Tablet vs. Laptop, Where Does Your Business Stand?

We hear it in consumer reports, blogs and news analyses every day – tablet technology is growing, and infringing on the PC (or laptop) market.

But what about in the enterprise?

According to some sources like research firm Gartner Inc., laptops are still dominating the business world. While tablets continue to resonate among consumers in the personal space, IT departments in companies around the world have yet to be convinced that tablets can provide the same productivity that their laptop counterparts do.

The latest Gartner figures show that while there were 204 million laptops shipped internationally in 2010, there were only 17.6 million sold to end users. While those numbers are expected to increase in both categories in 2011 and 2012, the research firm still believes that laptops will maintain their leading position on the market. Their estimation: 2011 will bring the shipment of 233 million laptops, and 70 million tablets.

The appeal of laptops is mostly in the sense of a general working capacity: they have full-size keyboards and screens, and many possess a stronger processing power.

But with the increasing number of keyboard attachments and other accompanying gadgets for tablets, could the portable devices continue to creep into the sales numbers of laptops?

As a company that rents hardware to businesses, we have seen tablets increasing in popularity by both organizations who want to try the technology before making a final investment, and by those who are taking advantage of the "flash" appeal of the devices for events and tradeshows. With an increasing number of compatible apps like iWork, giving users to access Microsoft Office with programs Notes, Pages and Keynote, in addition to Audience Response Software (ARS) for those speakers who want the added flare of audience interaction, the tablets have become increasingly more desirable among our customer base.

But does that mean we’re getting rid of our laptops? No way. We will continue to carry an extensive line of laptops from top manufacturers like HP, Lenovo, Dell and Apple.

Whether it’s a laptop or a tablet rental, Vernon Computer Source can supply businesses with their hardware requirements—whether it’s a trial or an event. Contact us to learn more.