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Please help me understand today's tablet craze?!

Feb 22, 2013 8:12AM PST
Question:

Please help me understand today's tablet craze?!


I don't understand about the mobile tablets. I have used and
programmed computers for over 30 years. I have always told everyone
that laptops are so mobile. Now, everyone has gone nuts about
tablets. Why???? There is little storage. The keyboard screen is
pathetic. A tablet has no screen protection unless you buy a case.
Don't get me wrong, I use touch screen phones but typing on a
physical board is sooo much faster. Now, I was told that using a
tablet with a printer can be very difficult. What is going on? I
thought that maybe the cost is the key. Now there is an Apple iPad
that costs $1000. Great laptops cost less! Please help me understand
this craze, is this a fad? Your thoughts are appreciated.

--Submitted by: John C.

Discussion is locked

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Integrate?
Mar 3, 2013 4:33AM PST

Hey Mowerdude: What do you mean by "have never been able to integrate it into my Windows-based Home Network?" My iPad connects to any number of networks, including those that are primarily running Windows machines. Are you trying to move documents, photos, music or something between a PC and an iPad? It seems like iTunes should take care of most of this. The iWork suite will open MS Office documents, although it is not quite free. Please tell us exactly what is not working.

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iTunes for moving docs around(?) Nah
Mar 3, 2013 11:37AM PST

Just use the cloud instead. Google Drive/Dropbox/etc. Or something even more useful like a simple NAS. IME keeping music/movies on iTunes keeps the non-technie set happier. The rest is better handled elsewhere so it's easy for the newbies to use all the various Apple/MS devices simultaneously on their home network.

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Airport Convenience
Mar 1, 2013 8:59AM PST

Though the tablet may not do everything, it does enough to satisfy me on vacation and even on most business trips. So the fact that it does not need to be removed from my carry-on for separate scan at the TSA screen at the airport is almost enough to justify it on its own. There's enough inconvenience there as it is - I mean really, "remove your belt please"???? Anything to smooth the flow through that is nothing but goodness.

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The iPad Is Cool, But
Mar 1, 2013 9:00AM PST

That's it, answare!....A toy and not much more. Yeah, it's cool and sleek and boots quickly. It's neat for watching a movie, surfing and email, but as I said in a previous mesage, it will NOT integrate into my Windows-based Network. The laptop is much more capable for my needs.

Oh! For finishing watching a movie, the iPad is great to walk around with while getting ready for and into bed. Probably not for use in the shower, however. Mischief

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Who knows if it is a fad
Mar 1, 2013 9:01AM PST

Seems to me you don't need one and the way technology is moving we might have something completely different soon. Who knows anything is possible I myself have an iphone two Alienware gamers and I use a dell pc at work that the company I work for supplies. I don't need a tablet.

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The ever evolving tablet is hear to stay
Mar 1, 2013 9:03AM PST

John,
Don't throw tablets under the bus just yet. I only started TabletBug.com about a year ago with the assumption that tablets would be a part of the cultural landscape for some time.

The argument could be made for some time that tablets held very little productivity value. With the Blu-tooth keyboards that are available and attached to many cases and the Microsoft Surface, that limitation may be a thing of the past. Is it as easy to type on a smaller keyboard..........maybe not, but the smaller size of most tablets makes them a more convenient travel companion. Storage capacity has been increasing and the price of many models has been becoming more affordable. You don't have to buy an iPad or one of the larger format models. There are models that sell for $249 that will satisfy most people's needs. Tablets are easier to use with many apps also. That extra screen real-estate comes in handy.

There was a time recently when many critics said that the desktop would go away. As a writer and researcher, I find my 24" monitor invaluable. My laptop just doesn't suffice. The tablet has its niche also and should be around for a long time. Manufacturers will find even more ways to tempt consumers and the price points will look even more attractive. You are right, it is a good idea to protect your tablet with a case. For $25, you can get a baseline case that does the job just fine. Although I sell every model of tablet, I have owned a Touchpad for some time. The biggest limitation is the lack of apps made for WebOS. The android and iPad markets are just too large. I personally use my tablet for my scheduler/calendar and find it easy to take along to meetings. If you are older, it is much easier to view than a smart phone screen.

As one commenter pointed out, the market for tablets is enormous and sales of tablets have been brisk and a third of Internet users are accessing the net with a tablet.

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Tablets are toys!
Mar 1, 2013 9:28AM PST

Yes, tablets are toys. Very cool, techy toys that are A LOT OF FUN, and even provide a little bit of productivity if you have the right set up.

These are my own personal reasons why I decided to drop $500 on an expensive toy:

1) The games. To date, I have exactly 116 games installed on my tablet. I've been thinking of starting my own blog about awesome mobile games, because there are so many gems out there that are hidden amongst the pile. Many years ago I bought my first smart phone precisely because I wanted to play Angry Birds. Now I've purchased my first premium tablet because I wanted to enjoy mobile games on a larger screen.

2) Portable internet. A tablet with mobile data is hands-down the most portable way of browsing the internet - you can literally browse the internet anywhere you go. And even if your tablet only has wifi, it still offers a level of portability around the house or workplace that not even the lightest of netbooks can match.

3) The apps. Are you an apps man? I admit that I am. I guarantee you that one of the first things anybody does when they get their tablet/smartphone is browse through the app store and just gawk at all the hundreds of thousands of apps there are. And with new apps being developed faster than I can keep up, the feeling of bathing in a milk-and-honey pool of apps never ends.

4) Music/videos/pictures/books/etc. Tablets are kings at consuming media. I don't think I even need to explain this one.

5) Great for kids! Let me tell you a secret - little kids absolutely freaking love tablets. My 3 year old nephew has an iPad that he absolutely loves. I bought my 5 year old sister a Nexus 7 for Christmas, and she carries it around with her like a doll. Tablets keep kids entertained for countless hours - and the best part is, it keeps them quiet during long car rides. How can you not love that?

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Doesn't make sense to me either.
Mar 1, 2013 9:29AM PST

Well, I'm afraid it doesn't make any sense to me either. Mind you, my wife has a Kindle Fire, which I bought her as a present before we went on a cruise. But I don't think that's really a "tablet." It's a book reader. I understand a book reader, music and movie player, etc. She loads what she wants onto it before we leave and reads what she wants while we're gone without having to carry around a lot of space and weight consuming books. My understanding of a tablet is that it has additional limited capabilities to tempt its owner to leave the laptop home. Well, OK, can I prepare my taxes on it if I'm on vacation in early April? Can I update my financial accounts on Quicken? No, I didn't think so. I have a very small notebook computer, an HP dv2, which will do everything my primary computer can do, has huge storage capacity and plenty of ports, but a separate CD drive which i use for certain program installations but leave at home when I travel. It weighs very little. No, I cannot take photos with it. That's why I have a very small digital 18 megapixel SONY camera. And walking around listening to music recorded on the hard drive isn't actually a pleasurable experience, so I have an IPod. I'd rather have separate components that are optimized for certain limited tasks than another piece of hardware that tries to do everything, even if badly.

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Improving tablets are here to stay
Mar 1, 2013 9:39AM PST

John,
Don't throw tablets under the bus just yet. I only started TabletBug.com about a year ago with the assumption that tablets would be a part of the cultural landscape for some time.

The argument could be made for some time that tablets hald very little productivity value. With the Blu-tooth keyboards that are available and attached to many cases and the Microsoft Surface, that limitation may be a thing of the past. Is it as easy to type on a smaller keyboard..........maybe not, but the smaller size of most tablets makes them a more convenient travel companion. Storage capacity has been increasing and the price of many models has been becoming more affordable. You don't have to buy an iPad or one of the larger format models. There are models that sell for $249 that will satisfy most people's needs. Tablets are easier to use with many apps also. That extra screen real-estate comes in handy.

There was a time recently when many critics said that the desktop would go away. As a writer and researcher, I find my 24" monitor invaluable. My laptop just doesn't suffice. The tablet has it's niche also and should be around for a long time. Manufacturers will find even more ways to tempt consumers and the price points will look even more attractive. You are right, it is a good idea to protect your tablet with a case. For $25, you can get a baseline case that does the job just fine. Although I sell every model of tablet, I have owned a Touchpad for some time. The biggest limitation is the lack of apps made for WebOS. The android and iPad markets are just too large. I personally use my tablet for my scheduler/calendar and find it easy to take along to meetings. If you are older, it is much easier to view than a smart phone screen.

As one commenter pointed out, the market for tablets is enormous and sales of tablets have been brisk and a third of Internet users are accessing the net with a tablet.

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Tablets
Mar 1, 2013 9:47AM PST

I have been using tablets for 56 years. But I got my electronic tablet because of the strange looks I would get when I would use my Big Chief and pencil. When its your happiness and money, and it works for you, I'm happy. BTW: I had to use my "tablet" cause my pencil broke.

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Like my laptop, but love my iPad
Mar 1, 2013 10:02AM PST

I went from desk top to laptop to having an iPad . I still have my laptop but rarely use it. With my iPad I read my books, primary reason for buying it. Play games, read email. I am always on my iPad. Rarely on the laptop. Does it replace the laptop, no but it does most of what I want it to do.

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Today's tablet craze
Mar 1, 2013 10:27AM PST

John C. makes a good point but to me is way short in questioning all the gadgets so popular now. Tablets, Pads, Phones and the rest, if our population spent more time on their feet and less time on their toys they wouldn't be so fat.

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There's more to come
Mar 1, 2013 10:40AM PST

I haven't read all the comments... If it hasn't been discussed thoroughly, it's worth mentioning that there are more changes coming - starting with Windows 8. Most people have eluded to the obvious benefits of a tablet - mobility, battery life, etc. Mobility isn't just about "traveling". Tablet mobility is very attractive in my line of work where I may pull out a PC for network troubleshooting, training, taking or viewing pictures for my job. With a laptop, that means hauling a laptop case, pulling it out, possibly plugging it in, booting (an older version of) Windows, then reversing the procedure. Because of the light OS and long battery life, I can be up and running in under a minute.

The only problem with this is the OS limitations - the printing you mentioned as one example. (That one irks me to no end.) Windows 8, however, is a great solution. Not only can you get a fully functional Windows OS (on an Intel tablet), but the unified OS between tablet and PC will help lower the learning curve and program compatibility issues between devices. There are still needed improvements but the OS is actually pretty nice. (And you can print from it just like your laptop.) Borrow one and try it out sometime. If your open to a new way of doing things, you might just like it.

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I toally agree with John
Mar 1, 2013 10:41AM PST

John's opinion fits mine about as exactly as its possible to do. And I'm amazed that it's taken this long to see anyone else expressing this opinion. The most surprising thing to me is, I don't yet see any real attempt by manufacturers to make tablets into "real' computers. I guess I must be the odd man out because I actually use my compter as a computer, not a telephone.
The real advantage I see to a tablet is the lighter weight. The list stops right there. But most laptops today are not so heavy that carrying them around is a real chore, and even with a tablet, you have to carry "something" around, so what's the big deal?
The processors and storage of tablets today are pathetic compared to a laptop, not to mention the exteral connections (USB, etc.).
As to the touch screen, I could care less - I don't want that any more than I will ever have a computer with Win 8 on it. I can type on a kb and use a mouse just fine, thank you, and I'll bet I can keep up with someone doing ANYTHING with a touch screen. I don't want greasy fingerprints on my screen at home or on the road.
the latest thing is "tablets" which come with a detachable kb or accessory kb's for those that don't. Just a thinly disguised, low end laptop as far as I'm concerned.
I'm sure there are people for whom a tablet is just fine, but I think they would be just about as happy with a big cellphone.

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Tablets and Computers.
Mar 1, 2013 11:32AM PST

I have 2 Windows 7 computers with i7 processors and a Nexus 10 and Nexus 7 Tablet. They are all enjoyable to use, and it depends on whether I am going to create content or view content. They can actually do both, but it is usually easier to create content on a W7 computer for me, but it is more enjoyable to view content on one of my Nexus devices. All Windows computers since they are used in a corporate atmosphere besides having home users have a very complicated file system and lots of over head. Right now with my W7 Desktop, I am using 3.3 Gig of ram which is a lot more than an Android or i OS have available. A W7 computer with 1 gig would be almost unusable while 2 gig would work, but not be enjoyable to use. 4 gig is almost the minimum that is comfortable to use. An i Pad had 1 gig of ram and most Androids have 1 gig also except for the newer ones from Samsung which have 2 gig. That is starting to be the standard on even a lot of smartphone. All computers work better with quad core processors minimum and tablets work with both Dual and qaud cores. The higher the frequency the processor operates at means it will usually perform better. If you have to create a lot of content, then you might want to go to a Laptop or Desktop. If you are going to primarily be consuming content, then a Tablet is fine. A really good 10" Tablet will go for up to $500. A very good W7 or W8 computer will go for about $1000. Lower costs devices may work OK for you too, but you have to realize that they may run appreciable slower if you start doing too many tasks at one time. I have the Luxury of having both W7 computers and Nexus Tablets, and that is the best of all worlds, but if you are constrained by money, you will do best to read a lot of reviews to see what professional writers views on the product are.

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ipad-fad others not usually
Mar 1, 2013 12:07PM PST

The high price of the ipad makes it fad, just as anything else with an apple logo on it. Other android tablets with lower price tags, often lower than a laptop, micros sd cards for up to 64gb of extra storage, an actual file system that you can save things on, and use as an external hard drive via usb, and customizable keyboards, such as swiftkey for tablet, which i love on my galaxytab 2. There are also bluetooth keyboard cases so you can type, and there are standard office programs- powerpoint, word, and spreadsheet that come with most android tablets (apps are expensive on ipad).

So the high priced ipad is just a fad, I really think that eventually apple will fall, at least their prices, because there are far superior tablets, phones, and computers, for a ton less, but people buy apple just because they can afford it. If you really want to get something done, you can get a nice android pad that is much more flexible, for a lot less. (with just a good a screen, don't let them fool you)

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I forgot to mention the surface and other windows tabs
Mar 1, 2013 12:14PM PST

The surface and other windows tablets are also very nice, The rt versions have the full windows experience, with office and desktop version for conventional work, and the app interface for tablet type activities, but you can't install normal applications to run in desktop mode on the rt, only the preinstalled apps that support desktop mode. The pro version of these tabs run full windows 8, and are also much heavier, and have worse battery life, but have all the power of an ultrabook, They can run anything you can run on your computer, along with the touchpad on the attatchable keyboard, so you also get a mouse, regardless of which version.

you can also plug in a mouse on an android, and a pointer will pop up, but androids interface isn't really meant for a mouse.

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I've got an RT...
Mar 2, 2013 1:24AM PST

that I use for watching video and surfing the net. Sturdy little device that handles my mobile needs quite well (though I find other tablet platforms a lot more intuitive). I do recommend the RT to those who are willing to deal with a bit of a learning curve and are not app hogs.

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If you want to travel lite
Mar 1, 2013 12:08PM PST

I use it when traveling or running around if I will have wait time at appointments--it is not a necessity, it is a convenience that I am willing to pay for. Now with luggage restrictions/fees, I only use a carry-on suitcase plus my extremely large purse (that does just fit under the seat in front of me). The tablet is simply smaller and lighter than a laptop. Before I retired, wherever I would go, I was provided a laptop by the local office for use on site and at my hotel--I just logged in with my VPN credentials. Personal use was forbidden, so a tablet made sense. Yes, you are right, it is not as user friendly to type documents, etc. But it does fine for email, editing documents, composing short documents and even long ones in a pinch, online banking if needed, I have books to read and also audio books loaded on it, plus music to listen to, and movies and TV programs to watch (love HBO & Max To Go plus all major TV stations, NPR, etc), oh, yes, and games. I have had to access urgent info and documents lately and my tablet had the info. Ever sat in a nursing home for 10 hours a day? A tablet will save your sanity! The tablet is also more discreet than a laptop, can just slip into my purse like a book. I've "air printed" and had no problem. Like I said--I'm willing to pay for convenience and ease. Where I am in my life, that is important to me. Expensive toy? Maybe, but hey, many of us lots of toys or "upgrades" that we really don't need and simply want--we have multiple tech gadgets and so do many of our kids, some of us drive a fancier car than what we really need for transportation, we have a larger home than we really need, etc. Think of it like that.

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easy to carry, long battery life
Mar 1, 2013 12:12PM PST

I bought my iPad because I wanted something to surf the internet with on an airplane. My 14" laptop was too big to fit on the tray table in coach, and it was even more difficult if the person in front of me reclined.

Also, the battery life was not that great. Sometimes I'm traveling for 12+ hours and need something that can go the distance.

Inflight WiFi is pretty good, and helps pass the time on those long flights. After owning my iPad for a few months, I realized I was not using my laptop at all, so I gave it to my niece. For traveling, a tablet is all I need. I bought a Logitech Bluetooth keyboard, for those times I need to do some serious typing.

I'm not wedded to Apple. I think if I had to do it over again, I would buy a Google Nexus 7" tablet for $199.99 and a Samsung Chromebook XE303C12-A01US for $249.99. The 10" iPad is a little heavy to use as an e-reader.

Buying both of them would be $50 cheaper than a 10" iPad. But these options were not available when I bought my iPad 2.

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Many reasons
Mar 1, 2013 12:22PM PST

There are many reasons from weight to battery life to this is how people use computers. We have a Nook Color, iPad 2, and Surface RT. The Nook and iPad are content consumers only and don't replace a PC. The Win RT comes close to replacing the desktop or Notebook for many people. If I could run my bloated CAD software on the RT the notebook would be gone. The Surface Pro may complete the replacement though.

Why the tablet? It's lightweight, excellent viewing, fast, flexible, unobtrusive, etc... The Surface with Windows does both content creation and viewing very well. I can travel with the thing and not stretch my arm by five inches. The battery life gets me to Europe and then some before recharging.

Is this worth $900... I say yes. It's about the same or less than a decent Notebook computer. The $300 notebooks are not worth it given the slow speeds and poor hardware. But these are my opinions.

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Tablet Craz
Mar 1, 2013 12:23PM PST

Yeah, I bought one about six months ago, now I'm wondering why. It gets used for 1 hour out of 96 hours. I think I might understand why, it's called following the hurd. The buying public is so controlled by the adverts they see on TV and on line they simply can't help themselves - we're all just a hurd of digital slaves.

What I wonder about more than a tablet is " Twitter " and " FaceBook ". I never knew individuals were so self centered that they had to let everyone know what their doing and where they are. I think the human race will soon forget how to communicate face-to-face, i.e., verbally. I saw a cartoon that really summed it up perfectly. The setting was a funeral home. The dearly departed was on view. There were 2 people standing in front of the casket. The caption read, " I'm surprised there are not more people here, he had 4,000 FaceBook friends. "

I would like to suggest that everyone who is a social media junkie ask each one of their so called friends for $1.00. Do that and see how many " friends " you really have.

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off topic
Mar 2, 2013 12:37AM PST

Your social media rant is off topic. You can post Tweet, and post to Facebook with a laptop, and a Smartphone too.

Maybe you should have thought about how you would use a tablet before you bought one.

BTW, it's herd, not hurd.

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Beat Me to the Punch!
Mar 3, 2013 2:40AM PST

booch221: You said 100% of what I was going to say to 1garyallen...right after I asked him to "Friend Me" on Facebook! LOL
What a nob, as we Scottish say. But, he only has a single comment on CNet so I guess his panties were just twisted the wrong way when he took the time to join the "hurd" of us, posting in this topic. 1:96 ratio of use? Pffftttttt! He should be so ashamed of his lack of research that he couldn't possibly post his poor use of his tablet, that is, if he truly owns one. It's probably the O.P.,. in disguise. Wink

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I got no problem with any mobile solution - BUT!
Mar 1, 2013 12:36PM PST

Okay - tablets are supposed to be mobile - Right? Only problem is - mobile to me means OUTSIDE! Tell me one smart phone/tablet or any other "mobile" device you can read OUTSIDE with the sun shining on it! If you can, and I can verify it - I WILL BUY IT! Otherwise SHUT THE DOOR! Angry

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Kobo E-reader
Mar 1, 2013 2:02PM PST

Non-touch, with E-ink.
Only tablet I'm interested in.
Got mine refurbished for $40.
Read a book.

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both make sense for different needs
Mar 1, 2013 1:10PM PST

Your perspective as a programmer is going to be a bit different from that of the average casual user. Of course if you actually need to do serious work on your device, a laptop or a desktop is going to be better -- but if you're not actually doing intensive work that needs a real computer, a tablet can often be much more convenient and easier than having to carry around and set up your laptop everywhere you go. Sometimes the average person just wants to be able to quickly check e-mail, or casually surf the web, or maybe play a quick and simple game here and there to kill a bit of time, or read an e-book on the bus, or quickly check what their Facebook friends are up to -- and a tablet's perfectly fine for that kind of thing.

I have both for different purposes. The laptop travels with me when I need a real computer for something (e.g. work-related stuff, extended trips where I'm going to be away for a week or something, etc.); the tablet travels with me when I just need a casual time-waster (e.g. I'm going to sit in a coffee shop for an hour and just need a casual diversion like playing Angry Birds or reading an e-book.)

And you're not restricted to the on-screen keyboard with a tablet either; you can also buy detachable USB keyboards for them which essentially turn them into a netbook.

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Same size screen as my Acer netbook
Mar 1, 2013 1:18PM PST

People comment on the small screen on my Acer Netbook. I point out that its the same size as an iPad. This Netbook runs Windows XP and has more power than my company provided Lenova laptop. Oh, there are some neat apps for tablets that I'd like but they could be written for a laptop too, I would think. I do have an iPod touch that I like but between that and the Netbook I don't see a need for an oversized and overweight iPad.

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Ppl are paying for the simplicity...
Mar 1, 2013 4:51PM PST

Tablets may have been out for a while, but they're still "trending" and "the cult of the new". They do have their advantages over laptops though....

If you stick with the more lighter models, as opposed to them desktop replacements, then yeah, laptops truly are mobile. However, tablets tend to be EVEN MORE mobile. They can be 50% or less weight than even the lighter model laptops, which counts for alot when you gotta drag that thing with you by hand, or in a suitcase everywhere you go. Also, laptops tend to take up more space. Not that much more space, but again, if you're a road warrior, then every bit counts. They boot up quickly, and tend to get better battery life.

If you're gonna do programming or development, graphic design, or anything resource intensive, I'd likely go with a laptop. The OS and hardware would be more likely to handle that. However, everything else, tablet may get by just fine. Speaking of which, not every1 pays $1000 for an Ipad. You can get a cheaper model that costs as little as $400. $330 for an Ipad Mini. +$130 if you want 3G, +100 or so for the next level storage capacity. AFAIK, some people really can get away with a 16GB model, so FWIW, they're only paying up to $550 or so for an Ipad. 32 GB should be enough for most of the rest, so they're lookingat $600 to $700 (which yes, does encrouch on "laptop pricing territory"). 64 GB is for those who want the latest and greatest, and I'd imagine will go crazy storing their entire Itunes collections of music, movies, and TV shows on their Ipads.

If you have no need to be tied into the Apple ecosystem (Itunes, AppStore apps), nor have any other apple hardware such as a desktop (of which I hear they integrate well with Iphones and Ipads), then a cheaper Android alternative can be had for a measley $100 to $300. If all you want are apps from the Android marketplace, and do the usual email, surfing, etc.... you're good to go here. Android laptops, and other, non-Apple tablets tend to have external memory card storage, so instead of paying an extra $100 to get 16GB of memory for the next level Ipad, you can pay just $20 for a 16 GB micro SD card. Or if it takes SDHC cards, then 32 GB capacities aren';t that much.

The convenience of paying more for something that's simplier to use, the "apple tax" of being able to use AppStore apps, and something more manageable (such as a tablet in a carry case vs. just a plain laptop) are what's the appeal

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It's all about product lifecycles
Mar 1, 2013 7:00PM PST

It's all about product lifecycles. A decent & properly looked after, well-maintained & cared for, Apple Mac, is rated to last, at best, 8-10 years ( 8 for a laptop; 10 for a desktop ). The Intel-AMD M$ platforms, with M$ Win_Doze, are rated at best 4-6 years ( 4 for a laptop, 6 for a desktop ). No authoritative figures are available, for a Linux/BSD or similar, install on the Intel/AMD platforms, but observation seems to suggest that the lifecycle can be extended by at least 50%, then bringing it up towards the Mac standard. No publicly-released figures are available for standard UNIX installs, formerly adopted by the banks & governments, but boxes built in 1997, were still running in 2010, so a policy of gradually phased them out, from 2005 onwards, was adopted, as their durability was embarrassing in the extreme to the steering cabals, advocating " spend, spend, spend ", in order to continue to receive kickbacks from their suppliers. Product renewal policy is now governed by these cross-corporate fiscal factors of maintaining continued operational mutual-business viability, as IT departments lost control of the process to their higher-echelon policy staff, quite a while back, with accounting departments ( " bean counters " ), taking the blame for this shift in hidden priorities.

In a climate of economic recession due to over-extended corporatism, mass-indebtedness, and consumer spending retrenchment, profits are squeezed, & credit restraint by the banks, exacerbates the company desire to inflate share price, by methods which undercut traditional Value-for-Money product creation policies. The corporates have seized on the mobile phone phenomenon, adapting it to the creation of a cut-down version of decent, capable computers, like the Mac, to noddy computing, thinking to stimulate people's desire to purchase devices affording greater surface area than a mobile phone, to scratch convulsively at the itch of anxiety-driven personal computing .. Not that most of these purchases are necessary: genuine purchases, are for use in conditions in which laptops are still too bulky, or where cut-down capability is all that is required of a user to service a given fixed need.

Don't buy. They aren't meant to last ! It's probable that their component durability, is shorter than that in the proper desktops & laptops, together with a design lifecycle, rated in the vicinity of max. 3 years. Manufacturer publicity in the IT computer journalist reviews, encourages users to buy newer products, every 2 years. Shorter product usability lifecycles, enable increased cash flows, and, ideally, restore lost profit margins, forcing people to upgrade the entire unit, rather than individual components, as trained technicians do, on their servers, clients, & even their laptops ( damnably fiddly, but can be do-able ). If you want to get sucked into the morass of 2-year product renewal, then spend away, to indebtedness ! But as with mobile phones - which have the same 2-year manufacturers' recommended product lifecycle - it doesn't pay to go down that particular route, with the limited capability of these devices, rendering them a frustration, rather than an enabler, which buyers fondly imagine they will be.