Should You Buy A Tablet Or A Laptop?

If you are looking for a new device, you may be wondering whether to buy a laptop or a tablet. Either one can be an excellent choice, and each provides its own unique benefits. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding between the two, as it entirely depends on what you want from your device.

To help you choose, here is a quick and easy guide to the pros and cons of tablets and laptop computers.

Portability

The obvious benefit of a tablet is that you can take it absolutely anywhere. It can fit in your bag or purse, and you can easily whip it out on public transport or hold it comfortably in bed. Although laptops are getting smaller, a tablet is smaller and lighter than even the most compact portable computer, so they win this competition hands down. 

Display

The importance of the display will depend on what you intend to use your device for. The display will be of utmost importance if you plan on streaming media, editing photos, or playing games with detailed graphics.

There are two key aspects when it comes to display: size and resolution. This is one area where the laptop’s extra size is a bonus, and the larger screen will offer a better experience when watching films or television. In terms of resolution, tablets often present a sharper image, as their smaller screen display offers a higher pixel density.

Storage

Even a budget laptop will generally have at least 500 gigabytes of storage, whereas high-end tablets offer between 16 and 128 gigabytes. If you plan on storing a vast amount of data, there is no question that you need a laptop.

Cameras

If it’s a good camera you’re after, tablets generally offer the best quality and usually come with both front and rear cameras. A small tablet can be used for taking photos in any situation, while most laptops merely offer a front-facing camera for making video calls.

Battery Life

Tablets are designed for efficiency and portability, so their battery lives are often considerably longer than that of a laptop. Laptops require much higher processing power and more powerful hardware, so there is less space inside for a large battery. The best tablets can support up to ten hours of use, while the average laptop provides power for between four and eight hours.

Performance

For everyday tasks like checking email or browsing the web, there will not be any noticeable difference in performance between the two devices. But for activities requiring more processing power, for example, running multiple applications at once or using high definition graphics, a laptop will always win.

Interface

Tablets rely solely on a touchscreen interface, whereas laptops come with a keyboard and a mouse. Although this benefits tablets in terms of portability, it presents a challenge for tricky tasks like inputting text. A laptop is the best option if you type a lot, although you can purchase an external Bluetooth keyboard for your tablet if you wish.

In summary, a tablet is a simple-to-use, portable option that affords more convenience in using a device on the go. However, for a high-functioning, powerful device, a modern tablet is still unable to match a laptop computer. Think about what is most important to you and prioritize these aspects accordingly.