Tablets vs Laptops: Which Works Best for You?

A laptop is normally characterized as a mobile personal computer — a device on which one can perform all the tasks available on a desktop but in a mobile, light, compact fashion. Laptops have become lighter and smaller over the years, but have made important strides in functionality, performance and power. For several users, laptops have become their preferred computing device because it allows them to complete all the tasks they would need on a desktop but with the convenience of mobility and flexibility.

Tablets, on the other hand, are currently the pinnacle of mobile technology. They are compact, very lightweight and extremely easy to carry. However, they do not possess the processing power of a laptop. Their functionality as a computing device is very limited, although sufficient for some people’s uses. Tablets can be ideal for those who browse the Web casually, such as read the news or popular websites, and those who play “lightweight” games, or want to watch TV or films while traveling. Also, tablets can be used in a variety of specialized careers like design and music.

• Tablets – They are more portable and better for casual activities such as browsing the web, watching videos or playing mobile games
• Laptops – They are better when it comes to productivity thanks to their more powerful hardware and more feature-rich software

Furthermore, laptops can be good substitutes for desktops when it comes to PC gaming, although a desktop will always present better value when performance and cost-effectiveness are concerned.

CAMERAS

Both tablets and laptops are equipped with built-in cameras, although tablets generally tend to have the upper hand in this regard.

Namely, in addition to tablets coming with both a front and rear camera, the cameras themselves are also often of a higher quality than those you’d find in similarly priced laptops. This only makes sense when we consider the fact that they’re more portable than laptops and borrow many features from smartphones.

In the case of laptops, rear cameras are a rare sight. Indeed, while some laptop models do include a rear camera, most laptops only have one: a front camera intended for video calls. As mentioned above, the quality of these cameras is not stellar, especially on cheaper laptops.

Anyhow, tablets are more versatile in this regard and offer better cameras at lower prices. However, it should be kept in mind that only the more expensive tablets have cameras as good as those found in most mid-range and flagship phones.

Connectivity

Now, let’s take a look at tablet and laptop connectivity options, both in terms of physical ports and wireless connectivity.

All modern laptops are equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities, but there are relatively few that also support cellular connectivity. Regarding ports, the situation differs greatly.

Bulkier laptops normally include all the ports that one would usually find in a modern desktop motherboard: USB 3.0, Ethernet, analog audio connectors, HDMI, etc. The more compact laptops tend to scrap the larger ports in favor of smaller USB-C ports.

Tablets, too, are all equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, although manufacturers often offer models with cellular connectivity as well, something that is much rarer among laptops.

As for wired connections, most of the cheaper tablets still use Micro USB and most of Apple’s iPad lineup still uses their proprietary Lightning connector, but most of the newer devices use USB-C instead. There is no definite winner, as the need for a variety of different ports or cellular connectivity largely depends on the user.