Which is better for school a laptop or tablet?

Thomas Fry

Teacher Name

ENC1101

14 October 2016

Which is better for school, a desktop computer, laptop computer, Netbook, or Tablet.

Ever since the Tablet has come out onto the market, a question of which is better: laptop or tablet? Will the Tablet dethrone the laptop computer? In some instances, maybe but every student uses technology different from everybody else and for some a tablet will do the job. Please do not count out the laptop or desktop computer because each piece of technology has its pluses and minuses, I am going to explore those differences.

Desktop computer might to some young students be outdated technology but in the business world and for colleges it is the main type of computer used because you still cannot beat the power and affordability built into one machine. Most of the desktops used are still the original configuration of a tower, screen, keyboard and mouse, simple, reliable and upgradable which will keep this type of computer around for a long time to come. Businesses and colleges need the durability and the software compatibility in these type of computers.

Laptops like the desktop that was first, everybody thought that a desktop would go by the wayside because of laptops, but that is just not the case. A laptop has almost as much power as the desktop and it still has an attached keyboard, which is it greatest feature. Now the memory and the processor are almost identical to the desktop which gives a laptop a large allowance for a wide range of uses and the ability to multitask. There are many uses that need the power to accomplish like, Adobe picture software and video editing and gaming. The laptop cost has steadily dropped as tech gets smaller and faster and this has really kept the laptop viable in the market today and looks like that will be the way things will stay for the time being. You can purchase a laptop from places like Walmart for around $400 thru $1000 for the top end machine.

Netbooks were the first attempt to find a cheaper solution for the laptop. The netbook has a limited ram memory and a non-upgradable hard drive, but they do have a fixed keyboard for the people that need the keyboard but do not require lots of storage or speed. These netbooks are good at multi-tasking because you can leave the apps open all the time and it will not slow down the overall operating system. A netbook uses and android, google, or iOS operating system.

Tablets are the newest technology to hit the market in a long time and for some applications you just can’t beat the tablet. If you are checking your email or posting on Facebook, a tablet is quick and light and can be transported in a regular sized purse for the person that needs to stay connected to the internet. You can play some games and read a book or digital magazine and listen to music relatively easy. Another advantage of a tablet is it can be charged quicker and the battery last longer than a laptop and you can set them down for a couple of days and they will still have power in them. I have left mine sitting for a month and the battery stayed almost fully charged.

PC Magazine Digital Edition the electronic side of the well-known PC Magazine print edition says:

Bottom line: If you need to do serious work, need powerful processing or multitasking, or need compatibility with a specific accessory or storage device, there's no good alternative to the laptop. Tablets can fulfill some of these needs some of the time, but when it's time to get things done, the laptop still reigns.

USA Today Newspaper Electronic edition, a certainly well-known newspaper says:

Perhaps most importantly — especially for those who do a lot of typing — a physical keyboard is more comfortable, accurate and fast than a tablet's "virtual" (on-screen) keyboard.

In conclusion: Although it is really hard to say exactly which one is better than the other? Each computer has its own pros and cons and it really depends on what you are doing with it, or what your needs are, school, work, or play. If as a student you can only afford to buy one then this is a thought to keep in mind while you are deciding. A laptop is great for work and good for play while a tablet is great for play and some work. The decision is yours and if you do the right research then you will probably get the device that you need. There is nothing wrong with owning both of them.

Works Cited:

Westover, Brian. "Laptops vs. Tablets." PC Mag 22 Aug. 2013: n. pag. Web. 14 Oct. 2016.USA

Saltzman, Marc. “Choosing Between Tablet, Desktop or Laptop.” USA Today 21 Mar. 2015: n. pag. Web. 14 Oct 2016.USA