Cheap, light yet powerful computing devices are proliferating and while having lots of choices is always a better scenario than limited options, it can be a challenge figuring out whether a tablet, a phablet or low-cost laptops, such as the Chromebook, will provide the features and functions you need.
To help out we've listed some insight and tips on why some options are better suited for different user groups.
Students, Avid Readers: Go Grab That Tablet
The tablet is a bonafide popular consumer device, but it can be pricey unless subsidized by a carrier plan, and there are some drawbacks. But if you love to read, and if you're juggling various tasks and much of it requires quick, fast Internet access, it's the option to focus on.
Tablets fit into the slot between a laptop and a large screen smartphone, but they're not as powerful as the laptop.
If you're a student who doesn't need features like video editing or extreme media capabilities, a tablet is perfect. Taking notes on it is easy, it's extremely portable and is sized right for the classroom desk. Thanks to various accessories and services, such as portable keyboards and Bluetooth connectivity, it can provide some laptop-like capabilities.
If you're someone who loves watching YouTube videos, playing Candy Crush and reading e-books, a tablet is also perfect. Reading books on a smartphone can prove uncomfortable and arduous given various light settings and print size. While reading on a laptop avoids those issues, it's not real easy to do bedtime reading via a laptop.
'One-Devicers,' Businesspeople, Social Media Users: Grab The Phablet
Phablets emerged a bit after the big wave of powerful smartphones and tablets, carving a niche between those two options.
One main selling point is that a phablet is basically an oversized smartphone, making it perfect for users needing the functionality of a smartphone but the extended features of a tablet all in a package that can still slide into a coat pocket. Phablets are great tools for organizers and planners given the ease of use with content input and app use.
If you're a businessperson who taps that calendar or checks email all day, the phablet is a perfect choice. Social media mavericks tabbing between a slew of networks find the phablet a great choice as well as it's not too big and not too small for tweeting, posting and tracking trends.
Laptop Lovers, Media Consumers: Grab The Chromebook
Tablets and phablets are great for many niche user needs, but sometimes you just need the power of a laptop. For the budget conscious, and for mobile users already using a few handheld devices, the Chromebook is a great option as they typically cost well under $500.
Google's Chromebook comes in a number of different physical sizes, storage sizes, and even manufacturers. One thing they all have in common is the fact that they run on Google's Chrome OS, which is largely based on serving content from online rather than storing a lot of data offline. They're basically very affordable light-feature laptops.
One of the big selling points of the Chromebook is the fact it houses minimal storage, with files and documents stored on Google Drive. It's built for browsing the Internet, messaging and communications and for those who like the larger display and permanent keyboard provided in a laptop. It's the perfect option for the heavy video consumer given the larger display than what's found on a phablet or tablet.
