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The age-old debate of laptop vs tablet is always a fun one to have.
There are many factors that go into deciding which device will be best for you and your lifestyle, but we’ll make it easier by breaking down the pros and cons of each.
Before we start, make sure you know how you will use your new gadget.
Is the primary use for your device to take notes in class, write a novel or blog post, watch movies and TV shows on the go, surf the web?
Or do you need it to run your business, online schooling, programming?
There are various features to look at: operating system, storage capacity, screen size.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular use cases and aspects of laptops and tablets.
Laptop vs tablet: the main differences
| Reasons to choose a laptop | Reasons to choose a tablet |
|---|---|
| Large storage capacity | Longer battery life |
| Better for writing | Light and compact |
| More powerful | Cheaper than laptops |
| Desktop operating systems have more features | Tablets tend to have better cameras |
| Connectivity | Tablet often come with a better display |
| If you plan on using your device primarily for work, gaming or productivity purposes, then you should choose a laptop. | If you’re looking for a device that lets you enjoy entertainment from the comfort of your home, then choose a tablet. |
Tablets and laptops are like apples and oranges. Both have their pros, but the differences in design will make one better suited for you than it is for someone else with different needs or preferences.
For example, if you want to do some light browsing on the go, a tablet is perfect. If you’d like to edit photos or play games in your spare time then laptops would be best.
Can a tablet replace a laptop? For most people no, but if it covers all your needs – go for it.
The benefits you get from each device depend entirely on your personal preferences.
Portability
There is a reason that thin, ultralight tablets are becoming more popular than heavy and bulky laptops.
The thinner design of the tablet makes it easier to travel since they can easily fit in your purse or even a large pocket as opposed to having them bunched up around you while using a laptop which often has a thicker body, heavier batteries.
Casual use
The tablet is much more mobile than a laptop, has long battery life and the ability to be used for fun. It’s perfect for people who don’t want anything too heavy or bulky.
For those who need a versatile option that does many things well, laptops are an excellent choice due to their increased typing capability and a broader range of uses.
Even small features as a numeric keyboard in a laptop might be more useful than you could imagine.
Student
In the past, many high school and college students had to lug their laptop around campus because it was more powerful than tablets.
However, these days most people have smartphones with all-around capabilities that are so much better at taking notes or working on coursework requiring specific programs.
For those looking for a lightweight option of carrying back and forth from classes without having to worry about power outlets in classrooms across campus, a tablet may be the best choice.
For example, medical students do not need a powerful laptop as they won’t use any heavy tasks while studying.
On the other hand, laptops for engineering students are always on the higher end as they use high performance required software like AutoCAD, Solidworks.
Artists
Laptops are a practical tool for artists, but they’re not the only kind of computer that can be used to create and view media.
Tablets have more features such as hand-held nature which makes them superior in certain situations where drawing laptops would fall short due to their larger size.
For advanced photo editing or video production, a powerful laptop with a larger screen is required because it has greater processing power than tablets.
Business
The benefits that come with laptops for business use are undeniable. The faster processors make laptops better for typical office tasks like typing, video conferencing or voice broadcasting services for your team.
The detachable keyboard of a tablet is not suitable when you spend most of your day typing.
A decent storage capacity is also important to store important documents.
But there’s no need to give up the portability of your tablet when it comes time to head out on a lunch break or meet last-minute deadlines at home.
Different people have different needs – if your job requires only basic computing tasks, a tablet can be helpful as well.
Price
The price is also an important factor when deciding which device to get. Laptops tend to be much more expensive because of the hardware they come with. A good laptop with the latest components starts from $500.
Performance
Talking about performance, it is obvious that most laptops are more powerful than tablets.
Having fans in a laptop allows to control the heat and use powerful components for increased performance.
Ultrathin tablets are made without the fans found in laptops, and this makes them reliable on low-performance processors and operating systems.
Wrap up: which one to choose – laptop or tablet?
There are many factors that go into deciding which device will be best for you and your lifestyle.
But when you know exactly how you will use it, what tasks you need to complete – the decision is quite simple.
Hopefully, this article has been helpful in your decision.
