on—we’ll explain it all!

The hardware is getting smaller and more difficult/expensive to produce

As you may have guessed from the title, laptops are more expensive than desktop computers. One reason for this is that the hardware is getting smaller and more difficult/expensive to produce. As part of the computer revolution, we’ve seen some parts go from being small but cheap to large and expensive. For example:

  • In 1981, a 512 KB memory card cost about $600 (about $1,200 today). Today, a 256 GB USB drive costs about $10 ($20 in 2009).

Note: a kilobyte is 1,024 bytes; a megabyte is 1 million bytes; a gigabyte is 1 billion bytes

Laptops are made with higher quality materials

Laptops are made with higher quality materials than desktops because they’re meant to be portable. This means that laptops tend to cost more than desktops, but the cost of building them into a laptop is worth it because it allows you to take your computer anywhere you want.

They are meant to be portable

Laptops are more expensive than desktops because they’re made with higher-quality parts.

In order to make a laptop as portable and stylish as possible, manufacturers use aluminum alloy in the construction of their laptops. Aluminum is a durable metal that conducts heat very well and looks sleek even when it has been scratched up over time. Because of its properties, aluminum is also one of the most expensive metals out there—and it’s why you won’t find many plastic laptops on the market today.

Conclusion

Laptops are a great way to get work done on the go, but they can be expensive. If you’re looking for an alternative, we recommend checking out our guide on how to make a computer at home or building your own desktop computer from scratch.