We’ve all heard this question before: tablet computer vs. laptop — which is the best. People often ask the question because they’re looking for the best new technology purchase and are usually trying to determine if tablets are right for them. This is because most decent tablets cost less than powerful laptops. The obvious answer is, it depends on what you want the product for! There’s no right or wrong answer when answering the tablet computer vs. laptop.
In our society today, we are bombarded with ads and sales pitches for tablet computers vs. laptops. Although I love my laptop, there are many reasons why I think a tablet computer can be a better choice for you, too. Many people seem to be a bit confused about whether they should buy a tablet computer or buy a laptop.
Tablet Computer VS Laptop: What is a tablet computer?
A tablet computer, commonly shortened to a tablet, is a thin, flat mobile computer with a touchscreen display. The touchscreen display uses the recognition of finger or stylus gestures to replace the use of mice and keyboards. Tablets are equipped with sensors, including cameras, a microphone, and an accelerometer, and the touchscreen display uses a virtual keyboard or a digital pen.
The form factor is typically smaller than that of a notebook or laptop computer but larger than that of a smartphone. It was initially designed as an alternative to laptop computers. Even though the tablets were primarily entertainment devices, some applications have been developed for professionals such as business professionals and doctors. It has also received criticism for being used for dangerous tasks such as playing games while walking in the street without regard for traffic.
Tablet Computer VS Laptop: What is a laptop?
A laptop is a portable computer that includes all the desktop computer components. These components include a motherboard and CPU, RAM, hard drive, and optical drive (DVD or CD). A laptop also has a display, keyboard and touchpad, and speakers. Laptops usually run on batteries or an AC power adapter.
Laptops are smaller than typical desktop computers, measuring around 15 inches wide by 11 inches deep by 1-1/2 inches thick. These computers are designed to be easily transported from place to place because they are light enough to carry in a backpack or briefcase. Design elements, form factors,s, and construction can also vary significantly between models depending on the intended use. Examples of specialized models of laptops include rugged notebooks for use in construction or military applications and Portable computers, which later developed into modern ones.
What are the key differences between a tablet computer VS laptop?
Both tablets and laptops come in various sizes and price points, from mini models with small screens to the latest high-end models with large screens and powerful processors. And they all offer access to a wide range of apps. If you’re looking to boost Spotify followers, check out Jaynike for effective solutions.
Here are the key differences between tablets and laptops:
- Tablets are slim and lightweight, usually under 1kg; laptops typically weigh over 2kg.
- Tablets run on batteries that need recharging every few days or weeks; laptops typically run for several hours on a single charge.
- Tablets have smaller screens than most laptops: 7 to 13 inches compared to 11 to 17 inches.
- Tablets generally don’t support Flash, so some websites won’t work properly (but most will).
Screen size
Tablet computers are generally much smaller than laptops, with the current average size being around seven inches. Laptops can range from 11 to 17 inches.
The most obvious advantage of a larger screen is that you have more room for your programs and applications to be displayed on the screen simultaneously. This means that you can see more of your Facebook page or Twitter feed rather than scroll up and down or left and right continually. It also means that you can view multiple tabs on your web browser simultaneously, rather than switching between them continually.
A tablet computer’s small size also makes it much easier to carry around anywhere you want, whereas a laptop is a little more cumbersome. If you want an Internet-enabled computer in your bag when you go out, a tablet computer is the best choice.
A downside of large screen size is that it drains battery power quicker. If you want all-day use on a single charge, then a tablet computer is once again the better choice; if you want the option of using your machine for several hours without needing to plug it in to recharge, then a laptop would be better, especially if it has an extended life battery installed.
Form factor
Tablet or laptop? That’s the perennial question for mobile professionals who want to stay productive on the go. A tablet might seem like a good compromise: it’s lighter and smaller than a laptop, but it still has a large screen and can run standard office apps. But there are plenty of other considerations besides weight and size.
The form factor is the most obvious difference between tablets and laptops. A tablet is just a screen, with most of its other components — including the battery, processor, and memory — packed into an area behind or beneath the display. This makes it thinner, lighter, and more streamlined than a laptop because none of those components need to fit around a keyboard or touchpad. However, this also means that tablets are one-piece devices: there aren’t any moving parts beyond the screen. It’s impossible to add accessories without buying specialized adapters; even connecting to an external monitor is difficult unless your tablet has an HDMI port (many don’t).
Laptops have all their components built in around the screen, which gives them much more flexibility when accessing peripherals. Laptop keyboards are usually connected via USB or Bluetooth, which means you can easily swap in different models if you have special needs (such as a larger key).
Touchscreen vs. keyboard
Source: Teguar Computers
There are many mobile devices on the market, and it can be hard to determine which one is best for your needs. With tablets gaining in popularity and becoming more powerful, they may seem like a good alternative to laptops for some buyers.
Although both laptop computers and tablets are portable, there are significant differences between the two devices. One of the most notable is the difference between having access to a keyboard and using a touchscreen surface.
Keyboard
Most laptops have a full-size keyboard that allows you to type as fast as using a desktop computer. Tablets do not have keyboards; instead, you must use an on-screen keyboard or attach a physical keyboard to the device for text input.
Touchscreens vs. Touchpads
Another significant difference between laptops and tablets is touch input. Tablets often use touch surfaces and styluses instead of typing on a keyboard or mousing a trackpad or mouse. Laptops typically come with touchpads, but some also include touchscreens that can substitute for touchpads in certain situations.
Hard drive
The tablet computer and the laptop are two devices that are similar in purpose but have very distinct differences. Both devices can browse the Internet, store files, and run software programs. But, for each of these functions, a tablet computer is either slower, limited in capabilities, or both.
The hard drive is an example of one component where a laptop has a clear advantage over a tablet computer. Tablets typically do not have built-in hard drives (the iPad is one major exception) and instead use flash memory like that found in digital cameras to store data. Hard drives offer much more storage space than flash memory and allow users to store large amounts of data on their computers.
While it’s true that tablets lack many features found on laptops, they do offer some benefits that laptops cannot match. Tablet computers are smaller and more portable than laptops, making them easier to carry and use in many different locations. Plus, tablets offer touch screen capabilities and virtual keyboards that make them easy to use.
Software
Laptops and tablets are personal computers, but they come in different shapes and sizes. Laptops are portable but not as portable as tablets. Tablets are also convenient for browsing the Internet or watching movies in your free time. You can use a laptop for the same things, but you’ll have to be near a power outlet – otherwise, your battery will run out of power.
Specs and software
Laptops have more processing power than tablets and can do more complex tasks. For example, you can create spreadsheets or word documents on a laptop but not on a tablet. Tablets have less memory (RAM) than laptops, so they might not store as many files.
However, tablets are getting more like laptops every day. It’s now possible to attach keyboards to most tablets (wirelessly or with wires). This makes it easier to write long emails or reports on them.
The main programs you would use on a laptop or PC include:
- a web browser (e.g., Google Chrome)
- email (e.g., Outlook)
- chat apps (e.g., WhatsApp)
- word processing software (e.g., Word)
- spreadsheets (e.g., Excel)
Battery life
Tablet computers have three things going for them when it comes to battery life. They have smaller screens, use lower-powered processors, and are designed to operate in a low-power state most of the time. In general, you can expect 8 to 10 hours of battery life from an iPad. While most laptops will last only half that long.
Some laptops may boast longer battery life than their tablet counterparts. But this is usually only the case with entry-level models with smaller screens and slower processors. If you spend your days working at a desk near a power outlet and don’t need to travel with your laptop, then short battery life probably won’t be an issue. But if you work on the move or just want the freedom of not being tethered to a power outlet, then a tablet will be the best choice by far.
Price point
Tablets are significantly cheaper than laptops. The average laptop costs anywhere from $400 to $800, while the average tablet costs between $100 and $200. If you simply want a portable device that allows you to organize your life, read online articles, or browse the web on the go, a tablet is the least expensive option to do so.
The price point is usually the deciding factor for most people when purchasing either piece of technology. Laptops have traditionally cost more than tablets due to their more robust computing power. However, as tablets have become more popular over the past few years, so has their price range.
Portability
If portability is your number one goal when buying a new device, tablets are hard to beat. Most tablets are lightweight and small enough to fit snugly into your purse or bag. Making them easy to take with you wherever you go. Laptops tend to be bulkier and less convenient for secure travel.
Tablet Computer VS Laptop: Why would you choose a laptop?
Laptops are a great option for anyone who needs to work on the go. They’re lightweight, portable, and can be powered by a single battery charge for hours on end. These days, laptops are also powerful enough to handle most tasks. Whether you’re a student, professional, or gamer, you can probably find an affordable laptop that fits your needs.
If you spend a lot of time typing or need to run demanding programs like photo editors, video editors, or CAD software, laptops are probably the right choice.
Because they don’t have a keyboard attached, tablets aren’t as comfortable typing long documents. Most tablets also aren’t powerful enough to keep up with intensive programs like video editing software. If you use a tablet primarily for browsing the web, watching videos, and playing games, then there’s no reason to spend more money on a laptop.
Tablet Computer VS Laptop: Why would you choose a tablet?
Tablet prices have come down considerably. Result is that you can get a very good one for just a few hundred dollars now. Tablets are also lighter than laptops, with some models weighing in at just 1 pound or less. They’re also smaller than traditional PCs, so they’re more portable. And they don’t need a fan to keep them cool. So you can use them in bed without getting hot and bothered.
On the flip side, tablets don’t give you a full-size keyboard to type on. Although some tablets are bundled with a removable keyboard. And they tend to have fewer ports than laptops — two of the most common complaints about the devices.
Windows 10 is more tablet-friendly than previous versions of Windows. And it’s free for those who already own Windows 7 or Windows 8. But if you want to run older programs, such as Adobe Photoshop CS 6 or Microsoft Office 2013, you might want to stick with a laptop or desktop PC for now. These apps aren’t optimized for touchscreens. Also, if you need to use your computer for work, you’ll probably have better luck with a laptop. Many businesses still don’t support mobile apps.
Final Words
There are clear differences between the tablet computer and the laptop, and their uses are not completely identical. According to research, the laptop vs. tablet debate is helping consumers to make up their minds, especially with more people using these devices to get online. The tablet computer is easier to transport and use, but a laptop will be better for getting tasks done for business or school. Ultimately, only you can weigh the pros and cons of each computer and decide which one is right for you.
So, before you buy a laptop or tablet computer, consider your needs carefully, at least compared to your current work habits. A small investment in a tablet computer could change how you do things with the power of cloud computing. As well as the convenient mobile device software.
As a brief point of discussion, some may wonder if it makes sense to keep both a laptop and a tablet computer. While no single answer will apply to everyone, it is worth considering which device best matches your habits and needs as a designer. If you regularly rely on specific apps for your work, having a laptop with preinstalled programs maybe your best option. If you are open to sharing files between devices and prefer the convenience of working from anywhere without carrying around a separate device, then perhaps a tablet can do the trick.
