Tablet vs. Notebook — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 13, 2024
Tablets are portable touchscreen devices optimized for media consumption and light tasks, while notebooks are portable computers with physical keyboards, better suited for extensive typing and more complex computing tasks.
Difference Between Tablet and Notebook
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Tablets are primarily designed for portability and ease of use, featuring touchscreens that make them ideal for browsing, reading, and multimedia consumption. Notebooks, equipped with physical keyboards and more powerful hardware, are better suited for tasks that require extensive typing and more robust software applications.
While tablets often run on mobile operating systems like iOS or Android, making them great for apps and internet-based activities, notebooks run on full-fledged operating systems such as Windows or macOS, which support a wider range of professional software.
Tablets are generally lighter and have a longer battery life compared to notebooks, which makes them more convenient for travel. Notebooks, however, offer greater storage capacity and processing power, which is crucial for more demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.
In terms of customization and connectivity, notebooks typically offer more options like multiple USB ports and the ability to upgrade hardware. Tablets focus on simplicity and mobility, often limiting hardware expansion but usually include built-in cameras and cellular connectivity options.
The choice between a tablet and a notebook can depend heavily on the user's specific needs: tablets for those prioritizing convenience and light use, and notebooks for those needing more power and functionality for professional or creative work.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Media consumption, casual gaming, web browsing.
Professional work, complex computing tasks.
Operating System
IOS, Android, or tablet-specific versions.
Full versions of Windows, macOS, Linux.
Input Methods
Touchscreen, sometimes with stylus support.
Physical keyboard, touchpad, sometimes touchscreen.
Portability
Lighter, designed for high mobility.
Heavier, but still portable.
Hardware Expansion
Limited to no options for hardware upgrades.
Usually allows for memory, storage, and sometimes graphic upgrades.
Compare with Definitions
Tablet
A portable touchscreen device used for browsing and multimedia.
She used her tablet to read ebooks during her commute.
Notebook
A portable computer with a full keyboard and robust processing power.
She completed her thesis on her notebook, which handled the data-heavy tasks efficiently.
Tablet
Generally has longer battery life than notebooks.
His tablet lasted all day on a single charge during his trip.
Notebook
Suitable for professional tasks and software that requires more resources.
The graphic designer used a high-end notebook to run complex editing software.
Tablet
A device running on a mobile OS with access to a variety of apps.
His tablet had all his favorite apps, from games to social media.
Notebook
Usually includes several connectivity options.
Her notebook had multiple USB ports, an HDMI output, and Ethernet connectivity.
Tablet
Designed for ease of use and mobility.
The tablet's lightweight design made it perfect for travel.
Notebook
Can be upgraded in terms of memory and storage.
He upgraded his notebook with more RAM to improve performance.
Tablet
Often includes features like cameras and cellular connectivity.
She video-called her family using her tablet's front-facing camera.
Notebook
Runs on a full-fledged computer operating system.
His notebook ran on the latest version of Windows.
Tablet
A slab or plaque, as of stone or ivory, with a surface that is intended for or bears an inscription.
Notebook
A book of blank pages for notes.
Tablet
A thin sheet or leaf, used as a writing surface.
Notebook
A light, portable computer that is generally thinner than a laptop.
Tablet
A set of such leaves fastened together, as in a book.
Notebook
A book in which notes or memoranda are written.
Tablet
A pad of writing paper glued together along one edge.
Notebook
A kind of user interface in literate programming, allowing calculations to be interspersed with human-readable comments, diagrams, etc.
Tablet
A lightweight, portable computer having a touchscreen as the method by which data is input.
Notebook
Ellipsis of notebook computer
Tablet
A small flat pellet of medication to be taken orally.
Notebook
A book in which notes or memorandums are written.
Tablet
A small flat cake of a prepared substance, such as soap.
Notebook
A book in which notes of hand are registered.
Tablet
To inscribe on a tablet.
Notebook
A book with blank pages for recording notes or memoranda
Tablet
To form into a tablet.
Notebook
A small compact portable computer
Tablet
A slab of clay, stone or wood used for inscription.
Tablet
(religion) A short scripture written by the founders of the Bahá'í faith.
Tablet
A pill; a small, easily swallowed portion of a substance.
Many people take vitamin tablets as a food supplement.
Tablet
A block of several sheets of blank paper that are bound together at the top; pad of paper.
Tablet
(computing) A graphics tablet.
Tablet
(computing) A tablet computer, a type of portable computer.
Tablet
(Scotland) A confection made from sugar, condensed milk and butter, produced in flat slabs, with a grainer texture than fudge.
Tablet
(rail) A type of round token giving authority for a train to proceed over a single-track line.
Tablet
(transitive) To form (a drug, etc.) into tablets.
Tablet
A small table or flat surface.
Tablet
A flat piece of any material on which to write, paint, draw, or engrave; also, such a piece containing an inscription or a picture.
Tablet
Hence, a small picture; a miniature.
Tablet
A kind of pocket memorandum book.
Tablet
A flattish cake or piece; as, tablets of arsenic were formerly worn as a preservative against the plague.
Tablet
A solid kind of electuary or confection, commonly made of dry ingredients with sugar, and usually formed into little flat squares; - called also lozenge, and troche, especially when of a round or rounded form.
Tablet
A slab of stone or wood suitable for bearing an inscription
Tablet
A number of sheets of paper fastened together along one edge
Tablet
A small flat compressed cake of some substance;
A tablet of soap
Tablet
A dose of medicine in the form of a small pellet
Common Curiosities
What operating systems do notebooks run?
Notebooks typically run on full versions of operating systems such as Windows, macOS, or Linux.
What is a tablet?
A tablet is a portable, touchscreen device designed primarily for media consumption and light computing tasks.
Can you use a tablet for professional tasks?
While tablets are suitable for some professional tasks, they are generally less capable than notebooks for complex applications.
How do tablets and notebooks differ in terms of portability?
Tablets are lighter and usually have a longer battery life, making them more portable than notebooks.
Are notebooks more expensive than tablets?
Notebooks can be more expensive than tablets, especially those designed for high-end tasks and gaming.
How do input methods differ between tablets and notebooks?
Tablets primarily use touchscreens, which may include stylus support, while notebooks use physical keyboards and touchpads.
What kind of upgrades can you perform on a notebook?
Common upgrades for notebooks include increasing RAM, enhancing storage with larger or faster drives, and sometimes upgrading the graphics card.
What are the typical uses of a notebook?
Notebooks are used for more demanding computing tasks, including professional work, programming, and gaming.
How long does a tablet battery usually last?
Tablet batteries can last from a few hours to all day, depending on the model and usage.
Why might someone choose a notebook over a tablet?
Someone might choose a notebook over a tablet for the need of more robust software, greater storage, or extensive typing.
Can a tablet replace a notebook?
A tablet can replace a notebook for users with minimal computing needs, but may not suffice for heavy-duty tasks.
Is it common for notebooks to have touchscreen features?
Some modern notebooks include touchscreen capabilities, though it's more common in hybrid models that combine laptop and tablet features.
What is the impact of operating systems on the choice between tablets and notebooks?
The choice of operating systems can significantly affect the decision, as notebooks offer more complex OS options suitable for professional software, while tablets typically use streamlined systems optimized for ease of use and efficiency.
What are the advantages of using a tablet?
Tablets offer excellent portability, user-friendly interfaces, and sufficient capabilities for casual browsing, media consumption, and light gaming.
Can tablets connect to the internet without Wi-Fi?
Many tablets have cellular models that allow internet connection through mobile networks, independent of Wi-Fi.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
