Laptops versus Tablets?

kcb · 07-02-2012, 10:48

We think that we have definitely decided that we are completely OVER having a desktop computer.

(While we still have the printer and scanner...I'm drooling over what I can do with the "computer room" right now!!!

)

When we decide and purchase what we want, we will take this antique machine that I'm posting on now out in the woods and use it for target practice!

I am TOTALLY over it!!!

I've been doing research on Laptops, and definitely think we want to get two laptops. But then...would we do okay too, if we decided to get one really good Laptop to share, and one really good tablet?

What do you think, OAF?

I know it's the OAF, but I know that you all often have good thoughts on subjects such as these.

Thank you!

ArtCrafter · 07-02-2012, 13:18

I gather a lot of people like the 'convenience' of laptops and tablets, but I am not one of them. I never could get used to the mousepads on laptops, and I can't 'see' putting fingerprints all over my 'monitor' screen just operating it.

Sure, you can 'attach' a real mouse to a laptop (possibly to a tablet as well, I really don't know), but if you're going to do that, might as well get the power of a 'real' computer.

If you are absolutely sure you don't want one, then I would have to go with a laptop. The fingerprint thing just bothers me too much. If I had a tablet, I'd probably be constantly cleaning the screen.

Possibly something to consider, especially is you're OCD like me.

BabyTaz · 07-02-2012, 18:43

How much do you think you will actually be taking the tablet places? And what will you be using it for? If is just for stuff like GT and FB, having a tablet would be lighter and cooler in your lap in a chair. If you type ALOT, it may make you nutso. I wouldn't use it for anything "secure" (banking, bill paying, etc)

We all have laptops. I have a wireless mouse for mine if I am using it on a desk. They are about $20 at Wal Mart or Target.

Dinky · 07-02-2012, 19:39

Laptop......somethings just are not easy on a tablet....I have both

End of subject----------------the Dinky has spoken..

Bullman · 07-03-2012, 07:15

I would tend to agree with dinky, even though that sounds perverted to me when I say it.

Chesafreak · 07-03-2012, 07:24

I have both a laptop and an iPad. I use the iPad much more often but its a pain to type on, even with my bluetooth keyboard. I mainly use the laptop for organizing photos or working from home. I'd say that at home, I use the iPad about 90 percent of the time. The main reasons I use the iPad are mobility and quick start up time. The iPad is a lifesaver when I'm on call and don't want to lug around a laptop or be tied down to the house.

On the iPad, I use the Citrix Receiver for easy/quick access to work apps including a Windows desktop. If what I'm doing requires a lot of typing I fall back to the laptop.

HexHead · 07-03-2012, 07:30

The HD on my laptop died in Oct. 2010. I switched to just using my iPad and haven't missed it. I thought about getting a SSD for the laptop a few months ago. My wife asked me why, and I couldn't come up with an answer that even sounded playable to me.

I replaced my office computer with a new iMac a few months ago. I much prefer typing on my iPad than a regular keyboard now. I'm faster and more accurate with it. Go figure.

Dinky · 07-03-2012, 17:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullman

I would tend to agree with dinky, even though that sounds perverted to me when I say it.

Pervert

Bullman · 07-03-2012, 18:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dinky

Pervert

this coming from a man with a claymation sheep for an avatar

smith10 · 07-03-2012, 19:37

Wifey and i have been contemplating this recently also. We also threw in the option of the Kindle Fire or similar.

Happypuppy · 07-03-2012, 19:56

I use a tablet and notebook. The desktop gathers dust. One of the things I really like about the apple products is AirPlay. I can listen to music, watch HDTV via the tablet or even notebook. The reason I stuck with the desktop was the 24" display. I connect the notebook via hdmi to the HDTV and photo /video editing is sweet on my "small" bedroom 32" monitor/HDTV

Sent using 2 cans and string

Dinky · 07-03-2012, 20:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullman

this coming from a man with a claymation sheep for an avatar

Well duh

dwhite53 · 07-04-2012, 12:21

How much computer do you really need?

My wife is a graphic designer. No tablet is going to run Photoshop so the desktop for her is essential. She has a Toshiba Thrive tablet that does the basics (email, surfing) which she spends more time on now.

I do CAD. I also am REQUIRED to have Micro$oft Office for work. I have a Lenovo laptop for the business stuff. I just bought an Acer Iconia A100 tablet that can do spreadsheets, and other basic stuff for work. It also handles the basic personal e-mail, browsing, game playing stuff.

Can't do without the big machines, yet.

All the Best,
D. White

***rhans405*** · 07-04-2012, 19:53

Some of the Asus android tablets will attach to a keyboard (for another $150). Otherwise stick with a laptop. Typing on a touch screen tablet is like typing on an iphone. You use one or two fingers to hunt and peck. For the posting you do, you need a formal keyboard. That being said, I keep my tablet in my briefcase for work. We have desktops everywhere for serious typing but for basic internet, music, pics and books, the tablet works fine. I have 36 versions of the bible in an App for the tablet. Lighter weight than my regular bible. Of course, I'm going to trade in my ipad soon for an android tablet. Apple has a few hang ups that bother me, like refusing to use flash. I have a few sites I use that you need flash.

jr05 · 07-04-2012, 20:30

Asus Transformer Infinity with keyboard dock...done.

**kirgi08** · 07-05-2012, 01:39

My laptop is from 1997.'08.

ArtCrafter · 07-05-2012, 03:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by kirgi08

My laptop is from 1997. '08.

I don't know why you're so

.

Your laptop sounds like the perfect plinking target (PPT™).

**kirgi08** · 07-05-2012, 03:38

I happen ta be online with it.I consider food ta be more important than goodies.'08.

Priorities.My wife has the latest Mac.Ain't mine,BTW.I just spent 50k ta get my kid back.'08.

***rhans405*** · 07-06-2012, 10:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by jr05

Asus Transformer Infinity with keyboard dock...done.

Um, when it is released.

tcruse · 07-06-2012, 13:36

Windows 8 is trying to be the solution with something that will look like a tablet (Metro Apps) and normal windows (desktop mode). Touch screens will probably become common on desktops and laptops. Touch screen on laptop is useful at times, mainly when sitting in the car (stopped of course). Battery life is the major drawback on the laptop and computer based tablets that run normal applications.
iPad has changed the common defination of a tablet for many to be merely a browser that has scripting, but no filesystem. The first tablet machines were the HP TC3500 ( and other simular) machines that ran Windows XP Tablet Edition.

kcb · 07-06-2012, 21:03

Thank you everyone for your input!!!

I do believe that we have decided against the Tablet.

We are JUST beginning to look at Laptops....as IF that will be an easy choice!

KIRGI!!!!! You have had your Laptop since 1997?????

I am amazed!!!!

The last Laptop I had was a mini. I definitely won't go that route ever again. The screen was WAY to small to work with...I could never see everything at once.

AND Art Crafter....I am like you...keeping the screen clean would be an issue for me. I also have never liked most of the mice on laptops and have attached a wireless mouse to all of mine. ALTHOUGH, we were looking at a few Laptops last night while shopping, and there were a couple that weren't too bad.

**kirgi08** · 07-07-2012, 11:15

No Karen,It was built in 97.As ta Keyboard/mouse,I use external ones.'08.

kcb · 07-07-2012, 11:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by kirgi08

No Karen,It was built in 97.As ta Keyboard/mouse,I use external ones.'08.

Gotcha!

kcb · 07-07-2012, 11:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhans405

Some of the Asus android tablets will attach to a keyboard (for another $150). Otherwise stick with a laptop. Typing on a touch screen tablet is like typing on an iphone. You use one or two fingers to hunt and peck. For the posting you do, you need a formal keyboard. That being said, I keep my tablet in my briefcase for work. We have desktops everywhere for serious typing but for basic internet, music, pics and books, the tablet works fine. I have 36 versions of the bible in an App for the tablet. Lighter weight than my regular bible. Of course, I'm going to trade in my ipad soon for an android tablet. Apple has a few hang ups that bother me, like refusing to use flash. I have a few sites I use that you need flash.

I'd like to learn more about what you talk about...but my budget is not what your's is.

I have a Kindle and I have a couple of Bibles on it. I love it, but they will never be as simple to use as my Bible Bible.

But when we travel, it is much easier to carry, and I have other books that I'm reading with me as well. (Wish I had that when I was in college and needed a WAGON to carry all of my books in!!!

)

I have a friend that now works at Apple, and he's been talking to me about Mac's for a long time, but I wasn't fond of them when we had them in my Lab....there were several challenges with them way back them. I'm sure they've made improvements but I'd really want to check them out first.

The school just purchased new desktops for my lab/students about a year ago, but they were dells...and (my mind is blank at the moment) but they have the (?) micro processing units. They are very small. They work okay for our purposes, but I do NOT have the flexibility with them that I had with our older computers. BUT our old computers were worn out!

I'm researching now...time is on my side. BUT it's when I do my necessary computer work....bills, checkbook, tax records, etc....I get REALLY frustrated with this desktop!!!

I just have to be patient!

longhaulcop · 07-07-2012, 11:36

After purchasing a Acer Aspire one and loving it I bought the Revo for my home pc. I have 2 monitors hooked up to it and a full sized keyboard. It will do everything I need it to do and for the money it can't be beat. I did get a Ipad for Christmas which now gets most of the work.