I don't get it: Why would anyone buy a tablet, and not a laptop?

[GoodEnough]

Does a tablet do anything a laptop can not? Is the only difference the touch scroll? Scrolling with my thumb is just not that impressive to me. And the ability to write w/ a stylus? Is there some paradigm functionality that is enabled by these 2 differences?

Sleeping laptop booting takes a few seconds to boot. Not rational reason, as it's .00001% of actual usage time.

If you watch youtube videos all day, I guess you can use a PC with no keyboard. (tablet) I guess it's good for browsing, which is majority of most people's PC time. I guess I am skewed b/c almost all my PC time is forums and emails: Extensive and constant typing. But, I just can't see wasting money on a glorified disabled laptop. Spend the extra $100 on a real computing device with keyboard. Laptop has even replaced desktop, for many people.

The question again, does a tablet allow some functionality not able to be accomplished on a laptop? Like capturing writing with a pen stylus, etc. Or checking boxes from a list, like for doctor. Or is it just a laptop with no keyboard?

(I'd estimate only about 15-20% of PC users know about "page down", which is HUGE for reading content)

Name something a tablet can do, that a laptop can not. Capturing signatures or handwritten memos seems to be one. Or, maybe there are certain games that are written with touch screen in mind. That I can see as difference b/w laptop. But “Page down” vs. “slide finger” is a sillly reason for any paradigm shift (vs. cheesy fad) I’m all for cheap computing device, but it seems insane not to buy laptop.

Why not buy a laptop to have the option of typing, without having to go back to PC? Or simply having a whole 2nd computer, if you ever leave the house.
(vacation, commuting, etc) Tablet must be device #3 for people. PC, laptop, THEN tablet.

OK, so it's better for browsing, but you can't tell, say, a college kid to get a tablet, UNLESS he's already got a PC or laptop. I think I've answered my question. You can't have tablet unless you have PC or laptop, or both. However, many people do not have PC anymore. They have laptop = PC.

 

[zerocool84]

A tablet does not replace a laptop, no one has ever said they do. They are not going to replace a real laptop any time soon. People who usually buy tablets are looking for something to casually consume content. You add it as a companion to the laptop so you don't have to lug around a larger laptop around with you either in your home or when you travel/go out. You're probably thinking of a Netbook.

 

[poofyhairguy]

I guess it's good for browsing, which is majority of most people's PC time.

You answered your question.

Name something a tablet can do, that a laptop can not.

Allow you to browse the internet, mess with apps (some can be powerful), or play games sitting like this:

 

[hans007]

i had a tablet acer a500 and a laptop and a smartphone.

and after about a month i sold the tablet. i mean as far as my uses anyway if i ever had to surf the internet on my couch i could use my laptop. if i had to quickly check something i could use my smartphone.

and since the tablet was wifi only it wasnt really worth taking outside given it was still pretty large and had no internet anywhere but coffee shops. and i still had my smartphone.

i think of a tablet honestly as just a toy that if you have money to blow you can leave on the table in front of your couch. i couldn't see any other reason to use it, and even for that purpose i didnt use it because my smartphone was already on and i'd power the tablet off and it would take to long to boot.

so yeah the entire tablet thing kind of mystifies me. eventually i would assume real laptops will be more like say the asus transformer 2, where you can have a laptop that turns into more or less a tablet. or if you really look into the future maybe you just have say a 10" capacitive screen module, a 4.5" one, batteries for both, and like a flash / cpu module and now you have a cellphone and tablet all modular . or well that i think at least you could say you weren't duplicating anything...

 

[Bateluer]

Its a status symbol right now. Technology is evolving though, and the two may eventually merge, ala the Asus Transformer.

 

[Pliablemoose]

OP, I don't know what to tell you, there have been 40 million iPads sold.

Someone somewhere, 40+ million people seem to think that tablets are a useful device. That's a lot of people.

Perhaps the Pope can answer your question.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tC8s44MRGVA

 

[Doppel]

OP makes good points. The truth is you can get a functionally superior laptop for the price of an ipad. However, it's not a status symbol, like mentioned above.

But, beyond this I think the main selling feature from a practical standpoint is that it's just very light and thin. It's a more pleasant experience to kick up on the couch in front of the TV and surf on one than with a laptop--even though typing on it is a horrendous experience.

As far as apple is concerned, it's a cheap way to get a large screen with an apple device and what apple offers.

As far as others are concerned, well they are hardly selling much anyway.

I saw two people sitting around in public today waiting for somebody and both were on 10" tablets doing whatever they were doing. Nobody ever really got into dragging around laptops because they are still pretty bulky.

 

[Mopetar]

You can get a Kindle Fire for $200. I have no idea what the experience is like on one, but they're relatively cheap. A $200 laptop is going to be an absolute piece of junk. The only notebook I've used that I would want to use for coach surfing or in a manner similar to the iPad was the Macbook Air, but those cost at least $1000, which just isn't worth it for me.

 

[Doppel]

You can get a Kindle Fire for $200. I have no idea what the experience is like on one, but they're relatively cheap. A $200 laptop is going to be an absolute piece of junk. The only notebook I've used that I would want to use for coach surfing or in a manner similar to the iPad was the Macbook Air, but those cost at least $1000, which just isn't worth it for me.

Yeah the fire changes it all @ $200.

 

[Bateluer]

You can get a Kindle Fire for $200. I have no idea what the experience is like on one, but they're relatively cheap. A $200 laptop is going to be an absolute piece of junk. The only notebook I've used that I would want to use for coach surfing or in a manner similar to the iPad was the Macbook Air, but those cost at least $1000, which just isn't worth it for me.

Point of order. No, you cannot get Kindle Fire for 200 dollars. That item is not on the market yet.

 

[Brian Stirling]

I see no reason to get a tablet with a 10 inch display when my netbook is that size. But, something like the new Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 with higher resolution than the iPad/iPad2 IS something I am interested in.

I fly a lot averaging 2 legs and 5-6 hours per week so having a device that's small enough to work in the small space available on a plane is a great thing. I see MANY folks onboard that are using tablets (mostly iPad/iPad2) to:

1. Play games

2. Listen to music

3. Watch movies

4. Watch recorded video (TV, YouTube)

5. Browse the internet using the GoGo onboard internet

6. As a news and book reader


So, does that answer your question...


Brian

 

[Capt Caveman]

Ask the Autistic kids in this 60 minute episode - Link

And this is just a single case. Problem with most people, no vision or ability to think out of the box. Thankfully, some folks saw the potential that a tablet can offer. And it will only grow.

 

[Edgy]

I have a tablet and it's not about functionality difference at what laptop can do vs tablet can do or cannot do. There's pros and cons for both designs.

For me, I've never been comfortable using a Laptop on my lap... ever. Contrary to its namesake, a Laptop for me is most comfortable on a desk.

On the other hand a tablet is apt at doing exactly what I want it to do - lazing on a sofa consuming content in relative comfort while having better experience (screensize) than a smartphone.

 

[BladeVenom]

Point of order. No, you cannot get Kindle Fire for 200 dollars. That item is not on the market yet.

You can get a Nook Color refurb for $150 or less, and they have been out for about a year.

Beats lying down and trying to read a book with a laptop.

Everyone is mentioning the Fire, but I think I'd prefer the new Nook Tablet that is coming out. It's 20% faster, has twice the memory, twice the storage, and comes with a microSD slot so you can add more storage. The slot will also make it easier to root. Even just getting it as a standard reader, B&N uses the standard epub format for books. Amazon uses a proprietary format. Nook will also read more formats than the Fire.

 

[lothar]

You can get a Kindle Fire for $200. I have no idea what the experience is like on one, but they're relatively cheap. A $200 laptop is going to be an absolute piece of junk. The only notebook I've used that I would want to use for coach surfing or in a manner similar to the iPad was the Macbook Air, but those cost at least $1000, which just isn't worth it for me.

You've never seen or heard about Acer's TimelineX series notebook?

 

[shortylickens]

Right now I'd rather have my netbook than a tablet, but eventually when they get better I will have both.

 

[finbarqs]

it's lighter, and less cumbersome.. so what's so hard about opening a clamshell? it's just that much more to do

 

[finbarqs]

Ask the Autistic kids in this 60 minute episode - Link

And this is just a single case. Problem with most people, no vision or ability to think out of the box. Thankfully, some folks saw the potential that a tablet can offer. And it will only grow.

that proves it: iPad is for a bunch of people sorry that was tasteless... couldn't help it!

 

[Zaap]

^ eesh.

Anyway, as an animation editor I work with storyboards and script copies every day. My desks both at home and work used to be stacked with paper.

Now I've voluntarily* switched to PDF copies on an old Motion Computing tablet PC I got off eBay last year for $170, as well as my phone. (*IE: it was my idea, not the company which still wastes reams and reams of paper printing out hard copy storyboards and scripts for me, which I promptly toss in the recycle bin.)

Having instant access to needed work files, and having them so portable and viewable anywhere is awesome- I'd never go back to hard copy.

Even my tablet PC is slightly too cumbersome though (ditto a full laptop) An iPad or Android tablet would be perfect for the task.

I'm waiting to test drive a Fire, Nook Color, Transformer, Samsung Note, or whatever else may be coming down the pike before deciding which I want. Screen size, features, speed, etc. are all things I'm going to have to weigh. There are definitely tasks that are tailor made for a tablet vs. a laptop.

 

[DaveSimmons]

I have no use for a laptop, I own several desktops. And an e-ink Kindle for reading books, and soon a Kindle Fire for reading color content and streaming music and video.

A laptop would not work as well for the reading and streaming since it would weigh 3-6 times as much and have the keyboard getting in the way of holding it.

 

[Raduque]

I use my tablet for browsing and reading ebooks when I'm laying down or using the toilet - two scenarios where a laptop is a pain in the ass (seriously, you ever tried laying on your side reading an ebook on a 17" laptop? IMPOSSIBLE)

 

[zCypher]

I used to wonder exactly the same thing, but one of my coworkers showed me his iPad (first one) and seeing it in action made me understand. Big clear fluid experience with more portability than a laptop, great for reading/manipulating PDF documents among other things. I can see how it would be a useful tool for some people, especially students.

Laptops have their uses, but can also be cumbersome.

 

[Mopetar]

Point of order. No, you cannot get Kindle Fire for 200 dollars. That item is not on the market yet.

Pft— Tell that to the guy in Nigeria that I just bought a dozen from. He said they should arrive any day now.

 

[badb0y]

For those of us that just use a laptop for browsing the internet or fooling around the tablet replaces a laptop completely. I haven't touched my Envy 14 in MONTHS.

I use my desktop to do all the productivity work.

 

[NinjaCat]

I need something portable, but not a laptop because my desktop is what I'll be using mostly. Looking at the Nook 2, and it looks like something that could fit me. I just need something to read email or maybe watch some videos when I'm in another room or out, otherwise I'll use my desktop.