Gadget Grudge Match: Apple iPad vs Netbook

In the world of portable gadgetry, the mobile phone may hold precedence over quite a few other devices but the tablet is gaining ground as quickly as Bruce Willis hot on the trail of some bad guy. However, when it comes to deciding on whether it’s more feasible to opt for a mobile computing device like a netbook or an iPad, those who might not be very tech savvy will face quite a bit of indecision. Thus, we decided to help these guys out by pitting a standard netbook, that’s got the same UI that these users would be used to on a PC, against something they might consider to be a whole new experience i.e. the iPad.

There’s a lot going for both devices which makes the choice even harder so allow us to simplify the scenario for those looking to make a calculated decision about investing in a portable computing device and are torn between the iPad and a netbook.

Portability/Ergonomics

Weight and Dimensions

Netbooks - Netbooks usually weigh anywhere between 1.2 and 1.4 kg. They are way lighter than most full-fledged notebooks, but nowhere in comparison with tablets in both weight and size.

Tablets - The iPad weighs in at just 607g (0.60Kg) making it a much lighter option and at just 8.8mm in depth it can compete with quite a few mobile handsets available today.

Screen size

Netbooks - Netbooks come with a standard 9 or 10-inch screen and offer the same amount of workspace as a tablet. For most purposes such as watching movies or even working on documents, the resolution should suffice.

Almost identical to each other

Tablets - The iPad has one of the crisper displays found on mobile devices these days. It features a 10-inch touchscreen that’s scratch resistant and has a resolution of 1024 x 768 with 16 million colours. It’s easy to view in almost all lighting conditions be it indoors or outdoors.

Keyboard

Netbooks - Having a physical keyboard is a big advantage for netbooks. A hardware keyboard with physical keys is trouble-free - users make fewer mistakes and typing speed is usually better.

Physical keyboard versus a touchscreen

Tablets - When it comes to typing, the iPad’s onscreen or virtual keyboard can take a little getting used to especially if you’re more familiar with the standard keyboard of a PC. Although very neatly spaced out, you won’t find shortcut keys or number keys on the same ‘page’. But once you find your way around it won’t  be too long before your fingers are flying on the screen. The keypad is, of course, a little smaller and more compact when you’re in portrait mode and does tend to take up at least 40% of the display when switched to landscape.

Storage Space

Netbooks - The storage space on most netbooks exceeds 120GB. With this kind of space, you can easily store over a 100 movies with a ton of music and software installed. You’re very unlikely to run out of storage space.

Tablets - The iPad is available in different capacities - 16GB, 32GB and 64GB but has no option to increase this amount. However for regular use, that’s quite a bit of space to store plenty of work or media-related data.

Viewing angles/seating posture

Netbooks - Netbooks might be bulkier and heavier than tablets but they are more comfortable to use in most scenarios. In a car or on a desk, the reclined screen offers a more ergonomic seating position. The netbook can be kept on your lap as well and there is comparatively less neck and back strain.

Tablets - The convenient part about the iPad form factor is that it can be viewed quite easily from all angles. It’s light enough to hold with one hand and type with the other. While you may not be able to keep it on your lap, unless it’s in a case that permits that, you can hold it up comfortably enough to get your work done even while standing. However, that being said, it isn’t really the best to view as your hand could get a little tired after a while. It may be lighter than a netbook but without a case to prop it up it can get a bit cumbersome when used for long periods of time.

Responsiveness

Netbooks - Windows running on a somewhat limited processor and memory isn’t the most responsive of operating systems around. The hardware on netbooks is geared towards running software such as browsers and basic office suites.

Different processors for completely different platforms

Tablets - Although the iPad may seem like a lower powered device when compared to a netbook it does exactly what it needs to with a fluid sense of operation. The User Interface and Operating System i.e. iOS is speedy when it comes to functionality, accessing your information and multitasking.

Internet/Connectivity

Netbooks - Every netbook sold in the market today comes with inbuilt WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities. Wired network ports and memory card readers are a given. One of the things missing is the 3G connectivity option. Users need to buy separate USB 3G modems or look out for netbooks with built-in 3G functionality. These are rare to come by. All of these features are fully functional and there are no compatibility issues whatsoever and you can connect anything from flash drives to cameras to them.

3G connectivity is not common on netbooks, options are available though

Tablets - The iPad specifically, in the tablet segment, is not really equipped with the best connectivity solutions although it does meet basic requirements. For wireless connectivity it offers 3G for which specific plans are available of you can opt to use standard GPRS (much slower) or WiFi. It does offer limited Bluetooth connectivity as well for connecting the device to accessories like stereo Bluetooth headsets for audio or Bluetooth Keyboard docks, but it does not support file transfer through this medium.

Web Browsing

Netbooks - In terms of viewing area, the netbooks are similar to most of the mainstream 10-inch tablets. Using a trackpad or a mouse isn’t as intuitive as using a touchscreen. In terms of a browser, the one on a netbook, say Firefox, Chrome or Opera, are way better than the tablet counterparts because of the customisations and plugins available to them.

Tablets - Safari is the native browser for the iPad but third part browsers like Opera are available for free and do tend to enhance your web experience just a little bit. Although Flash may not be supported on the iPad, the rendering of web pages on the device is a lot easier on the eyes visually as compared to others.

Email/Communication

Netbooks - If you’ve used any other Windows system, you’ll find the netbook to be almost equally easy to use for sending e-mails. Compared to tablets, typing e-mails is quicker and accessing features is simple on the netbook. Composing documents, saving them and attaching files for example is really simple as compared to the iPad.

Tablets - Built in apps and optimized web-page rendering make reading emails on a tablet a little more convenient. Although the versatility of a PC-like interface does offer easy access to some tools, the Tablet UI is far more comfortable for viewing.  Even social networking or just chatting using apps is made a lot easier and more intuitive on the iPad. Apple has also included FaceTime which is native only to their products that allow you to video-chat with family or friends using Wi-Fi.