By Jenny Russel

Computer development is one of the fastest changing areas of corporate innovation. New hardware and software seems to make it to the market every year, offering the consumer more choice than ever. In recent years, one of the biggest shifts in the market has been the rise in popularity of tablet computers. These PC touchscreen devices have become a viable alternative to laptops, and there are several reasons why you might choose one when it comes to deciding the device that is best for you.

Portability

While laptops have, over the years, become less bulky and easier to carry around, in terms of ease of transport, their smaller cousins are the clear winner. Tablets are lightweight and are ideal for individuals who are always on the go. They slip easily into handbags and holdalls, and their small size means they can be used in public transport and when a passenger in a car without inconveniencing other travellers.

Connections

Another advantage that the smaller PC devices have over laptops is that they have better connectivity. Like laptops, they can connect to Wi-Fi services either in the home, office or a public location where available, but they also have the advantage of a sim card capability. This means that you can connect to the Internet even when you are not in a Wi-Fi hotspot. You can get connection and data plans similar to those available for smart phones, with either contract or pay-as-you-go options on the market.

Battery life

The other area where laptops are significantly out-performed by their smaller competition is in battery life. Some of the slim PC devices have as much as double the battery life as the best performing laptops. This is a major advantage if you will be away from a power point for a long time – on a long-haul flight, for example.