Hard decisions: Tablet computer or netbook?

By Peter Zschunke Aug 29, 2010, 20:36 GMT

Berlin - Computer manufacturers are working hard on their answer to the iPad with models in various sizes and designs expected in the coming months.

Microsoft is leading the charge by working with numerous partners to develop small tablet computers running Windows 7. CEO Steve Ballmer has named Asus, Dell, Sony, Hewlett-Packard, and Lenovo by name, among others. This isn't Microsoft's first try in the tablet computer ring, either. The company's first models back in 2001 were primarily oriented toward business customers.

'It depends entirely on what you want to do with it,' says Florian Muessig from German computer magazine c't when asked about the choice between a tablet computer and a netbook. The iPad is better for many computer games than a mini-laptop. Electronic books (eBooks) are also better suited for the tablet computer. The biggest advantage cited by the hardware expert is the fast bootup: 'You press the button and it's on.'

Netbooks have moved on in recent years beyond their original, limited intended purpose. At prices below 200 dollars - and thus significantly cheaper than an iPad (starting at 500 dollars) - a netbook offers almost everything a modern PC can do, except with less processing power and lower resolution screens. The next generation will be coming with new double core Atom series processors from Intel. 'But I'm not counting on seeing them this year,' Muessig says.

With a battery life of up to ten hours, the iPad is built for the long haul, or long plane ride. Netbook batteries have typically maxed out at seven hours. Some of the new models are promising up to ten hours or more, though, and 'for netbooks in particular battery life is a crucial factor,' says Samsung manager Dirk Neuneier.

There are significant differences in the available storage memory. While netbooks usually have hard drives capable of holding 160 or 250 gigabytes (GB), the iPad holds only 16 to 64 GB. There's only one way to store more data than that: the internet. After all, the iPad has no USB port to insert external storage media. The tablet computers from other manufacturers hope to seize that niche.

'An iPad is used to communicate information quickly,' explains Product Manager Joerg Wissing from netbook Pionier Asus. 'If you want to work creatively, then a netbook is certainly a better choice.'

The Taiwanese hardware maker wants to produce devices in both categories and is preparing tablet computers of various sizes. 'We're in the development phase and are keeping our eyes and ears open about what users need,' Wissing says. 'The fast on and off is certainly a topic. A USB is planned, but the decision on the operating system is still open.'

Software is getting more and more important. The iPad was a success not least because of its mobile operating system, now known as iOs, which harmonises perfectly with the hardware. Netbooks typically run on Windows.