How to turn your tablet into a full-fledged laptop

You can independently choose and buy a tablet that will meet your requirements as fully as possible in the appropriate catalog at the link provided. And below we will talk about what is important to pay attention to when choosing a device.

Tablets on the market today can be divided into three main categories according to the operating systems used on them: models with iOS(Apple iPad), models with Android and Windows.

Tablet computers with an x86 architecture processor and corresponding hardware platform deserve special attention. This option attracts attention primarily because the architecture was originally created for PCs and laptops. Such a processor consumes more energy, but it also has higher processing power. In addition, the x86 architecture allows you to use "full" (rather than mobile) versions of operating systems of the Windows family in tablets.

As for the rest of the technical characteristics, the buyer is offered quite a sufficient choice. However, since the tablet will be used specifically for work, it is better to choose among models with a screen of at least 10" and a fairly high performance. So it will be more convenient.

Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is one of those devices that comes closest came to the realization of the idea of "a tablet instead of a laptop"

Among the offers on the market, you should look at solutions such as Apple iPad, Galaxy Note Pro, Microsoft Surface, Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 Windows, Dell Venue and Sony Xperia Tablet Z4. However, this list can be continued, there are a lot of really interesting tablets today. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages (most of them are caused by the features of the operating system used), it is simply impossible to choose the unambiguously best one.

It is better to choose a tablet with a built-in 3G module. This will greatly increase mobility. And do not forget to pay attention to the battery life of the device — if it is not able to provide a more or less long operating time on a single battery charge, then the meaning of such a replacement is lost.

Also on the market are many so-called. "hybrid devices", which can be defined as a cross between a tablet and a laptop (Read: "Laptop and tablet in one device"). These include "transformer laptops" and tablets that come with special docking stations. The only trouble is that manufacturers do not always manage to strike a balance so that the device is comfortable enough both as a laptop and as a tablet. Most often there is a "kink" in any of the parties.

Additional accessories

It is pointless to try to replace a laptop with a "classic" tablet and not use an external keyboard. On-screen keyboards, despite all their thoughtfulness, do not differ in particular ease of use, if only because they occupy a good half of the screen. Yes, and it is more convenient to enter large volumes of text, just when you press physical buttons.

A dedicated tablet keyboard can also perform the role of the stand and cover

You can use a regular external keyboard with Bluetooth.

A good solution would also be to buy a special keyboard for the tablet. Moreover, there are already quite a few similar solutions on the market, often specially tailored for certain tablet models — for example, Surface Pro Type, designed specifically for Microsoft Surface. There are also interesting models, thanks to which the tablet even begins to look almost like a "real" laptop.

When choosing such an accessory, you should pay attention to two main factors. First, how comfortable are the keys. So, if they are too small, then fast typing can be difficult. And secondly, how securely the keyboard is attached to the tablet. If the mount is unreliable or non-existent, then part of the mobility is lost, since when typing on your knees there is a risk of dropping the tablet. For example, Logitech keyboards use magnets that hold iPads well.

In general, the lack of a sufficiently comfortable stand can be a very unpleasant surprise for the user. Indeed, in most cases, he will lose the ability to tilt the screen at almost any angle, as is the case with a laptop. In this case, a special keyboard case can serve as a good solution. By design, they are similar to ordinary covers, but they are additionally equipped with a keyboard and can be used as a stand — thus, by expanding this type of cover, you actually get a netbook with a full keyboard.

If you are using a Windows tablet, then you can also buy a mouse to it. And with the connection of other equipment, you will not have any special questions. For example, an external monitor or even a printer.

Software

To date, a lot of various applications have already been written for iOS and Android tablets, such as office suites, relatively simple graphic editors, organizers, games, etc. So it will not be too difficult to find everything you need for everyday tasks. Also, tablets often come with proprietary software, sometimes designed specifically to simplify the use of the device instead of a laptop.

But it’s a completely different matter when you need very specific software, which simply may not be available for iOS and Android. In this case, you will have to choose exclusively among tablets running Windows. And the choice of such devices is not too wide yet.

Drawing conclusions

For example, Apple CEO Tim Cook claims that for him the main the computer is an iPad

So can a tablet become a full-fledged replacement for a laptop? Only on condition that you use the device to solve everyday tasks that are not too resource-demanding. This is typing, working with spreadsheets, surfing the Internet, watching videos and communicating via e-mail and various instant messengers. Although in some cases you will have to sacrifice a share of comfort.

Another thing is if you have to deal with too specific tasks that require special software or serious computing power. In this case, there will not be too much benefit from the tablet, or even not at all.

Today, a tablet may well become a full-fledged replacement for a laptop for a user who prefers high mobility and is ready to endure some inconvenience for this. It can be a journalist, blogger, writer. The tablet is also suitable for executives. So, according to Apple CEO Tim Cook, then for him the main computer is the iPad, which is more than enough for working with documents, e-mail, the Internet and planning business activities.

The issue of cost is also important. Really interesting tablets that are quite suitable for the role of a “substitute” cost a lot. So, instead of one advanced iPad model, it is quite possible to purchase a couple of low-cost laptops at once. At the same time, the latter will be much better at coping with a whole range of tasks for which Apple's tablet is not very convenient. Do not forget at the same time that you will also need to purchase an external keyboard for your mobile device. The cost of Microsoft Surface Pro is also very high, which, perhaps, are the devices that come closest to the idea of “a tablet instead of a laptop” today.

So, before you start experimenting, make a list of tasks that you have to solve, clarify cost issues, decide on the operating system. And be prepared for a range of compromises. Nevertheless, this path is more suitable for enthusiasts and those who like to experiment. However, everything is individual — the percentage of users who completely abandoned laptops is small, but it is gradually increasing.

iPad Pro, iOS 9 and the near future

Of course, the future belongs to tablets. But this will obviously happen not earlier than in a few years. In the meantime, manufacturers are trying to figure out the best path they should take. So, Apple is working in a very promising direction, which during the WWDC 2015 conference introduced the latest iOS 9 operating system. Its distinguishing feature was several features designed to simplify the use of multiple applications at the same time.

Also, for a couple of years now, rumors have been circulating on the Web, according to which Apple is preparing to introduce an iPad with a diagonal of 12" and, possibly, an additional USB Type-C connector. This device has already received the name iPad Pro or iPad Air Plus in absentia. The main idea here is the same — to create a device as close as possible to the idea of replacing a laptop.

And the new system and a large tablet (if it is really being worked on) should appear in the fall of 2015. And if this happens, then we can say that another step has been taken in the direction we are considering. How significant it will be, only time will tell.