why do laptops cost so much

[themaniac]

so say you find a laptop with simalar specs to a desktop but the laptop costs so much more why is that?

[79wjd]

so say you find a laptop with simalar specs to a desktop but the laptop costs so much more why is that?

Because they're much more compact and power efficient (custom designed parts). They also include a screen, keyboard, trackpad, and better into the cost. 

 

Look at phones, they have much less powerful hardware, but are similarly priced. a Nexus 6 is less powerful than most laptop, yet still costs the same as most-average laptops -- $600/700. 

[Altecice]

Because they're much more compact and power efficient. 

 

This is the real answer. making things smaller costs money therefore its passed onto the customer.

[Gr0egercesg]

Different form factor of everything

[LinusTech]

Not to mention they need to go through validation and certification processes, and need to be supported after sales in a way that a typical desktop component doesn't.

[GodSpoon]

Having to cram hardware into a smaller form factor, the engineers and designers need paid, thus the hardware and overhead for creation costs a lot, which gets passed on to you

[bob345]

You have to take into account the amount of engineering that it takes to fit so much power into such a small form factor. If you have ever taken apart a laptop, you will see how compact everything is and that there is absolutely no wasted space.

[I/O]

so say you find a laptop with simalar specs to a desktop but the laptop costs so much more why is that?

Cause it's mobile and extremely small form factor which means it has to be highly engineered so as to not overheat.