Which Suits Your Needs Better? Netbook vs iPad

Which Suits Your Needs Better? Netbook vs iPad
People nowadays want portability in accessing their Facebook accounts, Youtube and other social networking sites with the use of Wi-Fi. Netbook vs iPad - each has its advantages and disadvantages and it depends on the users’s preference. Netbook is a mini-laptop with a smaller screen compared to a standard desktop PC or laptop and of course, it is lighter. You can also access the browser of your choice with full support of Flash, Silverlight, HTML5 and among others. The screens are [...]

People nowadays want portability in accessing their Facebook accounts, Youtube and other social networking sites with the use of Wi-Fi. Netbook vs iPad - each has its advantages and disadvantages and it depends on the users’s preference.

Netbook is a mini-laptop with a smaller screen compared to a standard desktop PC or laptop and of course, it is lighter. You can also access the browser of your choice with full support of Flash, Silverlight, HTML5 and among others. The screens are smaller and you cannot easily rotate or zoom the display. Also there is a keyboard for easy data entry. Some users may experience degradation of performance when using “heavy” applications, for example watching HD video.

Working on a netbook vs iPad

The iPad is a tablet and is certainly very handy. It is lighter than a netbook. You can browse with it just using your hand and easily rotate and zoom the display using your fingers. It has an on-screen keyboard for data entry, but you will find it easier with a physical keyboard, which must be bought as an additional accessory. The iPad does not support Adobe Flash so you cannot enjoy some of the websites that are Adobe Flash enabled. The iPad comes pre-installed with the Safari browser. There are a number of other browsers available, notably Mercury and Atomic, but Firefox is not yet available.

For surfing the web, a lot of people prefer a netbook vs iPad because of Adobe Flash support and HTML 5. A netbook gives you the freedom of choosing your own browser, although the iPad has the advantage of pinch-zooming.

For portability, an iPad is a great companion wherever you go since it is lighter than a netbook. It is easier to carry even on a single hand while sharing it to someone next to you. Because of its pinch-zooming it is also easier to read e-books. The iPad has also a slimmer design and it has also clear view even you put it on your lap.

For entertainment, the iPad is a sure winner because of its easy access to music, videos, books and games through the app store. You can also enjoy many games.

For productivity, productivity suites that are compatible with Windows like Microsoft Office, OpenOffice and Works can run in both netbook and iPad. The netbook has a physical keyboard which is comfortable to type on, and has the ability for multi-tasking. The iPad has no ability for multi-tasking, which can really slow you down if you’re using it for business.

For value, a netbook is cheaper than an iPad. The netbook starts for as low as $299. The obvious difference they have with the iPad is that netbook has ports and features, VGA port, built in webcam and integrated memory card reader. You cannot find this in an iPad and additionally you will have to spend money on accessories such as a keyboard, a protective case, etc. The cheapest iPad 2 model is around $499, which is for the 16gb with WiFi support.

All in all, it depends on the person and which addons are preferred, and to what use you intend to put the device. What matters the most is your wallet and if you can afford it or not! Netbook vs iPad, which do you prefer?

Eliza Dushku
Adriana Lima