Who doesn’t love a tablet? A product that combines the might of a laptop and the functionalities of a smartphone in a portable device. With all the excitement around tablets, it’s hard to believe they aren’t perfect. So, why aren’t they perfect? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a tablet?
A tablet is almost or just as powerful as a laptop and is very portable. However, it is fragile and can be costly to purchase or repair.
You know that there are tablets, laptops, and phones, and you might think that they are similar and perform the same tasks. Well, you are right to an extent, but they still differ. Here you can read all about their differences.
Difference Between a Tablet and a Laptop
Laptops and tablets are modern-day alternatives to desktop computers created to help us perform several tasks with ease. However, they possess certain factors that make them differ for various needs.
Build
A laptop is a computer device with two units; one for the display and the other for all other components (including the keyboard and trackpad) that make it function. On the other hand, a tablet is a device with a touch screen display, battery, and other components in a single unit. Due to the extra parts found on laptops, they tend to be thicker, bigger, and heavier than tablets.
Hardware
Most laptops possess all the hardware that a desktop computer does, such as the keyboard, mouse (trackpad), and CD or DVD player. Tablets do not have any of this hardware. Although, it uses a screen for the functions of a keyboard and trackpad.
Some tablets come with a slot for sim cards and can be used to make phone calls, send and receive text messages, or access the internet. No laptop comes with a space for sim cards.
You can upgrade some hardware, such as the RAM or hard drive, in a laptop, but you can upgrade no part of a tablet.
Price
Due to its size and processing power, a laptop tends to be more expensive than a tablet. However, this is not always the case because they are high-end tablets that are pricier than laptops with average specifications.
Battery Life
Both devices have long battery lives. However, in most cases, the battery in a tablet will last longer than one in a laptop. This is because a laptop requires more power than a tablet due to its size and components.
Operating System
Laptops and tablets run on different operating systems. Most tablets run on a mobile operating system. However, some tablets come with operating systems found in a laptop.
Difference Between a Tablet and a Smartphone
Both devices are portable enough and mostly run on the same software. They are not the same. They both have distinct features that make each of them preferable in different situations.
Size
A tablet is much larger than a phone; it has a larger screen. A phone can be kept in your pocket whereas, with a tablet, you would have to hold it in your hand or use a small bag to carry it.
Applications
Even though they mostly run on the same operating systems, certain apps work on tablets that do not work on phones. This is usually because of the difference in processing power, and sometimes, a small screen is not a suitable platform for certain apps.
Uses
A smartphone’s main use is for phone calls and can perform other tasks like taking pictures or accessing the internet. A tablet, however, is more powerful and can handle things like games or heavy editing.
Network Connectivity
Both tablets and phones have WiFi and Bluetooth functionalities. However, some tablets do not come with 3G, 4G, or 5G connectivity, but all smartphones do.
Advantages of a Tablet
A tablet is an invention that has brought about several benefits and features not found anywhere else. Here are some of the advantages of a tablet.
Portability
Gone are the days when you couldn’t check your mail because your phone screen was too small or your laptop too big to take anywhere. With a tablet, you can do all sorts of computing anywhere. You do not have to carry your bulky laptop around anymore.
Unlike a laptop, a tablet does not have to be carried in a large carrying case or bag; just a simple protective sleeve would do. If you have a handbag, you can fit a tablet in there as well.
Longer Battery Life
Due to the lower amount of power it consumes, a tablet can last as long as 12 hours and above. This feature is perfect for those who need a computer but do not have the time to sit in one place using a desktop or have the luxury of charging their laptops frequently.
Price
A tablet gives you all the features of a laptop. However, in a lot of cases, it does so at a lower price. Now, you do not have to break the bank to have your computing needs met.
Speed
Aside from being able to use them almost anywhere conveniently, tablets are very fast. They can boot up quickly and begin performing almost immediately, just like a phone does. This makes it easier for people who are on the move and do not have time to wait for a laptop to boot before performing tasks.
Versatility
A tablet offers you all the features of a phone, such as portability, access to applications, the ability to make phone calls or send text messages while also offering the power of a laptop. Not to mention that some tablets do run with the operating system of notebooks.
Disadvantages of a Tablet
Tablets aren’t only known for their usefulness. Sometimes, they can be frustrating to work on or they can be frustrating to maintain. Here are some disadvantages of a tablet.
Cost
Yes, while some tablets are more affordable than laptops, some have much steeper prices than a laptop. This hike in price might not be acceptable by those who feel like they can use the same amount to buy a laptop with higher specifications.
Typing Issues
While tablets are almost or just as valuable as laptops in typing out documents and sending emails, sometimes it is hard to do using the screen on a tablet.
You can sit upright and type on a laptop, but a tablet requires you to use its screen, which can be uncomfortable sometimes. You can purchase a keyboard to use with the tablet. But, this means having to bring around another piece of technology and attach it each time you want to use it.
Screen Issues and Fragility
With a tablet, everything is done using a screen. The constant use of a tablet leads to fingerprints and smudges on the device’s screen. If these stains are not cleaned regularly, they can hinder you from viewing your screen properly or make it hard to press the screen.
When cleaning a tablet’s screen, you have to use a special microfiber cloth, or you run the risk of scratching the screen. You can even unintentionally scratch your tablet’s screen just from regular use. However, you can prevent all these issues by using a screen protector.
Just like phones, tablets do not have a robust build. This means they can easily get damaged when dropped, leading you to have to repair your tablet more often than not. Repairing a tablet, especially its screen, can be quite costly.
Weaker Performance
Even though they are regularly compared, a tablet does not perform as well as a laptop. A tablet will give you excellent performance, better than a phone. However, there are tasks (like playing certain games) that a tablet cannot handle.