Tablet or laptop??

[raelgrin]

Hi there,
My laptop has broken and I'm on the verge or slashing out...
I have a smartphone which is great for quick internet browsing etc but for thorough surfing and document writing I can't stand my phone...
So, I want a new device that has nice big clear screen, easy to use on lap in front of tv, good for proper surfing and form filling out online, good for word processing and a place to store music and photos...
The question is, tablet or laptop? Then what do people suggest in the chosen bracket?
Thanks :)

[MRsnail]

I would say laptop anthing from dell is pretty good - u dont have to spend a fortune x

[raelgrin]

That's the make of my old laptop which lasted me 10 years so you are probably right :)

[MRsnail]

Lol i mean it is a personal choice but I prefer the old lappy ;p

[Mamyalynne]

I agree Laptop.

[raelgrin]

Should I get the newer processor i3 or whatever it is? Haha sorry I don't have very good computer vocabulary lol
4Gb or 6? Lol

[MRsnail]

Best thing I would do if in a position of buying would be to google what you want and read reviews then you get a more balanced view x

[vivandorron]

Advice which I recall having read in the columns of AB.:-

Never use a laptop on other than a firm and level surface. Use of the portable appliance on one's lap or any soft materialed surface can cause overheating and damage to internal components.

Ron.

[Buenchico]

The most important thing I noticed in your post was the reference to word processing. If you expect to be doing a reasonable amount of typing (and not, for example, solely entering the URLs of websites) then a decent keyboard is essential, which rules out a tablet. Go for a laptop!

[jno]

that's interesting, Ron... so if you ruin a laptop by using it on your lap could you sue the manufacturer for misdescription...

[vivandorron]

jno...I don't really know but the point you have raised is interesting.

Incidentally, I think it was Chuck or Chris who mentioned originally about avoiding using a Lappy on one's lap.

Ron.

[hc4361]

It's easy enough to use a laptop on a tray on your lap, though. A laptop tray is ideal because it has a cushion underneath so it balances well.

I agree you need a laptop if you intend doing much typing.

[Buenchico]

Well I read "use of the portable appliance on one's lap . . . can cause overheating and damage to internal components" as a threat to my manhood!
;-)

[sunny-dave]

Just been chatting about laptops on fbook - general agreement is for a minimum spec of 4gb RAM, 500gb harddrive, i5 2.4GHz processor (or equivalent), HDMI socket, USB3 socket, integrated graphics will do (unless you're a serious gamer.

Look for good battery life & the decision about screen size is down to weight/portability - 15.6" seems the usual compromise.

Samsung/Toshiba/Sony/Lenovo all have their fans, but "go and have a play" - not all keyboards/pads are created equal (eg I quite like my Toshiba which has 'scrabble tile' type keys - other people hate them).

Happy spending :)

[halansky]

Choose the tablet! Because you want the nice big clear screen,the laptop's screen is too small

[vivandorron]

halansky....Sorry to challenge you.....Since when have Tablets had bigger clearer screens than Laptops.?

Ron.

[cazzz1975]

a laptop would be better than a tablet, a tablet is good for browsing the net but its not practical enough for all your computing needs

[hc4361]

You can get laptops with screens 17"+ and half of it isn't obscured by the onscreen keyboard as is the case with a tablet.
You don't have to hunch right over a laptop to type as the screen is conveniently angled to view it comfortably whilst typing.

Tablets are fine as a portable device for browsing the internet, viewing movies, playing games or reading the newspaper or an eBook. They can never be a main computer, as a laptop can.