HP 14-inch HD Windows 11 Laptop vs Dell OptiPlex 3050 SFF

Buy the HP 14 if you need a portable laptop for browsing, writing and video calls, and you want a current Windows 11 machine with a warranty and a light 3.11 lb body. Buy the Dell Optiplex 3050 SFF only if you want a desk-bound desktop with more RAM and storage for light multitasking and you accept refurbished hardware and an older Windows 10 Pro install. The HP wins on portability, battery life and software support; the Dell wins on memory, storage and upgrade room. Owners of the HP rate it 4.1 out of 5 across 1,905 ratings, with the usual complaints about 4 GB of RAM and the 720p screen.

• Choose the HP 14-inch if you want one light laptop you can carry between rooms, with a modern OS, a privacy shutter and long battery life.
• Choose the Dell Optiplex 3050 SFF if you want a stationary desktop with 16 GB of RAM, an SSD plus a hard drive, and room to swap parts.