Laptops Vs. Tablets

When the iPad first arrived on the scene a few years back, some people questioned whether or not people were actually in need of such a device. Some argued that Apple's first tablet device, although very stylish, was no replacement for a laptop and was therefore an unnecessary addition to personal computing. 

A few years on, and with many different makes of tablet PC on the market, it is definitely safe to say that the general public has taken to the idea of using them.

If you happen to be shopping for a new device, here are a few important considerations that you need to weigh up in order to decide whether a laptop or a tablet PC is for you.

1. How portable does you need your device to be?

Laptops, although known for their portability, are generally quite a lot larger and heavier than tablets.
If you intend to take your new device with you everywhere you go, this could be one of the most important deciding factors. Plus, it is not just how easy to carry, but how easy to use whilst travelling.

 A 17” and even a 15” laptop is a cumbersome item to find room for on a cramped train, whilst you can whip out your tablet with the same ease as you could do a mobile phone. It is worth noting, however, that the tablet keyboards are quite awkward to use – particularly for touch typists, so you may wish to carry a Bluetooth keyboard with you too. Depending on which one you choose, this increases the bulk you need to carry with you.

It is true that you can now get smaller notebooks that have considerable processing power, although most are still slightly larger than the tablet. There are also more sleek and slim ‘Ultrabooks’ available that are lightweight and comparable with tablets for portability. They are however new and still extremely expensive, so if price is a consideration for you, this is unlikely to be in the running. 

2. What kind of features are you looking for?

If you are using your device for work and need to install software, then you may find that it is simply impossible on a tablet PC. Apple and Android devices can only use the apps that are designed for them, so unless you can find a way around this, a laptop will be your best option. If however, your device is only intended for surfing the web, keeping in touch with people, movies, pictures and music, then a tablet will generally suffice.

3. How important is the style of the device to you?

Although many laptops these days are very aesthetically appealing, especially MacBooks, many people still consider a tablet to be more of a designer item. If image is everything to you then a bulky laptop is not for you. You may consider an Ultrabook though in this instance. 

4. Price

There are laptops and tablets that cover a whole range of prices. If price is the deciding factor for you, then don’t proceed to purchase without first checking to see whether you can buy either type of device you go for second hand. There are also discount vouchers available for good computing stores that you can use online to purchase your device for less money.

In conclusion, there are many factors that you need to consider before you enter into your purchase; the portability, power and features available, style and price. Once you have decided on the most important considerations for you, you can happily buy your new device and hopefully won’t look back.

Rita Rova frequently writes for www.LoveMyVouchers.co.uk, the UK discount and voucher code website that enables you to purchase your gadgets for less.