First let's look at just what today's tablet computers are. In the most simplistic sense a tablet is just a smartphone with a larger screen and the phone component removed. Some people may disagree with that view, but when you really get down to it that's what they are. You can have an iPhone that runs iOS, or an iPad that also runs iOS. You can have an Android-based smartphone or an Android-based tablet. Soon you'll be able to have a BlackBerry OS-based smartphone or a BlackBerry OS-based tablet. With HP's recent announcement of the TouchPad you'll also be able to have a WebOS-based smartphone or a WebOS-based tablet. So the simple fact is that tablets and smartphones are, at their core, the same thing. The tablets may have more storage, or beefier hardware, but in the end they truly are just big smartphones.
Chances are if you're looking into purchasing a tablet computer then you already own some form of smartphone. If you don't already own a smartphone then put the tablet on hold for now and get a smartphone. A smartphone is infinitely more useful than a tablet, primarily because you will always have it with you. A tablet isn't something you'll throw in your jeans pocket or your purse every time you head out into the world.
I have to assume you have a computer as well. Is it a desktop computer or a laptop computer? You might be thinking that a tablet will be a great alternative to a laptop if you already own a desktop computer. If you have a laptop then you may be thinking that a tablet is much easier to carry around than your laptop. In either case you are considering adding the tablet as a third device. You will still keep your existing desktop or laptop computer, and have the tablet as your portable.
Here's my simple test to help determine if a tablet is right for you:
1. Can a tablet accomplish something that your smartphone can't?
2. Can a tablet completely replace your existing computer (either desktop or laptop)?
3. Do you just want a tablet because it's the hot tech gadget to have right now?
If the answer to any one of these questions is "yes" then a tablet may be a good choice for you. If the answer to all three questions is "no" then a tablet probably isn't needed. Let's review why this is the case.
Can a tablet accomplish something that your smartphone can't?
If your smartphone can already do everything that a tablet can then there's really no reason to carry a much larger device around in order to accomplish the same thing. Sure, a tablet's larger screen is a bonus compared to a phone's screen (which is probably one-fourth the size of the tablet's screen, or even smaller), but it's just that, a bonus. You technically can still use e-mail, browse the web, and run tons of apps on your phone just as you can on the tablet. Now, if you're still using your old Motorola RAZR or some other "un"-smartphone, then a tablet will certainly be a welcome addition to your travels, but as I mentioned above, if you don't yet have a smartphone you really should be concentrating on picking one up before even thinking about tablets. Since you should already have a smartphone I suspect that most people will have to answer "no" to this question.
If your smartphone can already do everything that a tablet can then there's really no reason to carry a much larger device around in order to accomplish the same thing. Sure, a tablet's larger screen is a bonus compared to a phone's screen (which is probably one-fourth the size of the tablet's screen, or even smaller), but it's just that, a bonus. You technically can still use e-mail, browse the web, and run tons of apps on your phone just as you can on the tablet. Now, if you're still using your old Motorola RAZR or some other "un"-smartphone, then a tablet will certainly be a welcome addition to your travels, but as I mentioned above, if you don't yet have a smartphone you really should be concentrating on picking one up before even thinking about tablets. Since you should already have a smartphone I suspect that most people will have to answer "no" to this question.
Can a tablet completely replace your existing computer (either desktop or laptop)?
This question is a bit trickier. In order to answer it you'll have to examine your computing habits closely. I think most people right now will have to answer "no" to this one as well. Lots of people still use their primary laptop or desktop to store their music, edit photos, and write documents. We are seeing a shift towards cloud computing services right now, but the majority of people aren't there yet. If you exclusively store your photos online (or don't take any to begin with), use a service such as Google Docs for any documents you need to write, and essentially do not require any type of local storage for your data then a tablet very well may be able to replace your existing computer.
You may be thinking, "Why does the tablet need to replace my existing computer? What if I just want the tablet in addition to my computer?" Here's the thing: The reason that a tablet needs to be able to replace your existing computer is that today's tablets cost almost as much as, if not as much as, many ultraportable laptop computers. For just slightly more you can have a device that is a full-featured Windows or Mac computer including a full physical keyboard and larger screen.
Here's an example: Let's say you plan on purchasing the 64GB iPad with 3G wireless built-in. That model will set you back $830. For $1000, just $170 more, you can pick up the 11-inch MacBook Air with the same 64GB of storage but instead of just having a tablet you now have a complete computer that may very well be able to replace your existing computer. Even if you have more than 64GB of data to store you can easily do so with the MacBook Air via external hard drives. As far as size and weight the MacBook Air weighs just 0.7 pounds more than the iPad and is just slightly wider to accommodate the larger screen. The two devices are practically the same thickness and width.
At the moment there aren't that many laptops that have wireless data access built-in, even though most tablets now offer this feature. Again I have to point back to the smartphone. Even if you aren't content using your smartphone while out and about, many phones can now operate as a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing your laptop to connect to the Internet via the phone's connection. This method usually costs much less when added to your existing wireless data plan instead paying for a separate service just for your laptop to use.
Do you just want a tablet because it's the hot tech gadget to have right now?
There's no arguing with this one. If you just want a tablet because you like what you've seen or always are the first to buy the latest and greatest gadgets then you should probably stop reading this article right now and head on over to your favorite store. I tend to be this type of person, yet I have been able to resist the tablet temptation thus far because I honestly can't think of any benefit that a tablet would give me over my smartphone and laptop.
Summary
Right now I still consider tablets to be a luxury item for most users and a practical item for a small niche group of people. If you are a tech savvy user then you most likely already have other devices that accomplish the same things as a tablet could and chances are a tablet won't be able to handle all your computer tasks. Does this mean you shouldn't buy a tablet? Absolutely not. If you want a tablet then by all means you should get one. They are very useful for many things and there's no disputing that they are portable. Just don't kid yourself and pretend that a tablet is an absolute necessity. Yes, they are nice to have on the couch to browse the Internet while watching TV or to toss in your bag when going on a trip, but any way you slice it the tablet is still just going to be an expensive toy for most people.
Who is in the niche group that I mentioned would actually have a practical use for a tablet? Surprisingly the less tech savvy people are the ones who can benefit the most from a tablet. Specifically this group includes older people and young children. Have you always wanted to communicate with your grandparents via e-mail but a computer is too complicated for them to use and maintain? Do you want your child to be able to use various games and educational programs without having to worry about them causing problems on your primary computer? In either case a tablet is a perfect solution. Tablets are very easy to use and are also far less likely to experience problems due to user error since their interfaces are simplified compared to regular computers.
It will ultimately be up to you to decide if purchasing a tablet is worth it. I think that the three questions that I asked above are a great starting point in helping you come to a decision. Good luck!
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