How to Pick the Best Laptop or Tablet for Work, School, and Everyday Use
Choosing a laptop or tablet is more complicated than it's ever been before. It wasnât that long ago that you could walk into a store and only have a handful of options to choose from, but thatâs not the case any longer. Not only are more companies producing laptops and tablets, but each company has a wide array of options for you to choose from.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the number of options available to you, let us help you make the right choice based on your budget, needs, and other factors, including battery life, storage, and more. If youâve been wondering how to pick a laptop or tablet, weâve got you covered with the guide that you need to make sure that youâre making the right choice.
Why Do You Need the Device?
The most important thing to consider is why you need a new device. The best laptop for work probably isnât the best laptop for students, so understanding what youâre going to use your new device for is crucial. Not only does this impact the specs that youâll need to look for, but it also has a major effect on your budget.
If you plan on using your new tablet or laptop for browsing the web and listening to music, you can usually get by with a much more basic option than youâll need if youâll be editing videos and playing games.
For work tasks like responding to emails, working on spreadsheets, attending virtual meetings, and multitasking, a mid-range laptop with at least 8GB of RAM and a modern processor is ideal. Conversely, students may want something lightweight with great battery life to carry around campus. Tablets can also be excellent for reading, taking notes, or casual use, especially when paired with a detachable keyboard.
Creative professionals, like graphic designers, photographers, and digital artists, usually need specialized capabilities. If you fall into any of these categories, youâll probably need to consider a more powerful tablet or laptop with specialized artistic options.
Compare Tablets vs. Laptops
Once youâve determined what you need from your new device, you can choose between a laptop and a tablet. Laptops are the most versatile option for productivity, especially if youâll be doing a lot of typing and multitasking. Theyâre superior when it comes to processing power, screen size, and versatility. Laptops also support traditional software environments like Windows, macOS, and Linux, which many workplaces and schools require.
However, tablets are unmatched when it comes to portability and ease of use. They boot instantly, weigh less, and typically have excellent battery life. If you like the idea of a touch-screen interface or plan on consuming more content than you create, a tablet might be a streamlined solution. Accessories like external keyboards, trackpads, and stylus pens can also make tablets surprisingly productive for certain tasks.
If you want the best of both worlds, there are some hybrid devices on the market. The Microsoft Surface and Lenovo Yoga are both quality options from recognizable names in the tech industry. These are ideal options for people who want flexibility without fully committing to either category.
Evaluating Specifications and Performance
When choosing between laptops, the processor is one of the most important factors to consider. Intelâs latest Core series, Appleâs M-series chips, and AMDâs Ryzen processors all offer excellent performance, but the right choice depends on what you plan on doing with your new computer. Casual users usually only need an entry-level processor, while gamers, engineers, and editors benefit from higher-tier options.
You should also consider the RAM of each device. While 8GB is usually adequate for basic daily use, more and more experts are recommending that consumers choose laptops with 16GB of RAM. Youâll also want to consider available storage. SSDs are much faster than traditional hard drives, and choosing at least 256GB helps avoid running out of space too quickly.
If youâre going to buy a tablet, focus on chip performance, display quality, and ecosystem. Appleâs iPad lineup is known for speed and app optimization, while Android tablets offer more customization and integration with Google services. Itâs a good idea to sync your tablet to your smartphone, so if youâre already an Apple user, your existing ecosystem will favor an iPad.
Consider Display Size, Portability, and Battery Life
Display size has a significant impact on usability. Smaller laptops, which usually offer 13-14-inch screens, may be easier to carry, but they may feel cramped if youâre using them to multitask. Larger screens are great for productivity, but they weigh more. Tablets vary wildly in display size, too. Smaller screens, which often measure at only 8â, might be fine for light reading and web browsing, but larger, 12.9â displays are generally better suited for streaming shows and movies, drawing, and more.
If you plan on traveling with your device frequently, or it will be part of your daily commute, Ultrabooks and lightweight tablets are great options. However, if your device rarely leaves your desk, a larger option is the best route.
Battery life varies significantly between devices. Modern laptops with efficient processors offer 10 hours of continuous use. However, tablets generally outperform laptops in battery duration because of their lightweight operating systems. Instead of relying on manufacturer claims about battery life, look for real-world reviews.
Which Option Is Best for You?
Ultimately, the answer to that question depends on your needs and your budget. Spend some time looking at real-world reviews about any tablet or laptop that youâre interested in, and find out what users with similar needs recommend. Happy shopping!