Every once in a while, a product comes along that completely changes the way people think about and use computing devices. The first digital personal computers, the so-called tablet PCs, were released almost a decade ago and have proven to be something of a mixed blessing. On the one hand, these small computers have revolutionized how people write and share content via social media; on the other, they’ve also made it much easier for malicious software to steal personal data from mobile devices. For years now, manufacturers have been democratizing access to computing resources with newfangled “tablets” that can double as laptops or smartphones. These hybrids cater to two distinct user groups:
What is a Tablet?
A tablet is often, but not always, a laptop-style device that has been custom-built to interact with a mobile device. The term “tablet” can also be used to refer to hybrid devices that combine the best of both laptop and smartphone technologies. Such devices come in all forms, from ultra-portable netbooks to full-blown Windows tablets. Depending on what you want your device to do, there are several distinct advantages to using a tablet over a laptop. Some people just don’t want to carry a laptop around with them; others prefer the portability of a tablet, while still wanting the full capability of a laptop.
What is an iPad?
As a laptop, an iPad is a fully functional computer that runs Apple’s OS (operating system). It differs from a laptop in that it has a larger screen and can run apps designed for it as a tablet instead of a laptop-style notebook. The screen is typically 10.5 inches or larger, with the full range of sizes and form factors available, including a full-blown tablet that can be held like a proper tablet or a laptop that can double as a phone or a desktop.
What’s the Difference between an iPad and a Tablet?
The main factor that sets tablets apart from laptops is size — tablets are generally much smaller than laptops, with the full range of sizes and form factors available, from the Threshold 7 to the iPad Mini. This means that tablets are often much easier to use one-handed, especially when watching videos or doing graphics-intensive work. In addition, some tablets are designed to run laptops, so that you can use one device to run both tasks at the same time. Some tablets also come with detachable keyboards, allowing you to run full-blown laptops through the same device. The screen can be either a touch screen or a conventional, physical keyboard.
How to Use an iPad
As with all Apple devices, using an iPad is extremely easy. Choose any app you want to use as a desktop, and it will operate as a normal computer. If you want to use an app as a laptop, click on the magnifying glass icon in the upper right-hand corner of the app, and it will look like a laptop. You can also connect another app to your Mac or Windows PC to use as a remote control.
When is a Tablet Worth Buying?
The question of when to buy a tablet is a difficult one to answer, as there are many factors involved. Some people may want to buy a tablet right away, while others may want to hold off until they’re ready to upgrade their computer. Here are a few things to keep in mind: While having a tablet is convenient, some users may find that they prefer using a laptop for certain tasks. If this is the case, having an iPad may be a consideration for you.
Conclusion
A tablet is often a combination of computer and a smartphone in one device. The main advantage of this is portability — most tablets are pocket-sized, after all, and can be used with one hand. The main disadvantage is that the productivity of a laptop will take a back seat to the ease of use of a tablet. An iPad is a full-featured computer that can double as a mobile device. It comes in a variety of forms, including the popular Apple iPad, which is the most common model sold worldwide.