Techno Wars! – The Tablet vs. The Laptop

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It has often been said that the more things change, the more they stay the same. As cherished as that aphorism may be, one could argue that it’s rather impractical when it comes to the world of technology. You see, the thing about gizmos and gadgets is that they are constantly changing, always evolving – and rarely ever remaining the same. Cellular devices become outdated. Video games are superseded. And computers can become obsolete. Case in point – the latest techno war debated by businessmen and nerds alike seems to center on the fact that tablets could replace laptops.

Staying the same has never been so difficult.

As Microsoft, Google, Blackberry and Apple strive to dominate the I.T. arena, and more and more consumers demand the latest in tablet related hardware, it may be safe to say that tablets are the new fad in techno related vogues. However, which one is better for businesses – tablets or laptops? That may just be a loaded question.

Let’s weigh the options, shall we?

According to ScientiaWeb.com, there are several advantages to owning a tablet. For starters, access to the web is relatively simple. Most tablets offer owners access to the internet through a 3G cellular network or Wi-Fi in addition to being able to send and receive email. This, of course, can be ideal for the average businessman who happens to be on the go, and can especially be useful while either sitting on the subway, waiting for an interview or merely trying to develop a strong business identity.  Like cellular phones, tablets are lightweight, portable, and can be utilized while standing.

Laptops, on the other hand, cannot. Imagine being a person in charge trying to hold a laptop computer while walking around focused employees during a business meeting on escalating gas prices, the unstable economy or something even more depressing. Imagine trying to solicit a CEO’s wavering attention to land a big corporate deal while he is heading to his Mercedes Benz…and your presentation, the one that you want him to see, is on your laptop screen. Impractical, right? Exactly. A tablet is the obvious winner in this round.

However, that isn’t to say that laptops don’t have their own advantages. The thing about laptop computers is that they are beneficial in getting work done in a way that a tablet is not. Administrative assistants should be able to attest to this. Laptop computers happen to be designed to fit the human body in that they boast flat keyboards and adjustable screens.

The only thing adjustable on a tablet is the volume.

Okay, so that’s a joke, a little techno humor. However, statistics have proven that laptops are easier to work on, and a lot faster when it comes to typing presentations, reports and anything else business related. In fact, a laptop is actually more productive than a tablet PC.

Not to mention cheaper.

Forget the trends. Let’s talk cost. Microsoft may have showcased its new Windows 8 on tablets at the BUILD conference last week, but most trendy tablets are not exactly economical. In fact, iPads generally start at around $600 (or $500 if you’re rolling back prices at Wally World), and you’ll probably be hard pressed to find one that is discounted. Finding a cheaper notebook is actually about as easy as streaming clips of your favorite delectable housewives of Atlanta on YouTube. Yes, it really is that simple.

The fact of the matter is that both tablets and laptops are designed for work, and either one can be good in the boardroom if you play your (PC) cards right.  While it seems they each have their share of respective pros and cons, perchance it all boils down to preference, usage and needs.

Too much thought on the matter may cause a headache, and could require a tablet…of a different sort.

The battle lines have been drawn! Which side are you on? Tablets or Laptops? Let us know by leaving us a comment on our Facebook Page, sharing your opinion below, or by simply tweeting us at @HostDime.