Tablets and Netbooks: The Differences

Computer technology is one of the fastest growing markets as computers become smaller and more powerful. Gone are the days when desktop machines were the most common and affordable. Instead, one of the fastest growing areas of the computer market is the notebook and tablet sector, which has become almost the new standard for most students and people. With the increasing amount of choice that comes in this sector, it has become very difficult for new buyers to choose a new machine for themselves. Some of the more common questions are, do I need the extra portability of a tablet? Or can I get by with a less expensive netbook computer? Here is a basic breakdown of the similarities and differences between the two.

The Similarities

Both tablet computers and netbook/notebook computers are relatively similar in form factor. They are portable, less processing power then most desktops and their hardware cannot be easily upgraded. Most tablets and netbooks also share a similar processor, such as the Intel Atom, which was designed to provide basic computing power in a small chip, which doesn't use lots of battery power. Some tablets have the capacity Windows 7, like the netbooks or notebook computers.

The Differences

The main difference between tablets and netbook computers is how they are used. Tablets often come with a touch screen that allows the user to type directly on the screen and there is no articulating screen. Most tablets run the Android operating system, which was designed by Google to be used by smartphones and mid level computer devices, with an emphasis on Internet browsing, chatting and email. Tablets are essentially, stripped down notebooks with can do basic tasks, but are not recommended for anything processor intensive or requiring lots of typing. Netbooks, it comparison, function more like notebook computers and can run many of the same software programs (although sometimes much slower). The real difference between computer tablets and netbooks is the price. Tablets really started hitting the market about 2 years ago and are still relatively expensive for what you get. There is definitely a premium that's been put on them. Their price range is from $300 to $1000, w hile netbooks hover from $250 to $500 roughly.