What is a desktop replacement computer?

A desktop replacement computer is a personal computer that provides the full capabilities of a desktop computer while remaining mobile (wikipedia). Talking about the appearance, a desktop replacement computer is often larger and bulkier than the ordinary laptops. Talking about the performance, they have much similarity with the regular desktop. No wonder a desktop replacement computer is sometimes called desknotes.

What’s the difference between a desktop replacement computer and a desktop computer?
Mainly, there are two points which differentiate a desktop replacement computer from a desktop computer. First is the appearance. A desktop replacement is portable, meaning that you can bring it somewhere else easily. Second is its performance. Compared to a laptop computer, a desktop replacement has more capabilities similar to a desktop computer. However, compared to a desktop computer, a desktop replacement computer is usually difficult to upgrade. It is because many of their major components (such as the display) integral to the design of the machine, and others (such as the CPU and GPU) often being hard to access and replace.

What’s the difference between a desktop replacement computer and a laptop?
In terms of the appearance, a desktop replacement is usually larger and bulkier than the regular laptop. On the other hand, it generally performs better than the regular laptop-style computers in terms of the performance. Well, it’s the size which enables it to perform better because the size allows the inclusion of more powerful components similar to the regular desktop computer. Most of the time, a larger body means more efficient heat-dissipation. Furthermore, their increased size allows for greater expandability and features, as well as larger and brighter displays. However, a desktop replacement still often suffer from limitations similar to those of more mobile laptops because of its laptop form factor. As an example, they usually lack the ability to accept standard PCI expansion cards.

This portable computer is mostly suitable for whom?
In short, if you need computer which is similar enough to a desktop computer in terms of the performance but still portable enough, a desktop replacement computer is what you need, not the others.