Are tablet-based computers replacing laptops?

Earlier this afternoon, I was a presenter at a private, by invitation-only business seminar co-hosted by Noobie and Verizon Wireless. The seminar was held at Tavern on South in downtown Indianapolis and I gotta tell ya, if you get the chance, check them out. They are right next to Lucas Oil Stadium and their food is fantastic!

During the seminar, both a Verizon representative and I talked about the advantages of tablet-based computers such as the iPad 2 and the Motorola XOOM and how businesses can effectively integrate tablets into their work environment. I kicked off my part of the presentation with a comparison between traditional laptops and newer tablet-based computers.

Tablets vs. laptops

My comparison basically boiled down to this. For me, my iPad 2 has pretty much obsoleted my laptop. I almost never use my laptop any more and I certainly don’t travel with it. It’s just too darn easy to use my iPad instead.

This sparked a bit of debate with some people as they couldn’t believe that a tablet-based computer could replace a laptop. So I went on to explain a little more.

I told them that I wasn’t saying that tablet-based computers are going to replace laptops. That’s just what happened with me. The reason is that I mainly use laptops and/or tablets as digital information devices. In other words, I use them to check email, surf the web and update my Facebook or Twitter status. And these tasks are ridiculously easy on my iPad.

I then went on to explain that people who use their laptop for graphical design work, updating web sites and other more intensive tasks may want to stick with their laptop. There’s just some tasks that are still better suited for the laptop.

Tablets are “instant on”

I ended by talking about the boot time for each device. With a laptop you have to open the lid, power it on, wait about 1-2 minutes for it to power up, enter your password, then wait about another 1-2 minutes for it to be ready to use. Then add on another minute to fire up your web browser or your email software to check for any new email.

In contrast, with my iPad, I press the home button, slide my finger on the screen to unlock it and touch the email icon. This all takes about 10 seconds. I refer to it as “instant-on”.

So I ask you, tablet owners. Since buying your iPad, XOOM or other tablet, has your laptop usage decreased or remained the same? If it has decreased, by how much? Altogether? Leave a comment below with your feedback.

Did you miss your invitation?

One last thing. I mentioned the co-branded Noobie and Verizon Wireless seminar was by invitation only. Are you a business owner who could benefit from this information but missed out on an invitation? If the answer is yes, please use the Noobie contact form to submit your name for consideration for a future Noobie / Verizon Wireless business seminar. If you meet the criteria for the next event, I’ll be sure to send you an invitation.