Why tablets will usurp laptops in 2012
Summary: The laptop's long pedigree won't prevent it being replaced as the default tool for mobile workers in 2012, says Jack Wallen
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Apple iPad 2
I was one of those doubters who thought of tablets as nothing more than a gimmick. But having now used these devices more extensively, I've changed my tune. I can see that tablet technology is incredibly useful. My change of heart has given me a growing belief that tablets will replace the laptop as the mobile device of choice. Here are the principal reasons for my new position.
1. Power consumption
The tablet scores heavily over the laptop when it comes to power consumption. On average, I can get a full day out of a tablet on a single charge. I couldn't even get close to that with a laptop. For anyone who has to operate on the move, running out of power is just another factor that interferes with work. You're less likely to find yourself in that situation with a tablet.
Photo credit: James Martin/CNET News
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Talkback
A tablet is an excellent way to absorb content, internet browsing, music, books, movies, tv. etc. But mobile workers (not consumers) need the ability to produce content (documentation, diagrams, reports etc) and for that the tablet is hopeless in its current form. I would bet my house with you that this prediction of yours is nothing but wishful thinking and has no base in reality. We can check that in December this year.
Almost of tablets can run same tasks (and they have same caracteristics) as laptops but in a more expensive and in a not-so-solid way. In counterpart, tablets PROs are evident... and will be more evident in the future.
The key attribute of the tablet (and e-readers) is their size which in partnership with instant on, allows them to be kept close to hand and enables and encourages ad-hoc usage, in circumstances that can be problemmatic with a traditional clamshell notebook/netbook.
So yes I now pack a tablet along with my notebook and for on-the-move lookups use the tablet; leaving the notebook to be used when I am doing substantive work.
What I have also found, is that the tablet has enabled me to revert to a smaller and more pocket friendly phone, as many of the functions I used to perform on the smartphone I find are easier on the tablet.