Ultrabook or tablet: What's better for businesses?

The Ultrabook™ and the tablet computer have dominated the technology conversation in recent months. This is hardly surprising given the tech industry's current emphasis on portability -- a characteristic that both devices offer in spades.

This focus on portability is especially prevalent in the enterprise sector. The workplace is rapidly changing, as workers demand more flexibility. Both the Ultrabook and the tablet can aid this pursuit, but businesses must decide which device better suits their needs.

The tablet is thinner, lighter and therefore more portable than the Ultrabook. The device can be taken virtually anywhere, and as the ability to connect to wireless networks becomes more common, its usability only expands.

The Ultrabook, in contrast, is slightly less portable. Though not as bulky as traditional laptops by any means, the device is bigger than a tablet and requires more room to operate. The Ultrabook does have the advantage of familiarity, however, with a physical keyboard and touchpad, as opposed to a touchscreen.

A salesperson may benefit from being able to pull out a tablet and give a presentation to clients at a moment's notice. The Ultrabook may be better suited for someone whose job requires a great deal of writing or access to more traditional computing functions. The decision between either an Ultrabook or a tablet will ultimately depend on the employee's needs.