Performance
Laptop vs. Tablet: Processor
Ultra-thin tablets don't have internal fans like those in laptops. So
they have to use different, lower-performing processors that
generate less heat and use less battery power. Tablet CPUs are still
highly capable, just less so than most laptops. (Advantage: Laptop)
Laptop vs. Tablet: Operating System
The earliest tablets relied exclusively on mobile operating systems
similar to those that control smartphones. But today, you can also
buy tablets that run essentially the same full-fledged PC operating
systems found in laptops, such as Microsoft Windows 10. (Advantage:
None)
Laptop vs. Tablet: Portability
Thin, ultra-light tablets are by definition more portable than
laptops, which generally have thicker superstructures, heavier
batteries, and so on. Sure, a laptop fits in a carrying case or on
your lap. But a tablet can fit in a purse -- and you can read it
while lying down! (Advantage: Tablet)
Laptop vs. Tablet: Display
Tablets with up to Full HD (1080p) resolution provide fine viewing
given their comparatively smaller sizes. But models with Quad HD
(1440p) or greater displays (now popular in laptops) are rarer, due
both to their processor demands and because high-res displays can
make precise touch-commands more difficult. (Advantage: Laptop)
Laptop vs. Tablet: Battery life
Advanced laptops with dual-batteries and multiple energy-conservation
features can now promise 10-20 hours of battery life. But pound for
pound, much lighter tablets -- in which the battery often consumes
over half of the interior space -- provide longer time unplugged.
(Advantage: Tablet)
Laptop vs. Tablet: Wireless and Multimedia
In terms of wireless speeds and capabilities, tablets and laptops are
equal except for the built-in (optional) cellular data connectivity
available in all tablets. For creating and viewing pictures and
video, a tablet's hand-held nature and smartphone-like camera
options make it superior. (Advantage: Tablet)
Laptop vs. Tablet: Storage
Tablets are designed for ultimate portability and use solid-state
drives with less capacity than the older, spinning hard drives found
in many laptops. High-end laptops also offer solid-state drives
(better performance, less weight), but usually ones with greater
capacity. (Advantage: Laptop)
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Popular Uses
Laptop vs. Tablet: Business
Different business users have different needs:
- In the office: Along with their keyboards, the faster processors
in most laptops make them better for typical office work (word
processing, spreadsheets, etc.). Still, a tablet can be a useful
auxiliary device for some users. (Advantage: Laptop)
- On the road: For salespeople and other "road warriors," a tablet
will be easier to carry (no backpack needed!). A tablet also may
be less obtrusive at meetings or better for quick product demos.
However, an ultralight laptop is not much different. (Advantage:
None)
Laptop vs. Tablet: Industry
New industrial uses for tablets (including so-called "ruggedized"
models) seem to emerge every day, whether they're in the hands of a
waiter at a restaurant, a service technician making house calls, or
a quality inspector on a factory floor. (Advantage: Tablet)
Laptop vs. Tablet: Family (Casual)
A tablet's superior all-around portability, long battery life, and
capacity for entertainment (surfing the web, streaming movies,
playing games) makes it an ideal choice for everyday use in the
family room. (Advantage: Tablet)
Laptop vs. tablet: Family (All-Purpose)
For families that need one PC that does it all, a laptop is the
likely choice thanks to its wider range of uses -- particularly
typing-oriented business programs that might be difficult on a
touch-screen. (Advantage: Laptop)
Laptop vs. Tablet: Student
Given their comfort with digital devices, students heading to college
for the first time might use a tablet almost as productively as a
laptop. But for all-around educational use, students need a system
that's nearly as portable, more powerful -- and keyboard-equipped.
(Advantage: Laptop)
Laptop vs. Tablet: All-Around Convenience
If for you, "convenience" means easy carrying, fast boot-ups,
smartphone-like camera features, etc., then a tablet likely meets
your needs. But if you care more about having multiple external
ports, direct keyboard input, and so on, then you'll want a laptop.
(Advantage: None)
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