Tablet Or laptop: Advantages And Disadvantages Of The Two Concepts

Anyone looking for a new mobile computer will sooner or later inevitably be faced with the question: tablet or laptop? While a few years ago, tablets were unthinkable, today, we already carry around compelling, versatile devices that have blossomed into natural laptop alternatives. In the professional environment, however, tablets cannot (yet) completely replace notebooks. This article will compare the two concepts and their advantages and disadvantages.

Tablet Or Laptop: These Are The Essential Criteria For Decision-Making

Deciding on a suitable device is not easy because, in addition to the weight, several other critical criteria exist. You should always ask yourself in advance what you want to use the tablet or notebook for.

1. Although tablets are very fast, they can’t hold a candle to a notebook in terms of performance. The more significant case offers more space for hardware such as a faster CPU, more RAM, a larger hard drive or a more powerful graphics card. In contrast, tablets don’t have a fan, so only (weaker) hardware that doesn’t produce as much waste heat can be installed. Therefore, a notebook is the better choice for gamers and users of performance-intensive applications.
2. Tablets may not be as powerful as laptops, but they have the edge regarding mobility. Not only are they significantly smaller and lighter than conventional notebooks and therefore easier to transport. The operating system, specially designed for mobile use, also enables very long battery runtimes. Anyone who travels a lot and wants to edit documents or check emails is well advised to use a tablet.
3. Laptops tend to have more ports and connectivity options than tablets. USB, Ethernet and HDMI have long been standard here, whereas a tablet, if at all, only has a USB port or an SD card slot. If you need a device with many external connection options, you should therefore prefer a laptop.
4. Last but not least, in many cases, the decision to buy a device is, of course, a price question. Tablets are usually cheaper than laptops – however, the Apple iPad is an expensive exception.

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Notebook At A Glance

Advantages

1. more powerful hardware
2. more memory
3. suitable for gaming
4. Numerous connection options (e.g. HDMI, USB, Ethernet) and connections (e.g. WLAN, Bluetooth)
5. more comfortable typing (hardware keyboard )
6. Association of several external monitors possible
7. Full range of software functions (e.g. Microsoft Office)
8. upgradeable

Disadvantages

1. shorter battery life
2. higher weight
3. Switching on and off takes longer
4. more expensive to buy (except Apple iPad)

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Tablet At A Glance

Advantages

1. very long battery life
2. can be switched on and off quickly
3. smaller and lighter than notebooks and therefore easier to transport
4. cheap to buy (except Apple iPad)
5. simple swipe and tap controls
6. more convenient surfing and streaming

Disadvantages

1. not as powerful as laptops
2. little disk space
3. only suitable for game apps
4. only a few connection and connection options
5. Typing on the virtual keyboard becomes tiring over time.
6. usually only slimmed-down Office programs with a smaller range of functions
7. not upgradeable

Special Form Convertibles: Laptop And Tablet In One Device

A convertible is a portable computer that is a mixture of a notebook and tablet. The display can also be used as a fully-fledged tablet using folding, sliding, rotating or clicking mechanisms. For a long time, convertibles had a niche existence, but for some time now, such products have become more and more common on the market. There are three variants:

1. Tablets that can be converted into a convertible using an external keyboard.
2. Devices with notebook hardware that can be operated with a “normal” OS-
3. Convertibles that do not run on standard operating systems due to their ARM architecture are therefore equipped with a mobile OS (e.g. iOS or Android).

Convertibles have similar computing power and functionality as a conventional notebook but, at the same time, offer the mobility and feel of a tablet. Simple tasks, such as surfing the Internet or exploring social media, can be done quickly and conveniently using the touchscreen. For more complex tasks, use the integrated keyboard instead.

Conclusion: Which Is Better – Tablet Or Laptop?

Whether a tablet or a laptop is the better choice for you depends on the intended use and personal preferences. Suppose you only use the device to surf and stream films or music and occasionally check emails or edit documents. In that case, a tablet with its long battery life and simple and intuitive operation are just right for you. 

However, if you mainly use the device professionally or for studying at the university and want to achieve maximum productivity, you should use a classic notebook instead. You not only benefit from more storage space and a full range of functions with the standard Office programs but also unrestricted compatibility with the rest of the computer world.

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