Functional Differences Between Tablets & Laptops  by David
Lipscomb      The advent of powerful tablets for work and
entertainment computing potentially creates a dilemma of whether
to select a laptop or tablet. Some laptops share some level of
functionality with tablets, such as pinch-and-swipe gestures.
However, basic differences between expansion and upgrade options
are important considerations. Weighing these factors among
others helps you identify whether that newest tablet might be a
contender to replace your aging laptop.       The laptop
topology everyone is familiar with involves a keyboard attached
to a flip-out screen, typically measuring 17 inches or less
diagonally. While the integrated keyboard retains the classic
feel of a desktop or even a typewriter, keyboards add some
weight and cause the laptop to take up more space. Physical
keyboards are superior for extensive writing tasks, and design,
accounting and engineering programs customarily use F-key
support for macro functionality. Tablets, on