Let’s face it; the name of the game nowadays is portability. We’re on the go more than ever and like to have the ability to be connected no matter where we are. This reality is especially true when you head off to school and are looking for the best laptops for college. Or maybe you’d rather have a tablet with a detachable keyboard.
So, which one makes the most sense for you? Here are some items to consider as you decide between tablet pcs and laptops, sifting through features like the smart keyboard, core i processor, and android devices capabilities.
Size
Size is easily the most significant reason to choose a tablet over a laptop. They’re much smaller, easy to carry around, and typically weigh just a few pounds. On the flip side, laptops are heavier and larger. Even the lightest of the portable laptops check in over two pounds.
Tablets are much easier to transport than laptops, but you’re sacrificing screen space and USB ports. If you don’t need these types of features, then a tablet is the choice for you.
Storage
Another critical item when choosing between a laptop or tablet is its storage space. While solid-state hard drives are making storage capability more robust on tablets, they don’t compare to the amount of data a traditional laptop can hold.
However, both devices typically support the usage of a microSD card or USB port, so you can create additional storage when necessary. At the end of the day, if you need storage space, a laptop is what you need.
Battery
Battery life is one of the more essential features people focus on when choosing between a tablet and a laptop. Tablets are smaller; however, their batteries take up a lot of space. Comparatively, laptops have smaller cells but require more energy to power their hardware.
Even some of the most efficient laptops don’t run as long as tablets do. Tablets are regularly exceeding 10 hours of usage before they need to be plugged in. This efficiency is something laptops simply can’t match.
However, something to keep in mind is that some of the more recent laptops, like Chromebooks and Macbook Airs, are touting up to eight hours of usage on a charge.
Operating System
Lastly, you should consider the operating system you want to use. If you’re heavy into Android, then it might make sense to choose a laptop or tablet that’s compatible with your smartphone and apps. There are plenty of Android tablet devices on the market that you’re sure to find one that fits your needs.
The problem with laptop operating systems is that they are often designed for desktop usage, making them bloated and outdated. They bog down even the simplest tasks, which makes for frustrating user experience.
Now that you know some of the pros and cons of tablets and laptops, which one makes the most sense for you? Is it the ultra-portable tablet with the simple OS and long-lasting battery? Or is it the high-powered laptop, with lots of storage space and ports for all your peripherals?
