Tablets, laptops each offer benefits to consumers

Since Apple's iPad hit stores, consumers have been asking if tablet computers would eventually replace their laptops. While tablets do offer several key benefits - generally longer battery life, greater portability and faster startup time - the devices are not conducive to getting as much work done than laptops.

According to ITBusinessnet.com, a news and features site for IT professionals, consumers considering a tablet or laptop should ask themselves several important questions.

If a person favors applications, opting for a tablet may be the better choice. For people constantly accessing work, a touchscreen is no match for a physical keyboard, so a laptop is more suitable for their needs.

"The biggest thing to keep in mind is that somebody doesn’t have to decide between a tablet and a laptop," said the ITBusinessnet.com report. "It doesn’t have to be either/or - many people are still settling for both. You just need to pick the right tool for the job … and have the biceps to cart around both if you need to."

While tablets may be competing against laptops for consumer dollars, the devices are leading to greater worldwide IT spending. According to the research firm Gartner, tablets are contributing to worldwide IT spending that is expected to reach $3.6 trillion this year, increasing 5.6 percent from 2010.