We are hearing more and more talk about tablet computers as manufacturers like Sony and Motorola join Apple in the mobile computing race. Our customers want to know what the real differences are between tablet and laptop computers. Can a tablet replace a laptop?
Here are some general difference between tablets and laptops to consider before deciding which type of computer is right for you.
Tablets are simple.
The tablet has taken the world by storm. As a more approachable, user-friendly computer, many folks are purchasing 
tablets to begin learning email and basic internet functions. For example, my mom rejected the internet until very recently. Once she was given an iPad, her world changed. She was not only less intimidated by the idea of the internet and computers, she also found that it was something she could figure out, even on her own. A couple of years ago, I thought she would never be friendly with the net. Now, she is able to browse Facebook, play games and even search for things online.
The same goes for kids. Tablets are a great way to keep your kids occupied during long road trips; they can do anything from playing games to drawing to learning on interactive storybooks.
Business as usual.
Another huge question is, can I use my tablet, instead of my laptop, for business? The answer depends on the type of work you do. For instance, if you work for a company with specific software that is not yet available on tablets, then you probably cannot switch to a tablet just yet. Or, if you need to save a large number of big files, tablets may not be your best option. Otherwise, tablets can handle a surprising amount of information. They are also great for note-taking during meetings and are much easier to carry around than their heavier cousin, the laptop.
Many companies have already embraced tablet technology. In fact, more than 50% of Fortune 500 companies purchased iPads in their first few months of availability (source: The Economic Times).
Design differences.
One of the key differences between a tablet and a laptop is a physical keyboard and size. Because of their smaller size, tablets typically do not come with physical keyboards and are instead fitted with a touch keyboard. Most tablets have keyboards that can be purchased, but they won’t feel exactly like an attached one. If you do a lot of typing, this may be one of the hardest things to get past when considering switching to a tablet.
Another difference is the lack of a trackpad (rectangular area used instead of a mouse) on tablets. Since tablets are typically full touch screen devices, trackpads are not really necessary. Artists and graphic designers will appreciate the ability to use a digital pen to draw images and edit photos easily; many tablets even come with pens.
The viewing styles are also something to consider. Laptops typically sit at around 90 degrees, making it easy to adjust the screen. Tablets, on the other hand, fit better in laps, and usually require something to hold them up properly at a desk.
Price.
Tablets can run you approximately $150 more than laptop PCs. Depending on the brands you’re comparing, you’ll want to consider the cost vs. benefits (hard drive space, battery life, simplicity, etc.)
Media.
Storing multimedia including images and videos will be more limited on tablet computers, but many tablets have optimized displays, supporting High-Definition video (think Netflix and Hulu). Tablets also have a more interactive nature; many games, programs, and websites are optimized for tablets.
Want to know more? Check out the following additional tablet vs. laptop blog posts.
PART II
PART III
PART IV
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We could go on forever comparing tablets to laptops. If you’d like to talk to us about what’s best for your personal situation, give us a call at (877) MAKEITWork or (877) 625-3489.
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Thanks for your question! It looks like there’s an iPhone/iPad app for Matlab, but you may want to read this article to make sure it is fully compatible for all of your needs. As far as we know, there is not an Android version available yet. You may want to get in touch with the people from MathWorks (Matlab’s distributor) to ask more specific questions and see what they recommend. If you have any more questions for us, feel free to give us a call at (877) MAKEITWork or (877) 625-3489.
For a Realtor who already owns a laptop (Our daughter)
Is it redundant to buy her a tablet as a birthday gift?
Thanks for your question. It’s not redundant, depending on how she would use it. Since it’s more portable, she may prefer to carry with her rather than her laptop. If you have specific questions about software compatibility or differences, give us a call at (877) MAKEITWork or (877) 625-3489.
-Danielle
I am a little concerned about the tablet not having a usb port or any other ability for external storage or files. My hubby wants an iPad2 for Christmas but it may be better to get a laptop. What do you think?
There are several devices that can be used as external hard drives with the iPad 2. These options will connect wirelessly to iPads to save/transfer data. If this is your only issue, then you shouldn’t have a problem with the iPad 2. If you have other concerns, give us a call at (877) MAKEITWork or (877) 625-3489, and we’ll give you our best recommendation.
is tablet good with excel, word and pdf? does it work as easy as it does on laptops.