I say no way. Ok so I’m hitting you up front with my opinion. Count to ten and take a deep breath before you respond. Let’s think about this a little more.

While it’s true, it would be wonderful never to have to lug another heavy notebook through the airport. My favorite part is taking it out of its case, and putting it through the imaging detector, always wondering if my data will be there on the other side. Ironically, the very component that makes notebooks cumbersome is the one thing that we’re drawn to. A larger screen size.

Now it’s true, I would be truly lost without my tablet. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been able to show clients images that I’ve created, found the closest coffee shop when it’s freezing out on the streets of New York, or been able to share precious videos with family and friends. I’ve also given valuable data and feedback on tablet kiosks.

Just recently while leaving a medical appointment I had opportunity chance to share my experience on a tablet as I left the facility. From customer surveys, to valuable data collection in the field for scientists, as well as payment acceptance for the small business owner. Tablets have become an invaluable tool! However, is this enough for this device to pull ahead and replace the notebook? I’m still not sold.

In addition to physical limitations there are huge software issues. Not that the tablet doesn’t function well, very rarely does my tablet “crash”. It’s just that the software I need is just not available. There are a handful of applications that are necessary for me to run my business and they’re just not made for the tablet. I’ve heard this from a number of other individuals as well.

This seems to be the one point that keeps some people from purchasing a tablet altogether. The software is just not there yet. Sure, there are zillions apps for this and that, but are they the ones that we use day in and day out to fit our business needs?  Unfortunately the answer is a resounding no.

There are some physical limitations as well. When you are typing on a notebook your fingers tap a keyboard with keys that are fitted with small springs to absorb the impact. Not true on a glass screen. With each finger strike the pressure in which your finger taps the screen is reverted back into your hand. Now that may not sound like much, but add this impact up over the course of a few hours of note taking and well, you start to feel it. Maybe we just need little sneakers for our fingers. Could be another product launch but I digress.

The actual way the device needs to be held is another point. There are additional add ons such as holders and cases for the tablets that allow you to prop up the device. Otherwise you find yourself at odd angles while typing on the screen. Often supporting the device with one hand while typing with the other.  Finally, as I mentioned before the screen is smaller than that of even the smallest notebook. So there could be some eyestrain involved.  All of these factors combined can make working on a tablet uncomfortable.

All this being said I do find it difficult to leave the house without my tablet. My phone, even a smaller tablet is almost permanently adhered to my hand but that’s another article entirely. As far as my notebook goes, it’s my old faithful and I just could not see giving it up. So I guess I’ll be hanging onto it for at least a few more years.

By: Kimberly Deprey:  RingAGeek.com Remote Computer Repair Specialists, Don’t freak! Ring A Geek!