Do you need a laptop if you have a tablet? Why do I need a tablet? Alternate ending
What is a tablet?
- is, roughly speaking, a large touchscreen mobile phone with a computer (almost) operating system. If we draw another analogy, then a tablet is the same computer, only touch-sensitive and without system unit. Yes, it has several differences, such as - there is no drive and there is not always an input for. However, overall it is the same computer.
Advantages of a tablet computer
- Ergonomic - it takes up very little space, but at the same time, it is quite functional, since it has all the necessary functions.
- It has a built-in WiFi receiver, and sometimes 3G or 4G connection. This allows you to access the Internet anywhere.
- There is a built-in battery that allows you to work on it for up to 10 full hours.
- Touch screen, which eliminates the need for a keyboard or computer mouse for work.
- It often has a photo and video camera, which allows you not only to take and immediately save photos or videos on your tablet computer, but also to use this functionality for communicating via Skype.
- Does not require self-installation operating system. The update is also very simple (almost automatically).
- 98% of all programs are in a certified store, where you can either buy a program or game or get it for free (by finding an alternative).
- Constant connection to the Internet. You shouldn't buy a tablet if you don't have wireless at home. WiFi networks, and there is still no way to connect the Internet in another way (for example, using 3G).
- Not all programs have alternatives that work on a PC. If you have certain requirements for programs that must be installed on the tablet, then constant problems, since the tablet has a different operating system, which means that not all software companies have made alternatives for it.
- Weak battery, which, unfortunately, is quite common, unless we are talking about tablets iPad computers and iPad Mini from Apple.
- You should not buy a tablet if you consider a screen less than 10 inches to be a disadvantage, since this is exactly what the tablet has, although the well-thought-out OS does not make it possible to scold the small diagonal.
Who is the tablet designed for? the target audience?! Everything is simple here, the following people need a tablet:
- Office workers who are often on the go and need access to basic documents and the Internet;
- Modern people who like to spend free time on the Internet or using gadgets.
- For movie fans who can't live without movies and TV series. A tablet will be a great lifesaver here, especially if the battery can withstand long periods of watching movies without recharging.
- People who travel a lot or are simply often on the road. This gadget is capable of very good entertainment: music, films, games and Internet capabilities.
Frequently asked questions related to purchasing a tablet
There are a number of related questions that are asked when purchasing a tablet. We would like to highlight them now, giving the necessary answers to them. So let's get started?!Is it worth buying a Chinese tablet?
Yes, if you are buying for a child or teenager who, in principle, still doesn’t care what capabilities a real one should have. Tablet PC. For an adult, it is better not to buy Chinese tablet analogues: very weak battery, low-quality screen, lack of most functions (hence, even downloading an application on it will be problematic), low-quality plastic, etc.
It is completely unsuitable for full-time work or entertainment, it is better not to save money, but to buy a really good tablet computer, from a well-known manufacturer with positive reviews in online stores.
Is it worth buying cheap tablet?
If your budget is limited to a minimum, but the desire to buy a tablet continues, then in principle you can buy a cheap tablet. However, here you need to choose carefully by finding it on the Internet real reviews people who bought and tested this or that model. Naturally, look at the characteristics, study video reviews, and if all of them suit you, then, of course, it’s worth buying such a tablet.
Is it worth buying a tablet if you have a laptop?
Honestly, such a question can be considered incorrect, since these are two completely different devices, despite the apparent similarity. It’s the same as asking: “Is it worth buying a passenger car if I already have a GAZelle truck?” That is, you, of course, can go to the sea beach without a truck, but it will still not look entirely natural, and you will spend much more gasoline than you could.
This is approximately the same situation with a laptop; it is bulky enough to always carry with you and use in public transport or another place. A tablet computer is a more mobile thing that can be used anytime, anywhere, without attracting attention. In addition, as a rule, the battery charge on a tablet lasts for a much longer period of time than on a laptop.
Therefore, to sum up this question, we answer categorically – “YES!” It’s worth buying a tablet, even if you already have a laptop!”
Is it worth buying Graphics tablet?
To begin with, you must understand that a graphic tablet computer is a completely different technique that is used by artists and designers to create images immediately on the computer (they draw on it with a special stylus). It is similar to a tablet, only in name and, in principle, looks a little similar in appearance.
Whether to buy it or not, we cannot clearly answer here. Yes, this is an interesting toy, but how long will it last?! However, if you are engaged in design or art professionally, then, of course, a graphics tablet will be an excellent purchase!
February 13, 2011 at 11:05 pm10 reasons to buy a tablet and 5 more not to do so yet
- Tablets
Tablet computers have quickly become popular devices, and there are more and more owners of these gadgets in the world. But many of you are probably spending time waiting, watching for the tablet that's right for you to appear. But try asking yourself another question. Instead of “Which tablet should I buy?” ask “Why do I need a tablet?”
New products appear on the tablet market with enviable regularity. There are already several models on sale that are actively being purchased. Several more interesting tablet computers will appear in the coming months. So let's think together about what reasons might motivate you to buy a fashionable gadget. And then a few reasons not to part with your money just yet.
1. The tablet is convenient as an electronic reader.
Although many have complained that reading from a tablet screen is not comparable to reading from a dedicated device with an e-ink screen, and the text on them is not as clear, all these shortcomings have not stopped people from reading e-books, PDF, comics, long articles from the web, including on tablets. In addition, for example, children's books are good in color, something the Kindle cannot yet boast of.
2. Tablets are personal productivity stations.
Make a schedule, distribute tasks and plans, work with by email It's very convenient on the big screen of the tablet. And although many of our phones can now at the very least serve as personal assistants, it is tablets that provide real comfort in this area.
3. Tablets are better than old laptops
This statement is true if you don't have to type a lot of text. Tablets allow you to handle more content than older laptops, and you can enjoy the latest apps and games.
4. Tablets are great for meetings
Of course, don’t forget that with a tablet in your hands, you will attract much more attention from other meeting participants. But it is very convenient to take notes on it, and in especially boring cases you can unobtrusively launch your favorite Angry Birds without sound.
5. Tablets are convenient for displaying photos.
Showing photos with a tablet is very simple and convenient. It can be a great help for insurance agents, underwriters and salespeople who have to give presentations to a small audience. Having everything in front of you in a cute little device is much more convenient than traditional presentations using a laptop.
6. Tablets are great for movies and music.
There is nothing better than giving a child who is naughty in the car a tablet with his favorite cartoons. A tablet will cost no more than installing a monitor and DVD in the headrest of a car seat. Plus, you can take your tablet on the plane and enjoy movies during a boring flight.
7. A tablet costs less than a new laptop.
Your old large laptop ordered to live long? Instead of buying a new one, look at tablets. They are often even more powerful than modern laptops, costing about $500.
8. Tablets withstand falls better
Often the most you may need after they fall is a quick reboot.
9. A tablet can be useful when traveling
Wi-Fi and 3G support, big screen and large storage are perfect for maps, guidebooks and dictionaries.
10. Tablets are just cool on their own.
They make others feel like you're from the future. And that's great. :-)
And now the promised 5 reasons why you don’t need to buy yourself a tablet yet.
1. A tablet is not as portable as the phone you already have. You are used to keeping it in your pocket. But try to do the same with an iPad, for example. You have to carry an extra case or bag for your favorite gadget everywhere. And it is certainly no more portable than any modern smartphone.
2. Games on tablets are clearly not enough. I mean real games, and not small time killers like, for example, Angry Birds, with all due respect to the birds. You won't be able to play Battlefield with a couple dozen people around the world. You can't spend hundreds of hours of your life playing World of Warcraft. You won't find any second part of Crysis on your tablet. Tablets are too weak for modern games compared to PCs, and most likely will remain so.
3. The range of work that you can do on a tablet is extremely small. These are mostly simple office tasks. You won't be able to run Photoshop on it. And rendering video will take many hours on a tablet.
4. Conveniently browse the web from your tablet while watching TV on the couch. And movies look really cool on it. But in fairness, it is worth noting that before this you could surf the Internet on the couch using a time-tested laptop. Why do you need another device for the same purposes? Well, movies are much more pleasant to watch with high resolution And powerful sound on a big screen than on a train or curled up in bed.
5. Something better will appear in a couple of months. Remember the fashion for netbooks? They were called the future of computers. Now tablets have taken their place. In a few years, we'll be writing a "Remember Tablets?" article, lamenting how much money we spent on this stupid transitional device.
Apple rebooted this year iPad lines, which revived the tablet market and aroused considerable user interest.
Some are in a hurry to upgrade their old device to a new one, while others are just thinking about purchasing their first iPad. Let's figure out whether a tablet is needed today.
How the iPad gained popularity
It's no secret that the idea of releasing an iPad appeared at Apple even before the release of the first iPhone models. Who knows what the iPad would look like today if its development had not been influenced by the iPhone and iOS.
Perhaps we would see a tablet with a full macOS version on board, which could easily replace a laptop in hiking conditions. However, the iPad took a different path of development, initially resembling a bloated iPod, and soon opened up a whole niche of compact entertainment devices.
Bill Gates, when the first iPad appeared, called it “a good e-reader and nothing more.”The tablet was received ambiguously by users; many did not understand what to do with the device, in what scenarios to use it. Only a year later, in 2011, when the iPad 2 was released, a small revolution took place in the mobile device market.
Tablet Apple second generation has become thinner and lighter, it has acquired a branded accessory Smart Cover, the developers equipped the device with cameras and a gyroscope. More efficient hardware ensured greater responsiveness and smoother operation.
By that time third party developers filled App Store thousands of useful and not so useful applications for iPad.
All this against the backdrop of an acceptable price tag contributed to the popularization of the iPad.
Judge for yourself: at the start of sales in autumn 2011 iPhone 4s with a minimum of 16 GB of memory cost 36,990 rubles. At the same time, basic iPad 2 with a 16 GB drive cost 18,990 rubles, and for 30,990 rubles gave away iPad 2 with 64 GB of memory and SIM card slot.
In those days, even Apple positioned its tablet as a device for consuming content, not for creating it. iPad took over home computer or bedside reader. Looking at a 9.7-inch display was more pleasant than focusing on the 3.5-4 inch iPhones of that time.
How to start working on iPad
With the development of technology, the iPad received a high-quality Retina display with incredible resolution, which was higher than most laptops produced. Mobile processor became more powerful.
Software developers decided to provide the user with the ability to create content on the tablet screen.
Mobile office applications have appeared, all kinds of graphic editor, mobile clients for some server programs.
Enthusiasts and geeks immediately decided to switch from computers and laptops to tablets. At that time it was terribly inconvenient. The rudimentary level of development of serious mobile applications and restrictions Apple technology made the work practically unbearable.
Row simple tasks and processes could be performed on iPad already Then.
Apple did not stand aside and we saw an official keyboard and stylus for the tablet, although before this third-party developers had already released decent solutions.
What's the deal with iPad today?
Over the past 2-3 years, the situation with tablets has remained virtually unchanged. Working with an iPad is still inconvenient, and consuming content on iPhone is faster and simpler.
Smartphone screens already provide the necessary area for maneuvers; you can easily read a book, view news online, play or watch short videos. To watch movies and TV series, it is better to use a computer or a large TV.
The iPad is not suitable for entertainment: simple things with iOS can be done on the iPhone, but for complex things there are consoles, computers and TVsWorking on an iPad in 2017 is just as inconvenient as it was a few years ago. No keyboard or stylus will make the process easier.
An iPad can only be used for work by a person who exclusively uses office applications, instant messengers and mail, while it is practically unlimited in time.
Editing photos on an iPad is always a pain. Most mobile photo editors do not even allow you to accurately frame a photo, asking you to select the desired area by eye. To make 5-7 simple illustrations for an article on an iPad, you can spend up to half an hour.
When you know all the necessary shortcuts, photo processing in Photoshop takes a matter of seconds and the same 5-7 images are prepared in a maximum of a minute.
Work with official app WordPress platforms, on which our site is based, causes only obscene language. The banal saving of a draft to send for approval turns into a whole ritual.
For what can be done in 5 mouse clicks on a computer, on iOS you have to use third party applications and spend several minutes struggling with dialog boxes.
So is an iPad necessary?
This is exactly the question I asked myself at the beginning of the year. My old one iPad 4 satisfied in all respects. It worked relatively vigorously, pulled everything it needed, confidently held a charge, even despite its age, but the time for an upgrade had come.
Rumors were circulating about the imminent release of a new tablet and I quickly sold the old one.
In the spring, Apple introduced the old new. Great device at a fair price. A month earlier, I sold a 2012 iPad 4 with a set of accessories for not much less.
I was in no hurry to buy, because rumors about the new iPad did not subside.
And now at the beginning of summer Apple shows second iPad in a year. Quite a serious update, change in diagonal, new features, increased display frequency, etc.
A double blow to consciousness was dealt in Cupertino potential buyers and immediately showed the chips for the new tablet.
I again resisted and did not fall for the marketing ploy. I waited for a sensible and stable beta version of iOS 11.
After that I borrowed iPad time Air 2 and downloaded iOS 11 to it. I tried the device again to work: again it was a miss.
Neither the updated Dock, nor the convenient windowed mode, nor the new Drag & Drop simplified my workflow on the iPad. I still lack the ability to work with removable drives, I am forced to use “crutches” to transfer photos from a flash drive or memory card from the camera, I cannot fully save the necessary data on the device itself, the screen size is not enough for two applications.
Third-party software still has limited capabilities and does not provide all the benefits of desktop versions.
For six months without an iPad, I never once felt an urgent need for a tablet, although before that I actively used it at home, on vacation, and took the iPad for walks in the park.
All home forays into the Internet without a tablet, as before, were divided into mobile and full-fledged ones. For the former, a smartphone is enough, while the latter is faster and easier to do on a computer.
I solve work issues on a full-fledged laptop in a matter of minutes, remembering with relief the operations performed on the iPad.
It turns out that we ourselves created a niche for ourselves with tasks that we began to perform on the iPad. Apple just pushed us towards this and did nothing else.
Today practically everyone iPad owner can easily return to the scenario of 8-10 years ago. Phone for calls and messages, computer for work and entertainment. If you dilute all this with the modern capabilities of smartphones, smart TVs, set-top boxes and consoles, the iPad turns out to be clearly superfluous.
This explains Apple's attempt to revive user interest in the iPad line.
Nice try Tim, but the iPad is no longer needed these days.
With this material we are opening a new section on the website, which will appear every Friday. Here I will discuss the appropriateness of all kinds of actions directly related to gadgets, the IT and Telecom spheres. Very often, people who are distant from the world of technology think about whether it is justified for them to purchase this or that device, use any software, etc. It is to such “agnostics” and this section is dedicated to. And in the first article in the series, we will talk about whether it is worth purchasing a tablet computer (Internet tablet) and what this may entail. So, let's begin.
Background
In general, there have been three significant events in the tablet segment over the past two years:
Release first Samsung Galaxy Tab
Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas in early 2011
Let me explain why this is the prioritization of events. With the first point, I think everything is clear. Tablet from Apple revived, I would even say, recreated the once existing, but not popular segment of tablet computers.
The second point - the appearance of the Samsung Galaxy Tab, was an event that opened a new direction to the world: Android tablets. This 7” tablet was positioned as the main competitor to the iPad (but you and I know that even now there are no worthy competitors for the “fruit” tablet, and are not expected). Despite the price, which is more than two times higher than the iPad minimal configuration, the device became successful, and most importantly, it resulted in a series (quite a long series, by the way) alternative devices from other manufacturers. On the one hand, this is a plus, because... a variety of tablets appeared on the market, and on the other hand, it led to even greater fragmentation of the Android OS.
And finally, the third point. The CES exhibition brought a bunch of announcements of Internet tablets (you can also add MWC2011 here, but this is already the second wave of pads being introduced into the market). It was at that moment that “pills” became a trend. But it must be said that manufacturers did the same as ten years ago: they could not immediately find the market conditions, and began to make tablets that were as close as possible to a computer, copying the iPad only in form factor. Despite the fact that they were all based on the mobile OS - Android, vendors built into their devices several USB ports, an HDMI output, made charging via USB impossible, and special perverts (forgive me Fujitsu) released their tablets on Windows Se7en.
In view of all this, at first, high-quality and truly mobile tablets were extremely rare. As a rule, the devices turned out to be quite heavy, “plump”, stuffed with various connectors and working on the basis of a smartphone version of the “robot”. The market was not ready to accept such monsters, so it is not surprising that the tablet market share occupied by the iPad was 83.6%.
After such a long and chaotic introduction, let me move directly to the issue of the article. Should you buy a tablet?..
Or maybe it’s worth it...
“Should I buy an internet tablet?” I have been tormented by this question for quite a long time. Analyzed possible options tablets, market situation, potential development of the segment. Enlightenment happened suddenly and somehow harmoniously. “Yes, it’s worth it!” I answered my inner voice. For those who don’t understand, this was a block of subjectivism, with which I hint at the morality of this material, and now it’s time for purely objective facts and factors.
I think many people have noticed that the word “tablet” is closely associated with the name of the Apple tablet “iPad”. The word iPad, in turn, has turned into a kind of abstract, ephemeral common noun that unites all representatives of the tablet PC segment. This did not happen by chance: the iPad is an iconic device, it initially set trends and fashion in its segment, the Apple tablet became the absolute standard for all manufacturers, it was and remains a locomotive of technology (like, in fact, all the products of the company from Cupertino). But be that as it may, you should not think that there is no good tablets- this is wrong.
Today tablets are produced on the following OS:
iOS, 83% market share
Android OS, 14%
HP Web OS, BlackBerry Tablet OS, MeeGo, Windows Se7en, 3%
I would like to note right away, so that there is no senseless criticism bordering on cretinism - the data on the percentage ratio is somewhat outdated, and on this moment the situation may change slightly.
Each person chooses a tablet and the OS on which it will run, in accordance with personal preferences and needs. Explain the advantages of a particular operating system paired with specific devices on these OSs is not my prerogative. In this case, you need to completely abstract from all subjective factors. In the same material, I want to consider the tablet as an independent device, in isolation from the OS and manufacturer.
Any tablet has a number of key characteristics that unite them all into one segment. This is a large touch screen, usually of “netbook” sizes: 7”-10”. There are exceptions in the form of so-called sub-mini tablets (Archos 5 Home Tablet, Samsung WiFi 5) with a diagonal of 5".
In addition, there are three tablets with a display diagonal of 8.9” (Samsung Galaxy tab 8.9, LG Optimus Pad and an office tablet from Cisco). And finally, the category of super-tablets with a screen diagonal of over 10”. Such devices include Asus EEE Pad 12”, WeTab 11.6”, 3Q Surf 11.6” and several other devices on Windows 7. But, nevertheless, the standard in this segment is a display of either 7 or 10 inches. Again, the dispute about displays will be similar to the eternal dispute between Linux users and Windows users. In this case, I will become like the poppy farmers and take the side of neutrality. From the existing display diagonals, everyone chooses what is convenient for them. Well, in my opinion, 10 inches is the most optimal size for tablet. It has not yet turned into a 13” shovel, but it is no longer a re-phone, which seems to be possible to put in a pocket, but it only takes a fair amount of time out of that pocket. A tablet should definitely be easy to use, and it is with a 10” display diagonal that the delights of working with a large touch screen. Well, I saved the strongest argument for last. Judge for yourself, if ten inches were not an ideal solution for a tablet, would my friend Steve have released an iPad with just such a diagonal?! Certainly not.
I'm at the beginning previous paragraph wrote that tablets have several key characteristics. And when I finished the thought, I realized that the key thing in a tablet is the screen and nothing more. All the advantages provided by this class of devices come from the display, and this is exactly what distinguishes a tablet from an ordinary smartphone.
And may my dear readers forgive me for the fact that I am always carried away into the description of the tablet class of devices, and not into the advisability of buying a tablet, which is the topic of our conversation today.
Everyone, without exception, will agree with me that we purchase any devices with the expectation that they will perform a specific function in Everyday life(this rule, fortunately, does not apply to Apple products. We take their products because... My God, what kind of bad thoughts are popping into my head? Who allowed me to think about the motivation for purchasing Apple products?!). At correct use, the ecosystem of gadgets is like an organism complementary to the human one. Each device plays its role and helps out in a given situation. Thus, we can conclude that useless devices do not exist in principle. It’s just that some devices are extremely indispensable, while others, with varying degrees of success, duplicate or otherwise interpret the functionality of another. If we consider a tablet from this point of view, then it is simply some kind of alternative incarnation of a smartphone. In the case of the iPad, this is a kind of rebirth iPod Touch. The legendary player reached a state of Zen, entered nirvana and achieved transformation. So, roughly speaking, the iPad turned out to be. And you didn't believe in reincarnation...
So, the key question is: should you buy a tablet computer (if you haven’t already, of course)? Let's just say that if this tablet is an iPad 2, then why are you asking?! Immediately take the money and take it to Apple Store! If there is no money, take a loan, sell a kidney, borrow from friends, take out a mortgage, sell yourself or your relatives into slavery, finally! There is always a way out. And what are we even talking about, this wonderful pill has an APPLE on its back! Again, a small lyrical digression.
First, you should start from your needs. For example, do you want to surf the web with ease? The tablet will help you. Do you want to watch the video in good quality on the big screen on the go? And again the tablet will help you. Do you want to quickly and efficiently edit office files on the go? And again the tablet is in your hands! But there is one small nuance. If your subconscious tells you that you cannot survive without a tablet, but you are definitely not aware of the needs that a tablet can satisfy, that is, if you do not see scenarios for its use, there are two options. If you take the brainchild of Apple, I personally guarantee that you will immediately and forever find a use for it. Everything will cling to each other, installing software, games, learning the OS, downloading videos. As a result, you will become an interested and active iOS user.
There is another version of events. If you prefer an Android Honeycomb tablet, it is possible that the device will be O Most of the time it will lie idle. This is not 100% certainty, everything is very individual and depends on the individual user. The fact is that Android 3.0 is an extremely illogical system. Of course, out of the box “honeycomb” provides good opportunities for watching videos, reading, browsing. But the capabilities of the third “robot” are currently limited to the pre-installed software. Due to certain circumstances, developers are not attracted to Honeycomb, and applications optimized directly for this system can be counted on the fingers of milling machine operator Vasily on one hand. Of course, Android has a huge software base accumulated during its life from version 1.5 Cupcake to 2.3 Gingerbread, but 99.99% of applications in Android Market made for smartphones, so using them on a large screen is unlikely to be enjoyable. As a result, with the advent of Honeycomb we got the same Android 2.2, only with a slightly redesigned interface, and users, as you know, spend most of their time working with programs rather than turning beautiful screens and widgets back and forth. Honeycomb, of course, has a lot of bells and whistles, 3D animation and widgets, but Honeycomb in no way falls under Apple’s “It Just Work” concept, because Due to the lack of high-quality software, it is very difficult to go beyond the “boxed” scenario for its use.
Of course, in addition to this, there are such tablets for sexual minorities with an alternative OS, such as HP Touch Pad, Blackberry PlayBook, WeTab, 3Q Surf. Of these, I am most impressed by the first one, since it has a fairly developed ecosystem, hardware and appearance calmly compete with the main competitor “A”, and HP Web OS itself is a very high-quality operating system with a bunch of exclusive features and a beautiful interface. But if we take into account all these tablets, a problem arises similar to tablets with Honeycomb - the virtual absence of high-quality and functional software. This problem is partially solved in the tablet from RIM - there the company has built-in support for applications from Android OS, but this again will be software designed for smartphones. True, the Blackberry Playbook has a 7” screen, so it will somehow be more comfortable to work with programs designed for 3-4 inch displays. As for Android tablets, they are all 10-inch, with the exception of the recently announced 7-inch tablet from Lenovo. But MeeGo in general is in trouble with its software, as well as with its loyal community, and with the promised protection of Intel.
So it turns out that if we consider the tablet in isolation from the operating system, the comparison will be too narrow. So, I will try to briefly list the capabilities that a Tablet PC can provide you with out of the box, i.e. without installing additional software:
The most convenient way teleport into space conquering Internet pages.
Comfortable video viewing (there are problems with conversion, but the advantages of a large screen have not been canceled)
Electronic photo album. A convenient way to organize photos and home videos and view or share them
Easily read books and scanned files like PDF or DJVU
Work with large volume Email
Editing office documents (at a primitive level, since very rarely the manufacturer preinstalls high-quality office editor, like Documents To Go)
Communication on social media
Calendar and organization of your affairs and events
Thus, if you need a tablet solely to occasionally read a book, watch the new season of the IT Crowd Vlog on the website and complain about bad weather on Twitter, then an Android tablet will be enough for you. Then the fun begins. If the basic features are not enough, then you should look for a tablet with a good software base (who am I hinting at?!). With good additional software for the tablet, much wider possibilities open up. In fact, it is pointless to list all the benefits that come with additional software. Each program represents a separate function.
And here the conversation turns to the quantity and quality of execution of these programs for different platforms. There are already over 500,000 programs for iOS, on which the iPad is built, and, despite the fact that most of them are paid, the quality of their execution is worthy of all praise. The games there have high-quality graphics, the programs have excellent functionality. And there are much more ideas contained in software for iOS, and they are more interesting than on other platforms. As for Android, the politics Open Source itself does not have the ability to control the flow of unnecessary and viral software, falling into the Android Market. Undoubtedly, large corporations that develop high-quality software make their applications cross-platform, but it is very difficult to force good independent developers to write for a “robot”, because The Market's policy implies an absolute majority of free software, and free software, as you know, is very rarely compiled competently and with high quality.
Conclusion
Personally, I decided for myself that a tablet is a device that for the most part duplicates the functions of smartphones on a related OS, often even deprived of some of the advantages of its younger brother. But the level of convenience and quality of execution of the same functions on a tablet is a thousand times higher. And for this convenience, this device is definitely worth purchasing. A tablet can easily replace a netbook for you, and even a laptop for especially mobile users. With a rich software base, the number of tablet functions is as close as possible to a full-fledged PC, in addition, the tablet is mobile device. That is, with a Tablet PC you can actually “take your computer with you on the road.”
From this chaotic and torn material we can draw the following conclusion: not everyone needs a tablet, but those who want to make it easier for themselves to do daily functions, should take a closer look at the Tablet PC segment. Since now this class of devices is in the spirit of the times, roughly speaking, in trend. The tablet ideally combines all the best aspects of a smartphone and a netbook: mobility, long service life battery life, performance. And as for software platform, on which you should choose a tablet, this is a deeply subjective thing. Today, the tablet market is extremely diverse, so each user will be able to find a device specifically tailored to their needs. Don't blame me for intrusive advertising Apple company, but, strictly speaking, today the iPad remains virtually the only ideal tablet that combines crazy mobility (up to 12 hours), performance, a gigantic software part (over 500,000 applications) and, of course, unforgettable magic and Apple style. No matter what evil tongues say about the lack of high-quality multitasking, no USB– port, and other things. I’m actually scared to imagine an iPad with a USB connector. The Apple tablet is all so sublime and harmonious, but the USB is so down to earth. It wouldn’t turn out fancy at all...
With this, I propose to finish this incoherent essay on the topic “Do you need a tablet...”, happy shopping!
If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.
Looking at the iPad, Blackberry PlayBook, Samsung Galaxy Tab coming out, I constantly ask myself whether I need a tablet. This is probably the hundredth time I’ve asked myself this question. And for the hundredth time I come to the conclusion that it’s not needed.
Moreover, all this leapfrog with tablets seems to me like a swindle on the part of the manufacturer. After all, how is it positioned? As a device that can replace your laptop, while taking up less space/weight and not requiring a connection to an outlet. I might have believed in this fairy tale, if not for one “but”. In fact, the tablet turns out to be extremely inconvenient if you need to work on it. Why work, just write an article.
Let's see what features we have on the tablet and how you will use them.
1. Mail. Requires WiFi or purchase of a separate data plan. But wait, my smartphone handles the mail function one hundred percent! So why do I need a backup device? After all, anyway, “on the go” I won’t be able to work normally with this mail - except to read it, and even then, if my other hand is not occupied with the bag. And from a smartphone I can work with one hand.
2. Video. I don’t argue, the tablet does its job perfectly. Both on the couch and on the plane. Both over the network and from memory. Some tablets can play unconverted video, some cannot. But this is of secondary importance. The main thing is that the video device plays and plays well.
3. Messengers, Skype. Oh, this is my thing - I still haven’t been able to overcome all these on-screen keyboards that take up half the screen and without any feeling of press response. I got used to knocking with 10 fingers using the blind method. On the topic of “communication on Skype” I just want to bring you this funny video (you can also include taking photographs and shooting videos from your tablet):
4. Navigation. Yes, a screen of this size allows for easy navigation. But get into the car yourself and try to place your iPad somewhere. I think that after 5 minutes you will understand how ridiculous it looks. It is much more convenient to buy a smart car navigator for $100-200.
5. Games. Forgive me generously, but out of all the “wealth,” there are at most three or four real games on the iPad. PSP/NDS owners find this funny. I'm silent about how many batteries they consume.
6. Work with documents. Alas, there is no and never will be a full-fledged office. And the myth that you can edit something while traveling is just a myth. You will never do this, because it is inconvenient.
7. Reading books. Yes, it's possible. Quite readable. True, I am against reading books from active matrices - it’s a pity for my eyes.
8. Browsing. All tablets cope well with this task. Some are worse, some are better, some even have Flash support built-in, and not through a third place.
9. News. If you want something beautiful, then a tablet (FlipBoard, for example, is a great app). If it’s just RSS, then a smartphone is behind your back.
10. Social network. Very decent. Although sending a tweet to Twitter from a 10″ device on the street is yes, powerful, almost like calling
Device “for the whole family”
Act I
You are in the car on vacation, the children are in the back seat, our iPad is navigating, the children are playing on the iPad, the wife is reading a book on the iPad, we receive mail on the iPad... Oh?! We only have one device! This means it’s either navigation, or children, or a wife. This is me on the question of “a device for everything”. Still, maybe it’s better this way - TomTom navigates us, the children play on PSP/NDS, and the wife reads Kindle, while the smartphone in her pocket receives mail?
Act II
You are at the hotel in the evening. You take the iPad away from the children and go to the lobby to call relatives on Skype. The children are causing destruction in the room, the wife is sitting there, bored. They came and gave the iPad to the children. What are you doing with your wife? We are bored - we can’t watch a movie, we can’t read a book, we can’t check our email, let alone look through the forum or look at Facebook. Ambush…
Act III
You are on a plane with your children and wife. Crap!!! Again, choose who should use the iPad?!
Money breakdown:
- Kindle - less than 90 USD
- PSP/NDS – from 100 to 200 USD
- TomTom - from 100 to 200 USD
I am not including a smartphone with SIP/Email support here, because we already have it. But if not, then the Nokia E71, for example, is ideal for a traveler. It can now be purchased for up to 100 USD.
Everything together fit perfectly into the cost of the 16 gig model. But everyone will get it and it will work ideally for its tasks:
- It’s more convenient to read on Kindle, the battery is just atomic.
- Games on pocket consoles are no match for poor casual games; they can keep children occupied not for an hour or two, but for quite a long time.
- Navigation on TomTom/iGo is a cut above, branded glass mount again
- You don't look like an idiot in the lobby with a 10″ bandura calling home
- From your smartphone you can read the news, be present on social networks, use GoogleMaps for quick location orientation, work with mail and instant messengers
- If you really want to work on the road, then I highly recommend this MacBook Air(better 13″ model and 4 gigs of memory)
Let's calculate the weight of the devices? Less than 600 grams (without laptop and without smartphone).
And what did we end up with?
And the fact that your main functions will be browsing, video and social networks. And only on a plane or sitting on the couch. Does it make sense to pay $500+ for such an opportunity? For the hundredth time I ask myself this question and for the hundredth time the answer is no. I don't see such a need. I already have a TomTom, NDSi, PSP, iPod Touch, Sony PRS 550. For mobile work, I got a MacBook Air (this is a super machine for its price!!!), for mobile mail - a BlackBerry. I just can’t see a niche for a tablet in my “zoo of gadgets.”
What I mean is that all this talk about “a single device for everything” is nothing more than an invention from the head. You still carry two or three more devices with you, because sooner or later you realize that nothing in this one device works completely well.
As an example, read a book on the beach. It’s scary to carry a tablet (no matter what kind) with you - after all, there’s sand, people are walking around. You can’t really see anything in the sun, everything glares, it’s terribly hot, your hands are wet. Therefore, the e-Ink device is simply ideal for these conditions, it is designed for this.
Or else - navigation in a car. The tablet is, of course, good - 10″, large screen. But how to attach it? Or is it proposed to give it to the passenger so he can navigate? I am silent about the fact that to navigate on the tablet you will have to pay another 90 USD for the program. Therefore, it is easier and more convenient to glue the suction cup to the windshield and install the same TomTom. And the passenger’s hands are free and it’s easier for you, as the driver.
Music on the road. You will still have to use some kind of pocket player or phone. If there are audio books, then a player is better, because it’s a pity for the phone battery. The choice here is extremely rich. And players that can work up to 50-60 hours on a single charge.
Play around? The classic question is WHERE?! On the beach? See my example above about “reading on the beach.” In the cafe? On the run? Actually, in the room or on the plane. Again, the selection of games is quite weak, despite the abundance, they get boring instantly. Another factor comes into play - not all games on an iPad can be paused and reset to the background at any time. For the same NDS/PSP, this is done in one motion. And at least a week later, start from the same place. And the selection/quality/variety of games on pocket consoles is wow! By the way, you can also lie on the beach with them - their screens allow this.
There are only two things left - browsing and video. This is what tablets do well. Browsing - cafe/room. Video - number/plane. But it makes no difference what kind of tablet it will be. iPad/Android/PB - they all cope with this task perfectly. Some are even better.
What would I still take?
Release Apple iPod Touch with a 5″ screen and GPS on board - I would take it without hesitation (if the price is not exorbitant). And I look to the side new Galaxy WiFi (4″ and 5″) - but as a browser and bedside player that has a smart screen and can watch movies over the network. I want to watch everything live on the Blackberry PlayBook. But this is not an essential item. If you really need a smart device for mobile work, then no tablets can replace a good laptop. By the way, the choice of operating system does not matter. But this is a topic for another conversation...