Can a tablet replace a laptop?

I prefer my netbook. Mouse is so much better than touch screen. And so is the keyboard. Not to mention it does it all at so much less price.

My I-pad mini is OK for when I go on the run, and want to surf. But for any serious computer work, the tablet doesn't compare. I don't like the touch screen for computer work. But it works OK for RedBox applications.

IMO, there are three basic types of tablets. Ipad, Android based & PC based. As said earlier there are pluses and negatives. Non PC tablets cannot do everything a PC based one does. As said earlier, this is not bad, as it might do what you want for a lot less $$.

Ipad and android have a lot of apps that do the basics most users want, like checkbook, word processing and spreadsheets. Oh, I forgot that they do games as well.

If you need higher end applications, like database use, you might need to get a PC based tablet. The non PC based also has greater limits on available CPU power, memory and HD storage. Ipad does not have USB (Oh, Snap! Do you still think I'm pretty. Sorry could not resist.)

The IPAD, Android and PC based can work on wifi or 3G/4G, though not all Android does. The PC based tablet usually accesses 3G/4G through an (cellular) air card or cellular wifi hotspot (phone or mifi tyo devices).

You can connect Bluetooth headset, keyboard and mouse to most tablets, as most are Bluetooth enabled.

RoyB wrote:
Just remember the tablet will not get on the internet unless it is in a WIFI Hot Spot Zone...

The tablet can have many of the APPs that will mimic your computer programs but will need internet connection to work just like your computer does.

I use my tablet all the time when camping with all of the apps it has on it. To get on the internet I use the Verizon MIFI unit to setup a secure WIFI Hot Spot area just for me to use around my camp site.

Not entirely true. The DW has a tablet that is 3G compatible and is just like any cell phone.

Just remember the tablet will not get on the internet unless it is in a WIFI Hot Spot Zone...

The tablet can have many of the APPs that will mimic your computer programs but will need internet connection to work just like your computer does.

I use my tablet all the time when camping with all of the apps it has on it. To get on the internet I use the Verizon MIFI unit to setup a secure WIFI Hot Spot area just for me to use around my camp site.

We just closed on a refi for our Suite online. I actually had an easier time signing and initialing on my iPad than on my laptop. Also could print from the iPad all the signed paperwork.

But because we scan documents and email them and I like Quicken, I need my laptop with files dating back to 1998. Plus, posting on RV.net doesn't seem to work on my iPhone or iPad. A few Bank apps do an easier job, such as Check Deposits. Can't do that on my laptop. So for me, I need both.

You can tether a wireless keyboard to an iPod Touch (I've done it). Don't know about iPad because I haven't tried that yet.

However, and I speak as a heavy computer user both Mac and Windows for many years at work, I don't think even the iPad has replaced the laptop. I don't use my netbook any more, but I still use my desktop for word processing, spreadsheets, photo work, and producing things like recordings and birthday cards.

Love the convenience of DW's Ipad, but hate the Ipad at the same time. Can't wait till I get my Asus TF701 tablet. BTW there is no need to type on the tablet. I bought DW a USB keyboard for her Ipad that works wonderfully. Light, easy to charge and type on. Add the fact it only cost me 20 dollars on Ebay and it is a win win. BTW her tablet does everything including the ability to pay bills on line. So in reality there is little reason to buy anything more. Especially since tablets are getting better each year.

sh410 wrote:
Microsoft's Surface Pro can run all Win 8 compatible software.

Plus it has a detachable keyboard and IMO, will do most everything a laptop will do. This, or its successor, will be the replacement for my laptop, when it fails....

I too think it depends on what you use it for. If you use Microsoft products such as word, excel then their tablets may be a good fit and could replace your current laptop. I find myself using my windows laptop less and less and using my iPhone more and more. The main use of my laptop is to have a bigger screen for looking at the web, reading emails which can be served well by a tablet. I occasionally use a document or spreadsheet product and crank up the laptop.

And I agree with the bear II that a keyboard is still a nice/must have for doing a lot of typing.

You might want to look at one of those 2-in-1 units that run windows but is both a tablet and a laptop.

Microsoft's Surface Pro can run all Win 8 compatible software.