What Are the Disadvantages of a Tablet PC?

While there are numerous advantages to using a tablet PC, there are also many disadvantages that should be considered before making a costly purchasing mistake. Things to consider include the type and speed of the input process, potential screen damages and repair costs and the use of optical drives and other peripherals.

1. Input: Laptops provide a keyboard for data entry that is capable of entering 50--100 words per minute. This is far faster than the hand writing recognition software that typically comes standard on tablet PCs. While you could connect a keyboard to a tablet computer, it is less portable in such a configuration. The best solution to this problem is to purchase a hybrid device that combines the best a tablet has to offer with a docking station that transforms it into a laptop. This helps overcome the disadvantages inherent in the touch-screen input system found on tablet PCs.

2. Screen Damages: The next, and often most expensive, disadvantage of using a tablet PC is screen damage. Because the screen is used as the primary input device, tablet computers are prone to problems like cracks, dead pixels, blown back-light bulbs and bad sensors. The LCD screen is one of the most expensive parts to replace on a tablet PC.

3. Optical Drives: Because tablet PCs are designed to be small, light and portable, most do not come with optical drives for use with CDs or DVDs. The manufacturer is able to minimize the size and weight of the overall device by leaving off the drive. Additionally, a tablet computer is designed to be held like a legal pad, and this is not conducive to writing or reading optical media.

What Are the Advantages of Tablet PCs?

Tablet PCs are lightweight, mobile PCs which are approximately the size of paper tablets. A tablet PC is a true personal computer with a compact, convertible design that enables hospital and medical center technicians, artists, design and entertainment industry professionals, gaming enthusiasts and many others to function without lugging around heavy laptops or portable notebooks. There are many advantages of tablet PCs which has seen a rise in their popularity and acceptance.

Lighter Than Laptops

• The extremely lightweight and handy characteristics of tablet PCs as compared to laptops are definitely the biggest advantage. Tablet PCs can be easily tucked under the arm and moved from place to place even by teenagers.

Personalization of Input

• As tablet PCs are functional with the help of the special digital pen or stylus like gadget, the handwriting of a person becomes the input. This enables better personalization and value-addition to work-based input than possible with a touchpad or mouse.

Flat Working Surface

• The form factor and convertible design characteristic of a tablet PC enables it to be laid flat on any working surface. This facilitates better presentations, personalized interactions with people or ability to showcase work to others in any work setting.

Electronic Input Leverage

• In college or school classrooms, sales meetings, conferences, you can take down notes which are electronic inputs. These handwritten notes can be stored, accessed, reviewed, reorganized and synchronized with inputs in other formats to streamline work and create superior output or compelling presentations.

Other Advantages

• Third-party software, applications and tools made specifically for tablet PCs, low-heat processor, longer battery life are some of the other advantages of tablet PCs.