At first glance, a tablet computer and a laptop computer appear to have many of the same features and functions. But they are different, and each has its strengths, which means choosing between them comes down to what’s most important to you. Here are the things you should consider before renting or purchasing a tablet or laptop.
Tablet Computers
- Because they’re thin and light, tablets are more portable than laptops.
- Tablets turn on like smartphones, so there’s no waiting to boot up.
- With no keyboard or mouse, tablet navigation is simply tapping and swiping.
- Battery life for a tablet can be as much as twice that of a laptop’s.
- Tablets are the better option for running the latest apps.
- Because of their size, tablet computers are easier for reading e-books and digital magazines.
- Tablets have less power than laptops and are designed to do one thing at a time.
Laptops Computers
- If you do a lot of typing (whether essays, reports, or even email), the laptop’s physical keyboard is more convenient, comfortable, and precise than a tablet’s on-screen keyboard. This also makes laptops better suited for online activities like buying gifts, managing finances, or updating professional profiles, which can be frustrating using only swipe-and-flick functionality.
- Although there are some variations, laptop screens are generally 12-16 inches (compared to tablet screens, which are 7-11 inches). A larger screen is better for watching movies and gaming, as well as multitasking.
- Laptops have more power and storage, as well as USM and SD card ports that make it easy to move files to and from the machine.
When comparing tablets to laptops, consider first what the machine’s primary use will be. Browsing Pinterest and reading novels do not require the same power, functionality, storage, or screen size as creating spreadsheets, writing reports, and keeping in touch with the office.