Tablet Computers : Are they really useful?

Tablet Computers - the next big thing in the computer world. Tablet computers were first released on a large scale by Apple in 2010 in the form of 'iPad'. Given the heavy marketing and Apple's glamorous status, the 'iPad' was an instant success. Other computer giants soon followed suit and today the tablet market has grown on a humongous scale. The tablet has fast carved a niche for itself between a smartphone and a laptop.

    

 Yes, tablets are slick and cool. It is one of those things that guys from sci-fi movies of the past used to work on and we would all stare in amazement. But do tablets have any real utility? Or are they merely an accessory? I would like to go with the latter.

    

 

Firstly, tablets are expensive. One can get the most decent  laptop or net-book at the price of the cheapest tablet. A laptop gives more processing power, more applications and more hardware paraphernalia. A tablet, in contrast is just a gimmick. Also, a laptop can just as easily fit in your bag as a tablet. If you can play games on a tablet, it is nothing compared to what kind of games you can play on a laptop.

    

On a professional level, it would be very hard to replace a laptop, since office and design applications will always need the expert navigation and a keyboard which it provides. If compatible, these applications would be very difficult and frustrating to use on a tablet. Imagine directing your fingers along the many tabs and tools of such an application along with the more than half-a-screen blocking virtual keypad. To tackle these problems, we always have pricey tablet accessories like a physical keyboard and mouse. Yes a screen, a keyboard and mouse; laptop, anyone?

    

 Also, a tablet can not match the portability and handiness that a cell phone provides. With a smartphone one can browse the web, send messages, play games and most importantly, call people. All that and it fits in your pocket. A tablet on the other hand is just an over sized smartphone which will not fit on your palm, however big your palm may be. Agreed that with additional services, one can call people via a tablet. But it is not always convenient to keep a gigantic slate pressed against your ears every time you want to talk. Of course, a simple earphone will see to that problem; but still, would you not prefer a phone instead?

Having ranted about the tablet, I agree that there are some advantages to it. It makes an excellent and perfect e-book reader, is great for on-the-go multimedia and allows you to use itself even in a relaxed position.

    

But again you can see videos/listen to music/watch pictures on your laptop or phone with a wee bit adjustment from your side. And these advantages do not justify the purchase of a tablet over a smartphone or a laptop, unless of course you have a big pocket and are ready give in to the bling value.

What I have here is fistful of uses and a heap of cons. But again, its just my opinion (as is my blog) and the topic is highly debatable...