Desktops & Workstations

Learning about Desktops & Workstations

Despite the popularity of mobile solutions such as laptops and tablets, you can't beat desktop PCs for their blend of power, stability, and flexibility. They're available in a range of styles and capabilities including robust workstations and iMacs with eye-popping displays.

Whether you need to handle general business and Internet-related tasks such as word processing or surfing the Web, or intensive tasks such as video editing or graphic design, you can find just the right desktop for your needs. Regular models are ideal for everyday use, while PC workstations equipped with cutting-edge processors, high-capacity hard drives, and ample, high-end memory make short work of the most intensive computing tasks.

 

Types of Desktops

A desktop computer comes in two main types: the tower or mid-tower format, and all-in-one models. Towers come in a range of sizes, from mini to tall. All-in-one desktop computers feature the processor, storage, and memory enclosed in the monitor itself, forming one compact unit. You can also find models designed specifically for gaming, as well as backpack PCs that are ideal for virtual reality. Most desktop PCs run the Windows operating system. However, if you're an Apple fan, you'll love an all-in-one Apple iMac. With retina displays of up to 27 inches, they're perfect for desktop publishing and video editing work.


How Do Regular Desktop Computers and PC Workstations Differ?

While they look and function similarly, the main difference lies in what's under the hood. Workstations were originally developed by NASA to handle the intensive data processing and graphics rendering tasks in the Apollo space program. This makes them suitable for intensive computing tasks such as video editing, number crunching, and computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM).


Workstation Features

Workstations are fitted with high-specification hardware such as multi-core processors for efficient multitasking, high-capacity SSD units for lightning-fast data storage and retrieval, and ECC (error-correcting code memory) RAM that can detect and correct various types of memory corruption. Many feature high-end graphics cards with dedicated graphics memory. These are desirable if you do a lot of work with videos or images.


Desktops for Small Spaces

All-in-one desktops are very sleek, and you can get small form or micro desktop towers. These types of towers are small enough to fit on a corner of a desk or even behind a monitor. Therefore, whether you're working from a regular office, a small office, or a spare room or corner of your home, you'll be able to find the optimally sized unit for your needs.

If your business or hobby relies on dependable computer systems that can handle the most demanding jobs, you'll find a range of desktop computers that deliver the power and stability you need to succeed. Check out B&H Photo and Video's premier selection of leading brands to find the right equipment and accessories for your exact needs.