Search
  • Videos
  • Enterprise Software
  • Windows 10
  • Cloud
  • AI
  • Security
  • TR Premium
  • more
    • 5G Guide
    • Build a Website
    • Hardware
    • Innovation
    • Best Smartphones
    • Executive Guides
    • Best VPN Services
    • Web Hosting
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
  • Newsletters
  • All Writers
    • Preferences
    • Community
    • Newsletters
    • Log Out
  • Menu
    • Videos
    • Enterprise Software
    • Windows 10
    • Cloud
    • AI
    • Security
    • TR Premium
    • 5G Guide
    • Build a Website
    • Hardware
    • Innovation
    • Best Smartphones
    • Executive Guides
    • Best VPN Services
    • Web Hosting
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
      • Preferences
      • Community
      • Newsletters
      • Log Out
  • us
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • India
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • ZDNet around the globe:
    • ZDNet China
    • ZDNet France
    • ZDNet Germany
    • ZDNet Korea
    • ZDNet Japan

Why tablets will usurp laptops in 2012

1 of 10 NEXT PREV
  • Apple iPad 2

    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.

    Published: December 31, 2011 -- 12:00 GMT (04:00 PST)

    Photo by: James Martin/CNET News

    Caption by: Jack Wallen

  • Antivirus software

    Antivirus software

    2. Viruses
    It's a fairly safe bet that tablets will never suffer from viruses to the same degree as Windows laptops. That's not to say the iPad or Android devices will never be the target of malware, but it shouldn't be a major concern. Of course, you can find antivirus software in the Android Market, but it's pretty pointless. A portable device that isn't vulnerable to the masses of viruses and malware that exist out in the wild is an undeniably attractive proposition.

    Published: December 31, 2011 -- 12:00 GMT (04:00 PST)

    Photo by: TahoeSunsets/Flickr

    Caption by: Jack Wallen

  • Tablet in a taxi

    Tablet in a taxi

    3. Portability
    Which would you choose when going through airports, taking taxis, staying in hotels, and attending conferences and meetings — a laptop weighing between 2kg and 5.5kg or a tablet of about 600g? You'd choose the tablet every time. And it's not just because of weight. The tablet is far superior to the laptop in its ability to work in confined spaces. Need to work in a cab? Tablet. Need to work in the bathroom? Tablet. You simply can't beat the tablet for portability.

    Published: December 31, 2011 -- 12:00 GMT (04:00 PST)

    Caption by: Jack Wallen

  • Low price sign

    Low price sign

    4. Cost effectiveness
    A really good tablet will cost about the same as a low- to mid-range laptop. So you're immediately getting more for your money. But now factor in the price of an extra battery and software for the laptop and you can see how quickly the cost can add up. Tablets are quickly becoming one of the most cost-effective office tools available.

    Published: December 31, 2011 -- 12:00 GMT (04:00 PST)

    Photo by: CoCreatr/Flickr

    Caption by: Jack Wallen

  • Antenna

    Antenna

    5. Online connection
    If you pay extra and get your tablet with a 3G connection, you won't have to worry about finding a Wi-Fi connection to access whatever cloud or service you need. Many tablets can be bought with a 3G connection, which puts them a step ahead of most laptops. Of course, you can buy aircards for laptops, but that's just another piece of hardware to worry about.

    Published: December 31, 2011 -- 12:00 GMT (04:00 PST)

    Photo by: johaneko/Flickr

    Caption by: Jack Wallen

  • App store

    App store

    6. Application availability
    There are thousands of applications available for tablets. These applications are so varied and numerous that it makes going back to a laptop potentially painful. I admit that many of those apps are worthless, but not all of them. And a good portion of the solid, useful ones are free. Best of all, they can be installed from anywhere without installation media. If you have a network connection, you can install software.

    Published: December 31, 2011 -- 12:00 GMT (04:00 PST)

    Photo by: GlenBledsoe/Flickr

    Caption by: Jack Wallen

  • Tablet UI

    Tablet UI

    7. User-friendliness
    Tablet interfaces are among the user-friendliest desktops available. They are simple, elegant, and don't get in the way of work. I believe — as do Ubuntu and GNOME — that this is the future of the PC desktop. For the most part, tablet applications are also designed with user-friendliness in mind. They are simple to use and there's very little clutter to the interface with no Ribbons to get in the way. So you might have more apps installed than you would on a laptop, but because of the ease of installation and removal, that's not a problem.

    Pictured: the Toshiba Thrive Android tablet.

    Published: December 31, 2011 -- 12:00 GMT (04:00 PST)

    Photo by: Erica Ogg/CNET News

    Caption by: Jack Wallen

  • Bluetooth device

    Bluetooth device

    8. Bluetooth connectivity
    I have become a keen user of Bluetooth — from headphones and headsets to keyboards. And tablets, unlike laptops, make connecting to these devices easy. Even with a built-in card, the connection process is far harder with a laptop than with a tablet.

    Published: December 31, 2011 -- 12:00 GMT (04:00 PST)

    Photo by: michperu/Flickr

    Caption by: Jack Wallen

  • Tablet top view

    Tablet top view

    9. Efficiency
    Getting a laptop out of hibernation is a very different experience to waking up a tablet. Tablets are the closest thing we have to an instant-on computer. And when you're a mobile worker, nothing beats instant-on. If you need to write a note or send a short email, you'll complete the task much more quickly with a tablet.

    Published: December 31, 2011 -- 12:00 GMT (04:00 PST)

    Photo by: David Meyer

    Caption by: Jack Wallen

  • Facebook

    Facebook

    10. Social integration
    Some might argue that social networking isn't relevant to business use. But even those working on the move may need to maintain contact with co-workers, family, and friends. Rather than having to use a browser for everything, grab an Android tablet that can quickly have you Facebooking, Tweeting, and Tumbling. And if you think that's a waste of time, remember that small businesses depend on social-networking tools for free marketing.

    The tablet era
    Tablets are not only here to stay, but it's only be a matter of time before they usurp the laptop as the preferred choice for the mobile business user. Or do you think other obstacles lie in the tablet's path?

    This story originally appeared as 10 reasons why tablets will overtake laptops in the next year on TechRepublic.


    Get the latest technology news and analysis, blogs and reviews delivered directly to your inbox with ZDNet UK's newsletters.


    Published: December 31, 2011 -- 12:00 GMT (04:00 PST)

    Photo by: Franco Bouly/Flickr

    Caption by: Jack Wallen

1 of 10 NEXT PREV
Jack Wallen

By Jack Wallen | December 31, 2011 -- 12:00 GMT (04:00 PST) | Topic: Mobility

  • Apple iPad 2
  • Antivirus software
  • Tablet in a taxi
  • Low price sign
  • Antenna
  • App store
  • Tablet UI
  • Bluetooth device
  • Tablet top view
  • Facebook

The laptop's long pedigree won't prevent it being replaced as the default tool for mobile workers in 2012, says Jack Wallen

Read More Read Less

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.

Published: December 31, 2011 -- 12:00 GMT (04:00 PST)

Caption by: Jack Wallen

1 of 10 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

Mobility Smartphones Mobile OS Security Hardware Reviews
Jack Wallen

By Jack Wallen | December 31, 2011 -- 12:00 GMT (04:00 PST) | Topic: Mobility

Show Comments
LOG IN TO COMMENT
  • My Profile
  • Log Out
| Community Guidelines

Join Discussion

Add Your Comment
Add Your Comment

Related Galleries

  • 1 of 3
  • Tech turkeys: Apple and Google dominate the year's menu of failures

    In the spirit of Festivus here is our full list of the worst technology products and services of the year.

  • UAG straps for Samsung Galaxy Watch models: Nylon and leather stylish options

    Samsung's line of Galaxy Watches support quick release band options and the excellent case maker, UAG, just released three strap options for several models. ...

  • Tech21 Studio Colour case and screen protector for Pixel 4: Thin protection for Google's small phone

    The Google Pixel 4 is the latest small flagship that boasts one of the best cameras on a phone. Tech21 has a few products available to help protect your investment. ...

  • Totallee thin cases for the Pixel 4 and iPhone 11 Pro: Attractive minimalist cases protect from scratches

    It seems just about everyone uses a case on their phone today, but sometimes you don't want to be bothered by the bulk, Totallee makes some of the thinnest minimalist cases today and ...

  • UAG Civilian series for Apple iPhone 11 Pro: Stylish drop protection for your expensive smartphone

    UAG has been making rugged smartphone cases for years, but this season launched its new Civilian series. The iPhone 11 Pro case is attractive while offering solid drop protection ...

  • These 7 top wireless earbuds deliver scarily superb sound

    Happy Podoween! All the major Bluetooth earbuds from your favorite manufacturers - including the new AirPod Pro -- have been updated for Fall 2019.

  • Nomad Rugged Case for Google Pixel 4: Elegant Horween leather with 6 foot drop protection

    The Google Pixel 4 is a small, powerful Android smartphone and with Nomad's new Rugged Case you can wrap it in TPU and leather. Over time the leather will patina and develop some custom ...

ZDNet
Connect with us

© 2019 CBS Interactive. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Cookies | Ad Choice | Advertise | Terms of Use | Mobile User Agreement

  • Topics
  • All Authors
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Sponsored Narratives
  • About ZDNet
  • Meet The Team
  • Site Map
  • RSS Feeds
  • Reprint Policy
  • Manage | Log Out
  • Join | Log In | Membership
  • Newsletters
  • Site Assistance
  • ZDNet Academy
  • TechRepublic Forums