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Tablet vs. Laptop: Key Differences and Comparison

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This article explores the key differences between tablets and laptops to help you make an informed purchase decision. We’ll compare features, specifications, and ideal use cases, providing a comprehensive overview of both device types. We’ll also examine the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 tablet and the Lenovo Yoga 300 laptop as examples.

Microsoft Surface Pro 4 Tablet

Figure-1 depicts the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 tablet device.

Here’s a look at some of the Surface Pro 4’s features:

Display: 12.3 inch
Processor: Intel Core M3
Cameras: 5 MP Front, 8MP Rear
Resolution: 2736 x 1824 pixels
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 128GB
Dimensions: 292.1 x 201.42 x 8.45 mm
Weight: 766 gm
Operating System: Windows 10
Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, Headphones
Sensors: Accelerometer, ambient light sensor
Price (as of July 2016): $899

Lenovo Yoga 300 Laptop

Figure-2 depicts the Lenovo Yoga 300 laptop.

Let’s examine some of the Lenovo Yoga 300’s features:

Display: 11.6 inch
Processor: Intel Pentium N3540p, 2.16GHz, Quadcore
Webcam: 0.3M WEBCAM, HD with Digital MIC
Resolution: 1366 x 768 pixels
RAM: 4GB DDR3L, 1333MHz RAM speed
Storage: 500GB
Dimensions: 299 x 209 x 21.8 mm
Weight: 1.4 Kg
Operating System: Windows 8.1, 64-bit
Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, USB, LAN
Price (as of July 2016): $299 to $399 (depending on RAM)

Key Differences: Tablet vs. Laptop

The following table highlights the general differences between tablets and laptops:

Specifications	Tablet	Laptop
Definition	A touchscreen device that runs a smartphone-based OS and relies on applications to provide user needs and perform major functions. It performs the same tasks as a laptop.	A mobile computing device that relies on one or more wireless standards for communication. Laptops are categorized into two types: larger, heavier models with better performance, and thinner, lighter models with better battery life.
Size of Screen	Smaller, typically 7 or 10 inches.	Larger, typically 15 or 17 inches.
Weight	Light, usually 1 to 2 pounds.	Heavy, usually 5 to 8 pounds.
Storage	Limited, usually 8-64 GBytes.	More storage, usually 320 GBytes to 1 TBytes.
Speed	Slower if single-core processors are used.	Faster, typically using multi-core processors.
Battery	Longer, usually 5-9 Hours.	Shorter, usually 1-3 Hours.
Keyboard	On-screen keyboard.	Full-sized physical keyboard.
CD/DVDs	Not available.	Included in most laptops.
Connectivity	None or a limited number of ports available for external device connectivity.	Multiple USB ports, HDMI, and other ports are available for external device connectivity.
Security, Malware	Smaller risk.	Greater risk.
Cost	About $149 to $999 based on features and manufacturer.	About $499 to $1399 based on features and manufacturer.
Applications	Limited; some regular PC (desktop) programs are not available or compliant with tablets.	A large selection of fully functional applications is available.
Ideal Use Cases	• Travelling people who would like to enjoy playing games, watching movies, listening music, web browsing etc. while on the go. • People who would like to always connect with their families and friends using social media apps. • People having need of less computing resources as fun.	• People in need of more computing resources. • People who prefer uncluttered workspaces.

Conclusion

This article provided a basic comparison of tablet and laptop devices, highlighting the differences between the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 tablet and the Lenovo Yoga 300 laptop.

The choice between a tablet and a laptop depends on individual needs and priorities. Some tablets offer features comparable to laptops. Ideally, one should purchase such a tablet. The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 tablet, for instance, provides almost all the functionalities of a laptop.