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Tablet vs Laptop

Which do you prefer using? A tablet or a laptop? Or do you use them for different functions, or at different times of the day?


Created By on 17/07/2014

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SuffolkSilver
19th Sep 2015 23:35:26 (Last activity: 2nd Nov 2015 23:16:03)
0
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As a long time computer user I feel that there is a place for both tablets and desktop/laptop computers. I find it preferable to work on a traditional keyboard if I am doing what I would call 'serious' computing, such as writing an article or updating my website (silverhairs.co.uk) or a spreadsheet of household accounts. But the mobility of computing on a tablet, upstairs, downstairs, in a pub or wherever, makes it preferable in many situations. The versatility of a tablet is a great boon, for taking (and displaying) snaps and video or playing music, Youtubes, news programs and so on. For people who have never got into the depths of Windows programs, just to be able to tap a screen and get results is a great help. As other commentators have mentioned, it is child's play! I am sure this has encouraged millions more 'older generation' folk to get into the world of computing, which I feel is very beneficial. There are still several million people in the UK who are not on line and chipping away at this number is difficult. But persuading someone to get something like Tesco's Hudl, (a very capable tablet) for under £100, is much easier than suggesting they pay several hundred for a laptop or desktop, which they think they might not be able to manage. Personally, I cannot say the same about the ubiquitous smartphone which, although it may be able to perform many of the same functions as a tablet, I find far too fiddly to type on. Perhaps I ought to use the voice recognition facility more but then I find I have to check everything I have dictated and correct the errors manually. NOT my cup of tea. I would be interested to see whether other people my age find it just as difficult.
Response from TerryR made on 2nd Nov 2015 23:16:03
I agree with you, there is a place for Desktops, Laptops, notebooks, tablets and smart phones. Serious applications are done on a desktop (I have a big monitor cos the wife had cataracts at one time) so it's nice and easy to read. Laptop is used for surfing the web etc, connecting the camera etc, my 2 in 1 (Tablet with a detachable keyboard) can be used with a wireless mouse and demo'ing things to a U3A group I belong to cos it's nice and portable. Android tablet for while I am on holiday as with the smartphone. Trouble is I have too many devices now so I am forever charging this and that just to keep them up together!
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annabel
31st Jul 2014 10:03:42 (Last activity: 27th Oct 2015 18:43:20)
2
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I have an iPhone, iPad and MacBook .. love them all and use them for different things at different times of the day! My biggest gripe is that Apple products have such a short battery life if you use them as they are designed … my phone is always dying on me which is very frustrating .. and also since I loaded the new IOS on my iPad, that battery lasts much less too .. is anyone else having the same problem? solutions please???:-(
Response from duke made on 27th Oct 2015 18:43:20
Annabel
I have an iPad also, and I agree, the battery does seem to go down quickly.
From what I can find out, they recommend that you update to the latest IOS software and also to close the apps you are not using.
Hope that helps.
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Bilbo
14th Nov 2014 16:10:29 (Last activity: 17th Aug 2015 21:44:15)
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One thing we shouldn't overlook is the physical ability of the person to use the computer equipment. I have come across no end of silver surfers who have struggled using the latest tablet or smart phone because it was recommended by a grandchild 'who knows all about computers and the internet', or by a salesperson eager to reach their own personal sales targets.

Obviously, I'm not suggesting we lose all our faculties in the flick of a switch as we grow older, but as our eyesight deteriorates it is easier to use a larger screen (from 15" or above) if you spend longer online. If you suffer from arthritic pain a standard keyboard might be more suitable to a touchscreen with smaller keys. Even a using a touchpad might be difficult, and a mouse, or better still a tracker-ball mouse, could be better suited.

Each piece of computer equipment is simply a different computer tool. We should just the use the most suitable tool for the job. If you prefer to use one while you are out and about use a mobile device such as a smart phone, tablet or netbook. For people who want to use a computer from home a laptop or desktop model might be better suited. It's horses for courses.
Response from JohnHerb made on 13th Aug 2015 20:39:43
I think you are right when at home I use a laptop and just find it a lot easier to use
Response from ftball made on 17th Aug 2015 21:44:15
I find it much easier to use a tablet and my kids have always been a huge help to me when using technology. The youngsters have just grown up with all these devices and most are very happy to help us "Silversurfers"
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Lynda052
14th Aug 2015 09:56:46
2
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I love my laptop but find my tablet extremely useful when I am out and about. My tablet comes with me if travelling by plane, if driving I take both.
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tel-boy
18th Jul 2014 23:28:24 (Last activity: 13th Aug 2015 20:40:46)
1
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Its a few years since I owned or used a laptop, it was at that time easier for me to travel abroad with the laptop but since I retired 11 years ago I switched to a desktop with a 32 inch screen. I also owned one of the first Ipad's, an IPad 1 which I used for 4 years without any problems. My wife bought me an iPad Ait for my 70th birthday, I was very pleased to receive it because it is lighter and faster than my iPad 1. The iPad air is good because it has a 5Mp camera and really does take good photos. I take it everywhere with me especially to my writers group where I can read my stories and poems I have written on my iPad to to our members. Its also good for movies, music and the internet and I use it all the time to send and receive my emails.
I use my PC for watching movies in the evening when Emmerdale and Corrie are on TV as I have a large screen.
I would say that I use my iPad for 90% of the time and definitely is better than a laptop for me.
Response from JohnHerb made on 13th Aug 2015 20:40:46
I use my ipad when travelling as its so compact and easy to use. I love the way you do not have to keep switching it on and off as well-its always ready to go
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Oldlady
16th Mar 2015 17:29:51 (Last activity: 13th Aug 2015 20:39:00)
1
Thanks for voting!
Hello everyone,
I'm new here.
I have a laptop, Which I use most of the time at home. I also have a tablet, which I use when I'm away from home. Though I do use it for games at home. I also have a smart phone. I love them all.
Response from Wilf made on 6th Aug 2015 16:11:43
I really like ipads and my iphone. I have problems getting it all set up but my daughters did that for me. Sop easy to use and cannot believe we have only had this technology for the last ten years or so
Response from JohnHerb made on 13th Aug 2015 20:39:00
I prefer a laptop for day to day working and looking at the internet but have an ipad which I use if travelling as its so small and easy to use
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bharatverma
26th Jun 2015 14:01:57
0
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I will love to buy a gadget which can replace my laptop, tablet, smartphone and i know someday manufacturers will successfully do it. Till then i would have to say every gadget have it's own uses we simply can't replace lappy and phone with tablet. I mostly use tablet during long travel to watch movies and lappy most time at home.
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Whataboytjie
30th Nov 2014 20:36:51
0
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First it was main frames, then desk tops, then lap tops and now an array of tablets and other smaller hand held devices. Ironically the processing power with the passage of time has increased at an exponential rate up to and including lap tops.

Beyond the lap top, we are still waiting for future technology to do what the most powerful lap top is capable of doing, so there are limitations with processing power, versatility and speed.
Many of us who do a lot of mega typing still prefer the keyboard to a screen, although the screens are popular with the younger generation whose use is mainly emails and social media.

Annabel, have you closed down all your unused apps on your devices which tend to be power hungry, hence hastily reducing battery life? 😳

It is only a matter of time that the most powerful lap top to-day will be superseded by a new form of tablet, which will change the way we do things forever....!!!!!!!!!! 😉 😉 😉
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