Can a tablet replace a laptop? This is a question asked every day by many people. And if so, which tablet? And how do you get it to work like your laptop? I am always looking for a lighter bag when traveling. One caveat: I have never used an Apple device, so I can’t speak to them. I am an Android and Windows guy.
My Path
In March of 2017, I purchased a small, Bluetooth Logitech keyboard to accompany my 7″ Nexus tablet. In June, I upgraded the tablet to an ASUS Zenpad 3S 9.7″ tablet and paired it with the keyboard. That was when it became clear the future had arrived. The 7″ tablet worked but was a little small on for my eyes. Moving up to the larger tablet made a huge difference.
Full disclosure, I am typing this on my laptop since I’m at my desk. When traveling, the tablet keyboard combo works great.
Using the tablet keyboard combination does post challenges. Some automated tasks don’t work. Some software applications were not available in the app store. And the keyboard and screen are smaller.
I found workarounds for some automated tasks, I used available apps, and the size was an easy one for me. My laptop for seven years was a 12.1″ Dell computer named Baby Dell. I found the smaller keyboard easier and faster to type on than the big, clunky desktop keyboards. But that may just be me.
My Experience with Limitations
The limitations depend on what you regularly do on your computer. My primary functions are writing and research.
Here is a list from my experience.
- WordPress App
- Microsoft Word App
- Microsoft Excel App
- Google Docs and Sheets
- Scrivener
- Open Live Writer
- WAMP for testing before updating a website
- Grammarly
- Hindenburg
- Phrase Express
- Evernote App
- Onenote App
- Misc. Notes apps
Blue = Good; Red = Bad; Green = Sometimes Sorta Maybe
The apps in Blue work as good and sometimes better on Andriod than Windows. The apps in Red have proven to be a challenge in Android. Grammarly does have the web application, but nothing native to Android for inline work. The apps in Green are a different story. Phrase Express and a few notes apps can sync through Dropbox if you want to work on that, but I’m not that motivated.
While my experience may not equal yours, I am interested in your stories. Have you tried this setup? Have you found a way to make it work? Has it been a disaster? Let me know below.