Tablet vs iPad: Difference and Comparison

Is there a difference between a tablet and an iPad (tablet vs iPad)?

This is a question most people ask in order to understand the difference between these types of personal computers. Tablet computers are mobile devices with amazing features and operating systems.

Tablet computers were invented in the late 1980 but in 2010, Apple unveiled the iPad, with the iOS operating system. iPads became more popular than other products.

Tablet computers are mobile devices with a mobile operating system, while the iPad, also a tablet computer, is a brand developed by Apple Inc.

What Is a Tablet?

A tablet computer or tablet for short, is a mobile device with a mobile operating system. It’s a portable personal computer that uses an integral combination of a flat panel display screen, touchscreen display processing circuitry, and a rechargeable battery.

Tablets have similar functionalities compared to other computers but lack some input/output abilities. The 21st-century tablet computers are built like modern smartphones. You will only notice the difference when you look at their size- which is usually larger than modern smartphones.

Modern tablet display screens measure 7 inches (18 cm) or larger and these portable devices may not support access to a cellular network. Tablet computers run mobile operating systems just like smartphones.

Tablet computers are without physical keypads which are found in laptops. Instead, there is a touchscreen display that is operated by gestures with the fingers or digital pen.

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What Is an iPad?

The iPad is a portable mobile device, a product developed by Apple Inc. The iPad was first announced and unveiled on January 27, 2010, at the Apple press event.

The iPad range includes the original iPad lineup as well as the flagship products which comprise iPad Air, iPad Mini, and iPad Pro. The Wi-Fi variant of the iPad was released in the United States on April 3, 2010, with the Wi-Fi + 3G varies later released on April 30.

Initially, the iPhone’s iOS operating system was used for the device. However, in September 2019, Apple switched the device OS to a fork of iOS known as iPadOS. The iPadOS has better support for the device’s hardware and the system’s user interface is customized to fit the device’s large display screens.

Tablet vs iPad: Tablet Computers

A tablet is a portable personal computer with a mobile operating system. The term “tablet” is a common name for different devices with a mobile operating system.

This portable mobile device uses a touch screen and has similar functionalities compared to other computers but lacks some input/output abilities.

Tablet computer uses an integral combination of flat panel display screen/ graphic tablet or touch screen/graphics tablet for primary input and primary display.

Most tablet computers use the Google Android operating system but the iPad is a device that runs on Apple’s iOS. Tablet computers generally can use popular software to display online videos.

With tablet computers, you will able to view Flash-based websites, watch Flash videos, and also view Flash games. The iPad is a device that cannot interact with multiple apps all at once.

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Tablet vs iPad: Functions of a Tablet and an iPad

Tablet

Let’s explore the functions and some of the features of a tablet.

Touch Screen

The tablet’s interface is designed to function through touch. To operate a tablet, the finger is used to tap on the display screen in order to click the device’s button. Since tablets are without keypads and a mouse, finger gestures are used to access other user interface elements.

Also, with multi-finger gestures, users can perform functions like zooming in and out or swiping between mobile apps. Finger gestures are also used to return to the home screen.

Portability

Unlike laptops, tablets appear to be more portable devices. You will find some models of tablets with less than a half-inch thick.

Most models of tablets weigh less than two pounds, which makes them easy to carry in a portable backpack. This is the perfect size that can fit into briefcases and messenger bags.

People prefer to use tablets because they are portable and can held in one hand and operated with the finger of the other hand. Compared to laptops, tablet batteries are more durable, with a longer battery life.

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Affordability

Compared to the price of an iPad, tablets are affordable portable mobile devices. Tablets are considered to be less functional than laptops, so they are generally less expensive.

You can get a tablet for as little as $70 depending on the model. Most models of tablets with more laptop-like features cost about $1,000 or more.

Also, remember that many mobile applications that run on smartphones do run on tablets.

Tablet vs iPad: iPad

Media Center

The iPad is a portable mobile device, a product developed by Apple Inc. The device functions as a complete media centre, with its own music player, and photo and video organizer.

As of September 2012, iPads available in the market have up to 64 GB of Flash Memory- capable of saving thousands of photos, music, and videos.

The iPad comes with a high-definition camera and with the software available via the App Store, you can enjoy the best-quality editing of videos and photos. Other apps on the device serve as a portable music studio, editing and adding fun effects to audio files.

The iPad is also a device that you can use to read electronic editions of books, newspapers, and magazines.

Web Browser

An iPad comes with the built-in Safari browser, Firefox, Opera, and editions of Chrome browser. Each browser on this device are full-featured application, with automatic pop-up blockers, multiple tabs, browsing history and favourites.

In addition, the iPad Safari browser has a built-in “Reader” function that simplifies pages of articles and it also removes ads.

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Tablet vs iPad: Comparison Chart

	Tablet	iPad
Definition	A tablet computer or tablet for short, is a mobile device with a mobile operating system.	The iPad is a portable mobile device, a product developed by Apple Inc.
Operating system	Android, windows	The iOS operating system (iPadOS)
Apps	Originally, it doesn’t come with any app	The iPad has a plenty of apps storage space
Design	The iPad has plenty of app storage space	Design is single
Tasking	Suitable for multitasking	Do not perform multiple tasks
Cost	Usually have different prices depending on the brand	Since it’s an Apple product, the price is the same.
Expansion of storage	Can be expanded through an external micro SD card.	Cannot be expanded
Numbers of manufactures	Various companies	Apple Inc

Conclusion