Electronics

[AngelPuppy1]

I am not electronic savy ---- at all!  So, I realize this seems a dumb question to many of you.

Are tablets the same thing as computers only smaller?  I mean, do they have all the same functions and capabilities?  If so, would it be just as good for a person to have just a tablet and not a computer?

My Apple desk top is getting very old although it still functions very well (knock on wood), but when I need to replace, I am pondering on what I would want to get to replace.

I love the dependability of Apple even though they are bit pricier. 

Any information or suggestions for me?

I don't do anything fancy or involved on my computer -- just basic stuff.

Thanks so very much!!!  

[jaxs mom]

No they don't. They use different operating systems than a laptop or desktop does. Not every program/app made for a laptop/desktop is available with a tablet app. 

Apple desktops/laptops use MacOS ( used to called OSX) and ipad use the IOS operating system. There are a lot of apps that are available for macs that also have an IOS app so that they sync info between the two. I have a mac desktop and an ipad. 

[BriggsiePeawiggle]

If you are used to a computer, you probably will have a little time to get used to a tablet. They are more like smart phones in the way you work with them. They can ultimately do just about the same things computers do, but in a different way, as mentioned, using apps rather than software programs. There are no USB ports on them, no picture card slots (on most). I use my tablet for watching Netflix or whatever in bed because it's small, reading because it can be used like a Kindle, and to take on trips with me, but I much prefer working on my laptop for actual computer functions. 

[hckynut]

@AngelPuppy1

There is no such thing as a dumb question.

My tablet to me is a fill-in for a computer. Doing things such as typing this and being able to do it anywhere. Very convenient for many things, but will never replace me owning a desktop computer.

I am not and never been an "i" person. Too expensive for my taste and offer nothing I cannot find with a much cheaper Windows Computer an Android Operating System or cell phone.

If you like the "i" things and don't mind the extra cost, stick with them.

hckynut(john)

[Sooner]

I have a MacBook Air, an IPad, a mini IPad and an IPhone.  I use the MacAir ALL the time.  I hate the IPad, and I read and check e-mail on the IPad mini.  I LOVE that mini!  I used to use Kindle Paperwhites to read, but now it's mostly the mini.

I think the IPads are clunky.  They are too big to read on, and I'd FAR rather sit with this Mac Air in my lap and comfortably type on the keyboard, swipe on it's little touch pad, and have EVERYTHING I need than poke at that old tablet.

Hubby likes his table more than me, but no, to me they will NOT replace a computer -- either a lap or desk model.

[jaxs mom]

The term app is not tablet or phone specific. Apple has called their mac computer software programs apps for a very long time. It's just that Windows people who first became familiar with Apple through the itunes app store associate the term app with tablet and phone devices and not desktops and laptops. They're all apps to us though regardless if it's for MacOS/OSX or IOS. 

[Carmie]

Ask yourself what you use your computer for.  If you only use it for surfing, e-mail, Facebook,  You tube, watching movies and things like that, a tablet can replace it nicely.

If you use Word or do presentations, do graphic work or need it for work, I'd sick with a Computer.

i have a two lap tops, both from Dell and two I-pads.  My DH has an I-pad too.  Last week was the first time I needed to use my laptop, and it only because of something I needed that was stored on it.

I use an iPad mini, my DH uses a Pro because he likes the bigger screen.  If you love Apple products and are familiar with them, I'd stick with Apple.  there are many Apple tablets to choose from.  Just be sure to get a size that you will be comfortable with.

[RetiredATC]

No, they do NOT.  I enjoy game sites, such as Pogo, and tablets do not have the capability to run the games, as a computer does.  It depends on what you want to use it for.  You can use the apps or go to the sites.  For checking email, reading the news, checking the weather, reading books, they are great.  But, I haven't found a tablet that can run java or adobe flash yet.  Maybe they are out there, but I haven't found any.

[software]

For me, a tablet is not a substitute for a desktop.

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@AngelPuppy1 wrote:

I am not electronic savy ---- at all!  So, I realize this seems a dumb question to many of you.

Are tablets the same thing as computers only smaller?  I mean, do they have all the same functions and capabilities?  If so, would it be just as good for a person to have just a tablet and not a computer?

My Apple desk top is getting very old although it still functions very well (knock on wood), but when I need to replace, I am pondering on what I would want to get to replace.

I love the dependability of Apple even though they are bit pricier. 

Any information or suggestions for me?

I don't do anything fancy or involved on my computer -- just basic stuff.

Thanks so very much!!!  

---

[Moonchilde]

I haven't even turned on my laptop in a year; I haven't needed to. I do my email, browse anywhere, edit photos, write (both notes and extensive pages) - almost everything I personally want to do. I read books/magazines, watch videos. Nearly everything I once relied on my laptop for, I do on my iPad or Fire. Why? It's instant On and Go, no boot-up time at all. No shut-down time. No Windows updates every time I turn it on. No muss, no fuss. This is just me and my uses - YMMV.

I rarely use my iPad anywhere but at home. It's in a keyboard case that props up the device - hands-free viewing. So, IMO, not "too big" for me. On the go I use my iPhone 6S.  There are programs that require a PC or iOS to run, but I can do without them for my uses. There is limited storage on a tablet compared to a computer's huge hard drive. Computers are a bit more user-friendly on the QVC site, including the forums, but that's normally aminor issue for me.