<p>Hello,</p>
<p>My friend talked about how he was going to get a tablet instead of a laptop since it is much easier to carry. I am planning on doing the same since tablets can do just about anything a laptop can do. What do you think?</p>
<p>Tablets are still not a replacement for laptops. When it comes to doing anything outside of basic functionality between the two, laptops have the advantage due to the support of their open source/freeware programs.</p>
<p>A tablet can still only be considered a supportive computing device. Whether or not tablets will replace laptops is not also really a good way to reason, since that isn’t the reality of today. Too much is lost for what is gained.</p>
<p>If form factor is really such an issue, look at thin and light laptops, which are often under 1 inch. If that is too much, "ultrabook"s can rival many tablets in thickness.</p>
<p>Tablets (iPad here) are great for reading, poor for writing.</p>
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<p>What gave you that idea?</p>
<p>There is no argument that the current generation of tablets are best used as “consumption devices” as opposed to “creation”. You really need to ask yourself what you want to accomplish/do with the tablet SPECIFICALLY. If you want to view PDFs, Word docs, ebooks, and surf the web then a tablet will fit right up your alley. But if your trying to create files from scratch, like writing a 5 page paper, then a tablet probably is not your best option. </p>
<p>Although you do have options:<br>
There are several tablets out there with the ability to doc a keyboard which makes creating files much easier. But that gets expensive ($400-500 tablet plus $100 keyboard is a lot) so you would really be better off with a laptop. </p>
<p>Or maybe you need a tablet with pen input for note taking. If I’m not mistaken there is a tablet or two out there that have that functionality. If not, then they are in the works and should be out soon. Check Lenovo’s lineup of tablets.</p>
<p>If you need access to more serious hardware/software then maybe remote access will do the trick if you have a desktop at home. There are several remote access apps for both iOS and Android.</p>
<p>The reality is that tablets are making huge headway. Hardware is reving up quickly. Nvidia has its quad core Kal-El coming hopefully within the next 6 months for example. I mean imagine that. A quad core in a tablet. Jesus Christ that’s exciting! Software is right behind it. Look at the success that iOS has with its developers and android is quickly gaining ground being open source and all. Hell, even windows supposedly has an ace up its sleeve with Windows 8. Its very easy to assume that tablets will be the backbone of everyday computing. The question is when will that day be? 1 year? 2 years? 5 years? Or maybe its just a trend that will fizzle out in the grand scheme of things. No one knows for sure but there are some major players in the technology market who are investing heavily and betting on the future of tablets. That being said, I’d hop along the tablet bandwagon. The magic question then becomes when do I want to jump on? When will tablets suit my needs? </p>
<p>If your needs are consumption heavy then by all means go ahead and buy a tablet now. There are plenty to choose from. If not, then wait a year and see what the market has to offer. It evolving quickly. It all comes down to whether they fill your needs specifically. OP, you never said what you specifically wanted to do. Your assumption that tablets can do everything a laptop is simply wrong. No offence. Tablets are limited by both hardware and software compared to laptops. If you need some heavier duty activities DO NOT buy a tablet. Not yet anyway.</p>
<p>Remember technology is primarily a tool, not an accessory. Don’t buy a tablet just because they’re sexy and the hip thing. You buy one because it serves a purpose.</p>
<p>Thanks for all of the input.
@GoOaKland: Tablets seem pretty nice to have since they are much smaller and easier to carry around. I was going to use it for web browsing and note taking, but I wasn’t sure how it would handle larger papers. I was afraid that I would still need a laptop because of larger papers. My friend has a Samsung Galaxy Tab and he suggested that I consider getting one with a keyboard. But if I’m looking at spending $600-700, I might as well get a laptop.</p>
<p>I recently purchased a toshiba thrive (379 at bestbuy). I knew that I would be wanting to do some input so I bought a wireless keyboard and mouse set up. I also bought a stand/case for the tablet. I have found offices apps (documents to go, printer share) that are free or cheap (14.99). With documents to go I can create microsoft word documents, xcell as well as simple powerpoint slides. (I am hoping that part of the app will improve in time). If you need more storage you can always as a memory card or external hard drive to the tablet. The only limitation I have found so far is that the file transfer is slow. If I for example want to move files from one folder to another off my drive to the tablet for example, I can only move 1 file at a time… With more updates and more apps this tablet… and other new up and coming models are going to take over the world. ;-)</p>
<p>99 dollar HP Touchpad
Wait for Android rom.
Flash.
Spend the rest of your money on a computer.</p>