Choosing between laptops and desktop computers for office use has become a strategic decision in 2025. With companies in Mexico increasingly focusing on energy efficiency, productivity, and long-term cost management, understanding the differences between these two types of computers is crucial.
Laptops offer portability and flexibility for remote work, while desktops typically provide better performance and upgrade options at a lower initial cost. This guide compares the total cost in MXN, energy consumption, lifespan, upgrade possibilities, and space requirements.
By analyzing sample configurations and monthly electricity costs, IT teams and managers can make informed decisions to optimize the office both in terms of efficiency and budget.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Laptops:

• Initial Cost: Basic laptops suitable for office tasks range between MXN 15,000 and MXN 25,000.

• Maintenance: Generally lower due to fewer moving parts and integrated components.

• Replacement Cycle: Typically 3–5 years, influenced by battery lifespan and hardware limitations.

Desktops:

• Initial Cost: Basic office desktops start around MXN 12,000, with high-end models reaching MXN 30,000 or more.

• Maintenance: Potentially higher due to separate components and more complex configurations.

• Replacement Cycle: Often 5–7 years, with individual components replaceable or upgradable.

Energy Consumption

Energy efficiency is a critical factor in Mexico, where the average electricity cost for businesses is MXN 3.972 per kWh.

Laptops:

• Energy Consumption: Approximately 30–70 watts per hour during active use.

• Monthly Consumption: Assuming 8 hours of daily use, this equals 7–17 kWh per month.

• Monthly Cost: Between MXN 14 and MXN 34, depending on usage and energy rates.

Desktops:

• Energy Consumption: Ranges between 200 and 500 watts per hour, depending on configuration.

• Monthly Consumption: Approximately 48–120 kWh per month with 8 hours of daily use.

• Monthly Cost: Between MXN 191 and MXN 477.

Clearly, laptops offer a more energy-efficient option, translating into lower operating costs and a smaller carbon footprint.

Upgradeability and Lifespan

Laptops:

• Upgradeability: Limited to RAM and storage in most models; CPU or GPU upgrades are usually not possible.

• Lifespan: Typically 3–5 years, influenced by battery degradation and integrated component limitations.

Desktops:

• Upgradeability: High; components like CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage can be upgraded as needed.

• Lifespan: 5–7 years or more, with individual components replaceable to extend the total system lifespan.

Desktops provide greater flexibility to adapt to future technological needs.

Space and Ergonomics

Office space is another important factor.

Desktops:

• Require a dedicated area on the desk for the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Multiple units can occupy significant space, which can be an issue in small offices.

Laptops:

• Compact and portable, can be used anywhere, facilitating hot-desking or remote work.

• Combined with docking stations, they allow for desk-like ergonomics without permanent installations.

Choosing between laptops and desktops depends on office layout, employee mobility, and space constraints.

Sample Configurations

2025 Work Laptop:

• Intel Core i5-13500H

• 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD

• 15.6” FHD Display

• Battery: 60Wh

• Cost: MXN 22,000

• Monthly electricity cost: MXN 10–12

2025 Office Desktop:

• Intel Core i5-13400

• 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 1TB HDD

• 24” FHD Monitor

• Dedicated GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1650

• Cost: MXN 20,000

• Monthly electricity cost: MXN 50–55

This comparison highlights the differences: laptops save on energy and space, while desktops offer greater performance and upgrade flexibility.

Choosing the Right Mix for Your Office

For IT managers and decision-makers in Mexico:

• Remote or Hybrid Teams: Laptops are ideal for mobility, low energy consumption, and workspace flexibility.

• High-Performance or Long-Term Installations: Desktops offer cost-effective performance, modular upgrades, and longer lifespan.

• Hybrid Approach: Many modern offices benefit from a mix: desktops for demanding users (design, finance, analysis) and laptops for traveling or remote employees.

By evaluating the total cost in MXN, monthly electricity bills, lifespan, and space requirements, companies can optimize their hardware investment for productivity and sustainability.

Key Conclusions

• 2025 Laptops: Better for mobility, low energy consumption, small spaces, slightly higher initial cost, limited upgrade potential.

• 2025 Desktops: Better for performance, upgrades, long-term cost efficiency, higher energy consumption, need for more space.

• Cost Management: Consider both the initial cost and ongoing electricity bills in Mexico.

• IT Strategy: Choose according to job requirements, mobility needs, and office design to maximize productivity and ROI.

Prepare Your Workspace for the Future with Informed Computer Decisions

Choosing between laptops and desktops for your office in 2025 requires balancing cost, energy efficiency, and performance.

Laptops offer mobility and flexibility for remote or hybrid work, while desktops provide higher performance, facilitate upgrades, and potentially reduce energy costs per unit of computing power. For companies in Mexico, understanding your team's workflow, office space, and long-term IT budget is essential.

DITESA's extensive experience in hardware distribution, equipment leasing, and IT infrastructure ensures that businesses can implement solutions tailored to their unique needs. By carefully evaluating these factors, offices can optimize productivity, energy consumption, and the total value of their investment.