There was a time when PC meant just one thing – a set consisting of a monitor, system unit and peripherals. However, such a single-choice concept will be horrible now, we bet! In past years, particularly the past two decades, there was a revolutionary change in the design and availability of different computing devices, which accounts for the dawn of some of the famous computing devices of today – Laptops, Tablet PC, and Smartphones! And, desktop personal computer, which was the pioneer of personal computing is almost out of the discussion. However, these three options seem very much confusing when it comes to users’ point of view. When they want to buy a computing device, say, for professional or educational purposes, they are stuck among these three choices – Laptops vs. Tablet PC vs. Smartphones.
The reason is just that some devices in the group may provide you more productivity than you expect a typical gadget in that category to be. For instance, it is not surprising to know that an Apple iPad will be much productive than a laptop with lower configurations. Surprisingly, even some experts get into this sphere of confusion when it comes to buying such a product. This is why we decided to make a comparison between Laptops, Tablet PCs and Smartphones so that you will get a clear idea about the standard purposes of these devices and which is best for you! Also, we will view these devices from different perspectives, such as that of portability, price, etc. First, despite the fact that it will be unnecessary for most readers, we will have an introduction to these three device categories.
Laptops
As you know, laptops are personal computers, which are meant for mobile usage! Since laptops do not have wires or long cables attached, it is easy to carry. Depending on the main purpose, laptops may sometimes be called notebooks or notebook computers. Now, based on size, some particular sort of laptops are also available. Ultrabook, which comes with less thickness and SSD, is an example of this. Laptops are available in a variety of screen sizes, which range from 10 or 11 inches to 15 inches. The user can choose the preferred screen size in accordance with the principle purpose as well as the budget. Now, however, we will move on to the pros and cons of laptop devices when compared to others on the list.
Pros of Laptops
- Laptops provide fully-fledged computing experience, mainly when you have a device with a big screen.
- You can do everything you do on your desktop computer, including playing games, accessing the internet, etc.
- Sometimes, you can do something, which is not possible using desktops. If you have one device with touch screen, productivity will be something high.
- It has high processing power when compared to Tablet PCs or Smartphones.
- You can use CDs and DVDs!
- You can get unleashed Gaming experience if you have sufficient configuration.
Cons of Laptop
- Laptops are comparatively expensive. Yet, you can find exceptions.
- Due to high processing power, battery consumption of laptop is quite high; even in the case of the top laptop brands, you can hardly use the device for more than 6-7 hours unless you have a MacBook with you.
- When compared to Smartphone or Tablet PC, Laptops are robust to carry. Though its primary intention in different locations, it has some limitations.
- Despite being labeled ‘mobile’, you might have some issues due to the relatively high weight of laptops.
Tablet PCs
We put tablet PCs in the middle section because devices included in this category are in between Smartphones and Laptops regarding size and productivity! However, it should be noted that the Tablet PC of today is entirely different from what has been called Tablet PCs a few years. Apparently, the rise of mobile operating systems such as Android along with iOS and Windows 8 has made a contribution to the current revolutionary role of Tablet PCs among gadgets. The screen of Tablet PCs do not have the size of a laptop; they are smaller as Smartphones neither. Most Tablet PCs come up with a screen of 7 inches or more. Unlike laptops, Tablet PCs have an on-screen pop-up keyboard instead of a physical one.
Recently, the Tablet PC world has seen a rise in hybrid devices, which are meant to be both typical Tablet PCs and laptops. You will have to connect a keyboard cum stand to make it look like a standard laptop. These sorts of hybrid devices are built on Operating Systems like Windows 8, which are made for both PCs and mobile devices. Now, we will have a look at the pros and cons of Tablet PCs.
Pros Tablet PCs
- When compared to laptops, Tablet PCs are more portable. Less weight and moderate screen size are important reasons for this portability.
- Mediocre processing power, which is enough for accessing the internet, capturing pictures, etc.
- Tablet PCs have more battery power when compared to laptops. Less battery consumption is due to some reasons including less processing power, small-sized screen and lightness of purposes!
- When you want to convert your gadget into a book reader or movie player, a Tablet PC will be better than a Smartphone in terms of screen size and portability when it is compared with laptops.
- And yes, Tablet PCs are less expensive than a laptop. Unlike laptops, you will be able to grab a Tablet PC for a pricing range of $100 and $1000, despite the fact that delivered quality will be different.
Cons Tablet PCs
- For some users, touchscreen keyboards will not be that easy to manage, especially if they’re accustomed to physical keyboards.
- Tablet PCs may need you to (there are some definite exceptions) use a desktop or laptop for a complete level of productivity, such as for synchronizing your favorite music or movies.
- When it comes to heavy gamers, experienced offered by Tablet PCs are not that good, especially if the company has put some heavy bloatware into the device.
- Most Tablet PCs do not have voice-calling feature.
Smartphones
When mobile phones transformed themselves to ‘Smart’ phones, there were a number of notable changes like missing physical keyboards (well, there are some Smartphones that have physical keyboard), all-new UI, presence of apps as well as the rise of Smartphone operating systems including Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and minor ones! Now, it’s hard to choose a Smartphone from the market due to the abundance of devices, which come up with a variety of applications and a number of operating systems. Now, we will move on to the pros and cons of Smartphones when there is a comparison between laptops and Tablet PCs.
Pros of Smartphones
- The most portable device in the list and it is due to its smaller size. It is compact enough to suit pockets of pants or shirt.
- Availability of a variety of applications that will make your Smartphone even smart.
- Upcoming features to suit our techy life.
- Superb gaming experience in high-end Smartphones.
- Dedicated applications to suit purposes of business persons.
Cons of Smartphones
- The small size of the device may be insufficient while you want to watch a movie or read eBooks.
- Smartphones are not suitable for heavy works.
- Just like Tablet PCs, Smartphones need the help of a desktop or laptop to be complete!
Also, it is worthwhile to mention the rise of devices that are included in Phablets! These devices, which have a big screen size when compared to typical Smartphones are best for professionals.
The Final Decision
While reconsidering what we have said, choosing between these three options is a tough task, indeed! However, diplomatically, we can have a conclusion. If you need a device for voice calls, internet access and a variety of apps, you should go for Smartphones. On the other hand, if your main intention is eBook reading, media viewing, easier access to the internet, and others that require a big screen, the best choice will be the Tablet PC. Unlike both, laptops will be your cup of tea if you need high-end processing power, big screen, physical keyboard, etc. Which device on the list do you use most? Do let us know using your comments.
Alex Taylor
Nowadays technology advancement deviate youth from laptops to smartphone for carrying out most of their work due to their portability and variety of features and are changing the lives of everyone in today’s society.
Sayantan Mahato
Hi Abhijeet,
Nice post up here.
In the world dominated by electronic devices, it would be hard to choose between a laptop, tablet and a smartphone. Though everyone have their own preference, but now-a-days each devices are starting to give out-of-the-box and top-quality features that the even the other two give, which might make it difficult to choose one from the three.
Thanks for the post, it helped to take decision on my part.
Thanks,
Sayantan
Pierro
I really like your reviews. But as for me I think each of these gadget are made to perform individual functions. so you choose what you need as to when you may need it.
Khalid
In my case, I prefer desktop and laptops for almost anything.
If you really want portability, you could go for ultrabooks which are even slimmer when compared to tablets and the casual laptops available in the market. However, each has cons over one another. Smartphones are very portable but with the trend of large screen estate these days, it’s becoming difficult to find a great phone in a small package. Wrapping up, If you want pure performance and you are a gamer, you really need to consider Desktops than anything else.
Thank you for this wonderful post.
Regards.
Jayraj Patel
Thanks for sharing the post with us Sir.This post would help people like me who get confuse while selecting between these 3 devices which they want to buy .
Victoria
Great comparison, but I think the choice should depend more on your purpose – there’s hardy one universal solution. But if you need to use the device both at home and when travelling – tablet seems to be the best idea, esecailly now, when the productivity can be great. I decided this buying a tablet with its own keayboard – so I can use it as a tablet and as a kind of laptop, when I need, plus when the keyboard is attached it has two batteries and works much longer
Shounak
Nice Comparison Abhijith, enjoyed reading every bit of it.
I always prefer Laptop as it suits my requirement. Thanks for sharing.
Akritri Soni
Nice post, Well I always prefer laptop among all the three because we have a great flexibility while using laptop which smartphone and tablet doesn’t have. Although smartphone is really great while traveling and the time where we can’t access laptops.
Thanks
Jon
I have all three! However, to be honest in terms of efficiency and portability the laptop and smartphone is my first two gadgets or choice. I just feel my laptop is more optimized for work purposes. The tablet is good too for travel and entertainment purposes.
Ajay Udayagiri
I prefer laptop among these three devices. But, I cannot completely keep side my smartphone. In few cases we cannot carry laptop with us, in that case I’ll make use of smartphone or a tablet to keep track of updates.
Himanshu Rawat
Even though computing power of a smartphone is rapidly increasing but they cannot replace need for a laptop or an Ultrabook. Every device has its pros and cons, but I think laptops are the best gadget for home and office.
Damian Chmiel
I do not remember who came up with this idea, but once I saw a smartphone which docking station in form of a tablet. You were connecting it together and it worked as tablet. What is more you could dock it also to the keyboard. The best thing there was the whole thing had 3 batteries – when working as a laptop (keyboard+tablet+phone) it could work for ~20hours!
Dawatech
What a nice comparison, the 3 all have their pros and cons but the fact is that they all have their uses, you can expect a laptop to offer mobile computing which is the usefulness of smartphone.
Alvin Setiawan Rusli
Nice comparisons but I think if we have laptop and phablet is enough for me.
Phablet screen size is between smartphone size and tablet so it would be efficient if we just buy 1 device and for laptop I think we really need it for work because a lot of work cannot be solved with just using tablet or smartphone.
So the conclusion is we need laptop for work and tablet or smartphone or phablets for our daily activities.
Ivanna Hermoso
Laptop is better if you work online (writing and etc.) other than that today smartphones are toys but that is only my opinion.
Faizan Baig
I prefer laptop among these three devices. But, I cannot completely keep side my smartphone. In few cases we cannot carry laptop with us, in that case I’ll make use of smartphone or a tablet to keep track of updates.
Mahesh Dabade
A very nice explanation regarding laptops, smartphones and tablets. Personally I will go for smartphones. Now a days, smartphones are capable of performing job of a laptop. Also, laptop is must for performing work. Smartphones are helpful for other activities.
Khyla
Hey guys. Well, um I am kinda lost out here. Can you help me? What should I choose as a highschool student, an Acer Aspire one D250 or a Samsung J1 ?
Samraddha
I like your comparison with detailed pros and cons but its all about, although in final you said correct thing that it become diplomatic to answer such thing, it all depend upon the requirement of an individual, every device has its own advantage and disadvantage.
S Datta
None of the 3! Desktop experience can never be compared with any of these 3! These 3 provide different levels of portability but if you come down to pure gaming experience,movie experience,programming experience, Photoshopping, video editing, game art, animations. You just can’t beat Desktops. Yes, I use laptops and smartphones but that’s because I can’t carry my desktop everywhere.
Mahesh Dabade
You are absolutely right mate.
Christopher Lloyd
Hi to all,
It the classic laptop vs tablet debate, but you can have both if you’re fed up of carrying around a laptop and a tablet.
Chris
Vivek Narain
For me, the 1.8 inches dumb phone costing 30$ does all the job. Tons of videos downloaded in 3gp format, all the googling and emailing that i never could do in desktop, Nimbuzz all the networking apps that suit mNimbuzz, binu messenger, facebook, twitter via site. I even read free ebooks in epub format via albite ebook reader that I downloaded. In fact, I do medical research on bed due to the small size and endless battery life. The phone I am talking about is Nokia c1-01 with a speed of 20 kilobyte per second.
Bonnie Anderson
I think each of these devices has their own use and all, but personally, I love using the Laptops as I can carry all of my work easily.
Bisnis Wirausaha
I vote for smartphones because of Superb gaming experience.
Aman
Nice article. I vote for smartphones as I love watching videos there.
David Meyer
In my opinion, the 2-in-1 laptops are the best for portability. As it can be used as tablet as well as laptop. And their battery life is also good as there are two batteries, one in tablet and another in keyboard.
Vijay
Nice comparison! But nowadays I use my smartphone for all sort of work which makes my work easier. Still, I prefer using my PC for some works!
Vijay
Meanwhile, I also find tablets are very handy these days.
Sanket
Nice post very detailed. I personally like Laptop as bigger screen makes it easy for me
Gordy
I’m snooping around because I might have to give up my POWER DESKTOP system for something a bit more suitable to my new life in the Philippines. Sometimes – when you add intelligence to these discussions and comparisons it makes the choice tougher.
Thanks for the input.
Monerath
I must say you have very interesting content here. I would like to see more posts like this.
Calin
I don’t care that tablets, laptops and smartphones are portable. A desktop PC is still the king for me. It has hands down the best performance. I never owned a high-end smartphone or tablet but I built a 6000$ desktop PC that I upgrade 2-3 times a year and I’m happy.
Jonson
Very informative content, I love it. I personally prefer Tablet PC because I’m using Laptop(HP 15-AY503TX) & Tablet PC (Microsoft Surface Pro 4) & I feel very comfortable when I use Tablet PC.
Naveen Kulkarni
Nice comparison. When I bought my iPad, I thought it’s going to replace my laptop totally, but it didn’t happen. And you know what, the iPad did many things that a laptop could never do (play drums, piano, beats). So I use all these alternatively and immersively based on my needs at that moment.
Pankhuri
Hey Abhijith,
It was an impressive post, coming to my view, I would always prefer smartphone because of its size and multiple uses. One thing that bothers me a lot is the accessories cost, iPhone 5S screen replacement is around ₹5,000 while my Lenovo laptop display cost me around ₹3,500.
Vera
I use my smartphone most times followed closely by my Laptop. I rarely use my tablet, because its functions could be effectively carried out by a laptop and also a phone. So I use it on rare occasions.
Your article is well detailed. Keep it up.
Benedict Kyandih
Good work, I prefer an Android smartphone. There are a lot of apps from the Google store which can be used to do the work converting files communication videos email social media download and upload all on the go also there is OTG flash dis. You can move files from a phone to laptop or computer PC only for further editing if the work can not be done on the smartphone it’s handy to carry a smartphone and work with it at a home public area or office most websites or apps are in mobile version.
Rajesh Namase
Yes, I agree with you.