COVID-19 has forced the education sector to quickly adapt to online learning. Students now need a device to attend synchronous classes through platforms such as Zoom and Google Classroom. However, this kind of setup may likely continue post-pandemic due to the long-lasting effect it caused on lesson design and delivery, although it’s still unsure up to what extent. Despite this, distance learning will still be an option to consider, especially since processes have been developed to make it work for both students and teachers.

But for now, it’s important first for students to find the right technology to use for online learning. Tablets and laptops are the typical options since they offer more screen space and memory than a smartphone, and those are important factors in handling the demands of online learning. To help you decide which of the two to get, below is a quick rundown of the pros and cons of each:

Tablet

Pros

Tablets are more lightweight and slimmer than laptops, making them easier to transport. They’re also faster to set up since they don’t need to boot up the way laptops do. Tablets are easy to navigate, needing just a few swipes of a finger. Moreover, many models offer stylus support, such as the Apple iPad Pro 2021, which makes for more comfortable drawing and note-taking on the screen. Because tablets have fewer components than a laptop, they typically have longer battery lives. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S6, for instance, can last around 15 hours on a single charge.

Cons

Touch screens are convenient, but if you’re doing a lot of typing, you’d do better with a laptop. Tablets also typically have smaller screens than laptops, so it may be difficult to comfortably view two or three documents at once. Tablets may be limiting in terms of performance and output as well if you need to run heavier programs like those for video editing. You can make your tablet more comfortable to use through tablet accessories like keyboards and trackpads — but these will add to the cost of having a tablet.

Laptop

Pros

Laptops have more power for heavy tasks such as coding and photo editing. A built-in keyboard and a number or port selections allow you to transfer data, attach an external monitor, and insert an SD card at the same time if needed. There are even devices called hybrid laptops, which can be converted to tablets when needed, like the HP Envy x360 or the Microsoft Surface Pro 7. These computers use a multiple board design that ensures the circuitry and routing answer all the electrical and mechanical design challenges of learning computers. They allow these laptops to execute multiple functions with little to no delays, which is ideal for students who need to run several programs or use different tools at a time. For instance, if you have a detachable tablet, docking the tablet to the keyboard should immediately make the keyboard and trackpad functional.

Cons

Laptops have more hardware than tablets, so they’re heavier and take up more space. The power for heavier tasks also means laptops have shorter battery life, and the number of hours varies greatly, though the average is four to six hours. This may not be a problem if you’re just at home, but it can be bothersome if you need to be out of the house without a power socket nearby.

Which is better for online learning?

Ultimately, there’s no right answer when deciding whether you should get a tablet or laptop. Other factors should also be kept in mind, such as personal preference and budget. It’s also worth considering if you’d also enjoy using the device outside of schoolwork. So regardless of whether you get a tablet or laptop, what’s important is you’re comfortable with what you’re using.

Getting the right device is only one step in preparing for college, but it’s a big step that will help you be a more productive student.

Written by Aileen Grace Calder
Exclusive for aaun.us