Laptops vs Tablets: The Battle for Tech Supremacy Continues

Maybe you are in the market for a new device but can’t decide which is right for you: a new laptop or a tablet?

 

'Laptop, Tablet, Smartphone' - Miniyo73 via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

In Swindon, we are blessed with plenty of diverse shopping options, with something for everyone located in or near the town. There is a whole litany of electronics retailers and gadget shops, and the great news for customers like us is that the products they sell continue to become more affordable year on year.

From the latest product releases to second generation tech bumped down the ‘I want that’ pecking order, increased competition from online retailers has forced the high street into slashing their prices just to compete.

Gadgets like the iPad are almost ubiquitous these days, but there are some things that they can’t do when compared to a rocksteady laptop.

So which should you be purchasing? Well, it all depends on what you're going to be doing on it. Here’s a guide that may help you to make up your mind based upon your desired end use.

Gaming

Gaming is a useful marker of the differences between laptops and tablets.

If you are a casual gamer who spends the odd half an hour here and there playing your favourite titles, then a tablet may be enough for you. Many of the latest tablet releases offer super-quick processors and crystal clear HD graphics, so you can enjoy high-spec games like Fortnite with ease.

And the touchscreen capabilities of tablets also appeal to niche gamers, particularly in areas such as online casino gaming, where players can spin the roulette wheel or take to the blackjack table and manage the action with a series of easy prompts rather than wielding a clunky mouse which can slow down your play.

Of course, the other angle is that laptops are better able to handle games that are intense in graphics and processing output. So, if you want to play the latest Call of Duty or Need for Speed release, then you will need a laptop – or a PC or games console, but that’s a different discussion entirely!

Working

If you are using your new device in a working capacity, then typically a laptop will outperform a tablet.

Laptops carry full versions of the key operating systems such as Windows or macOS, while additional software such as the Microsoft Office suite can be installed with ease.

This isn’t always the case for tablets, and while proprietary ‘business’ software is available the user experience rarely matches that of the laptop. Indeed, performing basic tasks such as importing files or manipulating images can be frustrating on a tablet, while for many it’s a breeze on a laptop.

Think about connectivity, too. Some tablets come with a solitary USB connection and a 3.5mm headphone port, whereas laptops boast many ports, from HDMI and Ethernet to SD card readers and the like. Using these, laptops also allow users to connect external devices, such as hard drives, additional monitors and midi controllers.

Streaming

If you are simply seeking a device which takes your Netflix and chill moments to the next level, then a tablet is the hands-down winner. New and even older generation models will accept the Netflix app and handle streaming capabilities – assuming your broadband connection is on point, and tablets also have the benefit of ultra-high definition displays, helping your favourite films and TV shows come to life.

'Apple iPad' - Malte via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Tablets are highly portable and lightweight too, so if you are reclining in bed or on the sofa then you stream your chosen content without getting the dreaded arm ache.

You can, of course, enjoy streaming services on a laptop, but we might argue that the viewing experience is a far less pleasurable one when hunched over the keyboard.

Living

Even though many of us carry smartphones these days, there are times when the added power of a laptop or tablet can come in handy.

Think about those all-important photos and videos you might take when visiting scenic areas or when attending your child’s sports day. You want to capture the moment in all its glory! Many tablets have cameras with outstanding properties these days, and many even record 1080p video – as good as it gets without professional equipment.

Clearly, you won’t be lugging a laptop around to use the camera on that, so once again the portability of a tablet comes to the fore. Tablets also offer the user simple apps that really do streamline everyday life. Whether you want to browse the web, upload your photos to Instagram or update your Twitter, all of these acts are available at the push of a thumbnail.

With laptops, it is a bit more labour-intensive performing such basic tasks, and a whole heap more cumbersome too.

The Winner Takes It All

There really is no definitive answer to the question ‘which is better: laptop or tablet?’. You simply have to ask yourself how you will be using your new device. Are you making the purchase to improve your working life or to enhance your leisure time?

There’s no doubt that a laptop comes out on top in a professional setting, so if you are working remotely this should be your first port of call over a tablet. However, if you are looking for an all-purpose device that can be used in many different settings, it might just be worth exploring the capabilities of the latest tablets further.