iPad vs Laptop vs Tablet: Difference and Comparison

Key Takeaways

1. iPad: The iPad is a tablet computer running on iOS, designed for portability and touch-based interaction. It offers access to the Apple App Store and is popular for media consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks. It supports accessories like the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard.
2. Laptop: Laptops are portable computers that run on various operating systems like Windows, macOS, or Linux. They provide a physical keyboard, trackpad, and various connectivity options. Laptops excel in multitasking, software compatibility, and demanding tasks such as video editing or programming.
3. Tablet (non-iPad): Apart from iPads, tablets are touch-based computing devices that run on Android or Windows. They offer access to app stores suitable for media consumption, casual gaming, and lightweight productivity tasks. Tablets balance portability and functionality at a more affordable price point.

What is an iPad?

iPads are fundamentally tablet computers brought to us by the Apple company. They released iPads in 2010. After that, several different types of iPads have come to market with new features and abilities.

Look wise iPads resemble large smartphones. Mainly, you can do social media consumption, browsing, and other light tasks through them. It is very lightweight and, therefore, very portable. It contains a touchscreen and stylus as input methods.

Being an Apple product, it includes iOS as the operating system and several other Apple apps. You will also get the facility of the Apple App Store, from where you can download any application of your choice.

What is a Laptop?

A laptop is a portable version of a personal computer or PC. It was designed so people could use it on the go with no wires attached. Laptops have a clamshell design where the screen is the top half, and the bottom is a built-in keyboard.

It has a host of features. It comes with built-in webcams and microphones for you to have video conferencing. Modern laptops also have the facility of touchscreens. You can complete a wide range of tasks using laptops.

What is a Tablet?

A tablet is a thin, portable, lightweight device. It is larger than mobile devices but smaller than laptops. It has a touchscreen and generally works with Windows, macOS, or Linux systems. It is less efficient than a laptop. Therefore, you can devote it to performing light tasks.

It is also a good option for watching any video content and playing video games. Tablets also have cameras, speakers, and microphones similar to a smartphone. It also supports styluses so that you can perform drawing and other tasks.

Difference Between iPad and Laptop and Tablet

1. iPad uses the iOS operating system. In comparison, laptops have Windows, macOS, or Linux operating systems fixed. Tablets, on the other hand, can have either Android or iOS.
2. Laptops have the largest screens. It can vary from 11 to 17”. iPads and tablets have screen sizes ranging from 7.9 to 12.9” and 7 to 10.5”, respectively.
3. The laptop also has a built-in keyboard, but the tablet and iPad have optional keyboards to add externally.
4. The processing power of a laptop is also a lot more than iPad and tablet.
5. iPad is a good option for light tasks. You can email, browse, and consume social media using this. In contrast, laptops are suitable for heavy tasks like creating content and developing software. You can also perform heavy multitasking with them. At the same time, a tablet is best for emailing, browsing, and general media consumption tasks.

Comparison Between iPad and Laptop and Tablet

Parameter of Comparison	iPad	Laptop	Tablet
Used operating system	It uses the iOS operating system.	It uses Windows or macOS, or Linux.	It includes Android or iOS.
Size of the screen	The screen size of iPads varies from 7.9 to 12.9”.	Its screen size varies from 11 to 17”.	The screen size of tablets varies from 7 to 10.5”.
Storage capacity	You can expect 32 to 512 GB of storage in these devices.	You can get 128 to 512 GB storage on laptops.	16 to 256 GB storage device is available in tablets.
Processing power	Its processing power is lower than a laptop.	The power varies depending on the models.	Its processing power is lower compared to laptops.
Battery life	Its battery life runs for around 7 to 10 hours.	The battery life of laptops generally lasts for 5 to 10 hours.	The battery life of tablets can last up to 7 to 12 hours.

References

1. https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/sirirajmedj/article/view/96720
2. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0144929X.2021.1956589
3. https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/2414536.2414623