Tablets are becoming increasingly popular for all demographics. Children like to play with apps like the infamous Angry Birds game, they’re great for the business person on the go to check e-mails or read the local paper, and many grandparents will proudly tell you how Skype on their tablet keeps them in touch with their children far and wide. But what about students? With the looming costs of college and the imminent danger of life on their own, students are definitely looking for the best way to invest their dollars. Why buy a laptop if the whole world is switching to tablets? On the other hand, what if you buy a tablet and it turns out to be a brief tech fad? It all comes down to what you plan to use it for.
Pros
On the positive side, tablets are lightweight and easy to slip into a backpack. Although also portable, a 3 to 9 lb. laptop on your back can start to feel a lot heavier with time. Many professors have begun to ban laptops in the classroom because they feel that the screen puts up a barrier between the students and professor. Tablets lay flat on the desk and are permitted by most professors because they can be used as an e-reader for textbooks as well.
Carrying one device as opposed to 25 lbs. of books is definitely a plus. In addition to e-reading apps like Kindle and Nook, you can often download applications that will help you with your schoolwork, or that are associated with your college. The biggest plus about a tablet, though? You don’t always have to be constricted to Wi-Fi hotspot areas. Many tablets offer a 3G or 4G option, which enables you to purchase data packages to use when you’re out of Wi-Fi range.
Cons
On the negative side, a tablet might not be a viable option for some students. Majors like Graphic Design or Computer Sciences will require programs too intensive for a tablet. These students will want a higher-end laptop that can handle heavier programs. Tablets generally offer a limited amount of storage (64GB or so, while laptops start at 250GB). Also, tablets require more accessories to keep them safe as well as to make them function like a laptop. Anyone would be frustrated with trying to type notes on a touchscreen keyboard for hours on end; and tablets are more delicate than laptops due to their exposed screens. Keyboard docks, protective shields and cases, and Bluetooth speakers are all sold separately.
Solution
The good news is that right now laptop and tablet prices are falling. You can easily find a quality laptop for about $500, where it formerly ran about $1,000. As tablets become more common, they are falling as well. Many run in the $300-$500 range. Honestly, I would recommend both: a tablet to carry to and from class, to run apps, store digital versions of textbooks, and keep up on your email on the go; and then a laptop for more serious work like storing large amounts of data, writing papers and doing research. There are numerous apps available that make it easy to sync your work between the two devices so you can save time and make the most of your college experience!