Learn how to – Laptop or Tablet: Which Device is Right for Your Needs?.
A tablet and a laptop are fundamentally different devices and cannot be put on the same shelf, and the choice depends more on the intended purpose in each case. Of course, it’s good if you have several devices for different tasks. Still, if the budget is limited and you plan to buy only one, it comes to choosing the best variant for your needs. To do this, you must consider the benefits of using each device, which we’ll review in this article.
Main Pros of Tablets
At the current stage of their evolution, tablets can’t get the status of a fully portable computer. Still, whether the tablet can replace the laptop varies depending on your specific tasks. So, for some users, a compact but functional device will be an excellent alternative to a computer if it meets all their requirements. And now, you can see the main benefits of the tablet over a laptop in the table below.
|
Mobility |
The compactness and lightness of tablets allow you to carry them with you almost always and everywhere, whereas, in the case of a laptop, you must buy a bag to transport it. |
|
Display resolution |
In today’s tablets, displays are used with a quality level of smartphone screens, which differ significantly from the matrices of laptop monitors. In this case, the tablet’s price can be half the cost of a laptop. |
|
Built-in cameras |
Typically, tablets, similar to smartphones, are equipped with two cameras: the main and front, which allow you to take photos and shoot video. However, if we talk about a laptop camera, it’s suitable only for video calls through apps. |
|
Fast access and speed |
Tablets are fast on/off and come out of sleep mode instantly with a button, allowing quick access to the device’s functionality. In addition, finger or stylus control through the touch screen will enable you to perform various actions much faster, and mobile operating systems demonstrate higher performance. |
| Apps reliability | Downloading programs and games from the official app store on your mobile device prevents you from worrying about viruses, which can’t be said about the same actions through the web. |
|
Resistance to damage |
Of course, we can not say that the tablet is not subject to mechanical damage, but it wins compared to the laptop on this parameter. Bumps or falls are usual for tablets but not for laptops. But unfortunately, sometimes, even the most reliable devices break down and malfunction. In this case, the best solution is to go to the Howly website and ask computer questions online at your convenience. |
| Replacement of several devices | The tablet is very convenient to read, so it can easily replace an e-book. Also, if necessary, the device can work as a digital frame. |
| GPS-navigator | Tablets often have a GPS module, which can be used as a navigator. In addition, with 3G support, it is convenient to download maps from the network. |
Main Pros of Laptops
Modern technology dictates its rules, sending obsolete devices into oblivion and expanding the electronics market with innovative gadgets. But the same cannot be said for laptops, which are those long-lived devices that are still relevant today. Below we’ll break down the benefits of these indispensable for some users’ computers in a convenient table.
| Display size | Usually, it’s more convenient to use a device with a large screen for most tasks. Thus, the laptop can replace the desktop computer, but the tablet, on this point, loses. |
|
Input devices (keyboard, mouse, touchpad) |
A laptop is much more equipped than a tablet. Thus, working with serious programs, editors, and other software is better on a laptop, while communication and some games fit the tablets. |
| Wide range of performed tasks | The technical equipment of a portable device is designed to perform almost any action. Another helpful feature of laptops is disc recording. |
|
Amount of internal memory |
Whichever drive is installed on your laptop, hard drive, or SSD, they offer significantly more space than the internal memory of tablets. So despite the possibility of storing large amounts of information in the cloud, this option is not suitable for everyone. |
| Using a USB flash drive | As for USB ports, they are implemented in laptops in sufficient quantity, while tablets lack this feature, only some of them can support interaction with flash drives, and that with the use of OTG-cable. |
| Software | You can easily find software for popular operating systems on the Internet. However, mobile operating systems are much younger, so their range of apps is not so diverse. |
What to Choose: a Tablet or a Laptop
So, the essential thing in this choice is to know your needs. Thus, this or that device may be ideal for you, depending on your tasks. Although tablets are more modern, it’s still too early to write off laptops. They’re perfect for the home since laptops can easily replace desktop computers, and if necessary, you can take your laptop with you because it’s still a portable PC.
On the other hand, working on a device with great equipment and a computer operating system is much more convenient. Unfortunately, many professional programs are supported only by such OS and consume many resources. Sometimes, you need a powerful laptop or computer to work, so not even a mid-level device is appropriate.
The same can be said about choosing a machine for a gamer. Well, it’s unlikely adepts of computer games will be satisfied with the tablet’s capabilities. However, the latest models of appliances impress with their characteristics. Moreover, some of them are now available for recent game software.
For a student, it may be enough to have a tablet, but most often, the study is comparable to the same work, which requires a lot of typing, work in various programs, etc. So it’s better to buy a laptop. For people who can’t imagine life without the Internet and social networks, the best solution would be to choose a tablet. It’s also the best option for preschool, elementary school children, and the elderly.
Conclusion
So, there’s not a single answer, which is better to buy: a tablet or a laptop, since it’s an individual issue. Of course, having several gadgets for any task is ideal, but opportunities often force people to choose. A good alternative today is to buy a hybrid device that can work as a tablet and a laptop, but we’ll probably discuss it in the following articles.
About the Author
Christine Tomas is a tech expert, consultant, and aspiring writer. She writes for different news portals and thematic blogs that helps her stay at the heart of the programming and technology news. Such work gives her the opportunity to write articles on the most relevant topics today.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.