Are you looking to expand the number of digital/electronic devices you have available to you? Do you want to invest in a tablet or laptop so you can take advantage of the benefits these devices offer over that of a smartphone? Tablets and laptops continue to be extremely popular items, with new models coming out on a regular basis, plenty of fabulous features, and options to fit pretty much every price point. While choice is a great thing, it can also be overwhelming.
So, if you’re ready to make a purchase and are struggling to figure out what makes more sense for you – a tablet or a laptop – we’ve got some general tips and guidance that you can take into account and use to make an informed decision. The last thing you want to do is make a purchase only to discover down the road that it really wasn’t the right one for your needs, lifestyle, and expectations.
Tablets – Pros and Cons
Tablets have really increased in popularity over the past few years, and much of that can be attributed to the fact that they are so compact and portable. Because they are just a screen, they are very lightweight and easy to throw in a bag or purse. For those who are always on the go, it makes a lot of sense, as they don’t have to pack anything bulky.
Then there is the fact that the functionality of these tablets has really increased and improved over the past few years. Today, they are extremely fast and powerful, allowing you to do all kinds of things on them. One of the most popular ways to use tablets is for streaming video content such as movies and television shows. Again, because they are so portable, it’s a great way to bring your library with you on the go.
And speaking of a library, tablets are also ideal for anyone who loves reading but hates having to cart around heavy and cumbersome books. Many of these tablets now act as e-readers, and because the screens on these devices are a decent size, reading on them is actually quite comfortable.
Another benefit with a tablet is the battery power. These devices are able to last longer than the typical laptop and mobile phone, which means they are reliable. And if you want, you can always bring along a portable battery pack that you can plug into it. Usually, you can expect the battery to last for around 10 hours of use.
If you’re the type where speed matters, meaning you need quick access to such things as emails – then you’ll also appreciate just how fast a tablet boots up. It is almost instant, depending on the device of course.
Lastly, for those on a budget, a tablet tends to be the most cost-effective solution, but that isn’t always the case.
But what about the cons of owning a tablet? Well, there are a few. First off, the screens aren’t all built equal. Some are going to be much clearer, crisper looking, and just better overall – which usually coincides with the price tag. And because they are touchscreen, you can expect the screen to get dirty rather quickly. This means you may want to carry a cleaning cloth with you. Also, unless you’re planning to get an external keyboard, you’re going to be stuck with touchscreen typing. One more thing to consider is the fact that not all software, files, and apps will be compatible with a tablet.
Laptops – Pros and Cons
Then we have the other option, which is a laptop. A laptop is going to give you the same sort of user experience as a desktop computer in terms of its capabilities. You’ll be able to load all kinds of software, take advantage of an impressive amount of storage, and enjoy the power and speed.
These devices are relatively lightweight, but that really comes down to the model and screen size. Since a laptop has a trackpad and keyboard, it can also make for a more seamless user experience as you don’t have to worry about touchscreen typing.
The screen size is actually something that buyers have a lot of choice with, as you can find everything from a small and compact laptop, to one with a large screen that is perfect for those who don’t want to be squinting and trying to read text. The size of the screen you pick should take into account how much time you will be spending on it, what you will be using the laptop for, and how comfortable you are reading/viewing a smaller screen.
In general, a laptop makes sense for the person who needs to be able to do everything they would on a desktop, but they need it to be portable. Now, that’s not to say you can’t use it for streaming content, as they are excellent for that.
One big negative can be the price tag, especially if you want a laptop that offers all the bells and whistles. You’ll be paying a lot more for the laptop, but keep in mind that, from a functionality standpoint, the laptop will far out-perform the tablet.
Speaking of functionality, battery power is a huge thing with laptops. For many people, this is a big factor in the buying process. You likely want one that will last for a good solid amount of time so you can take advantage of the flexibility a laptop offers. You’ll usually find that most laptops will last anywhere from 2-10 hours per charge, but that will obviously depend on the model.
It should also be said that the battery itself doesn’t last forever and eventually you’ll need to buy a new one. Most need replacing by the two-year mark. Batteries will range in price, and depending on how old your laptop is when trying to get a new battery, they can be hard to find.
What If You’re Outside a Wi-Fi Zone?
Another thing to consider is how you plan to get online with your laptop or tablet if you’re outside a Wi-Fi zone. There are some mobile plans that allow you to tether multiple devices, which means you’re essentially creating your own mobile hotspot. This is perfect if you can’t access Wi-Fi, as you’ll still be able to get online.
Lebara is a great option to look into as it offers SIM only plans that allow you to cancel or make changes at any time, and because the out of bundle is capped at zero – you’ll never have any unpleasant surprises on your bill. Right now, you can take advantage of the Lebara refer a friend program, called Lebara Refer & Earn. With this program, you can earn cash online when you refer a friend, which means you can also earn money from home, which is a nice bonus. For those who have never tethered devices before, not to worry, as it is simple, straightforward and fast – there’s no need to be a techie in order to get it done. There are plenty of how-to guides and tutorials online.
All of this information makes it possible for you to get a sense of the pros and cons of both a tablet and laptop, allowing you to apply it to your lifestyle and specific needs.
