Source: http://new.pitchengine.com/pitches/28d0243f-6224-4cdb-9803-fc466d534b97

With the way the world is right now, I can say with the utmost confidence that this is an issue that takes precedence before anything else. Such a question could render people helpless, the greatest minds dumbfounded, and even bring the mightiest nations down to their knees. No calamity could compare to the magnitude of difficulty that this problem presents!

Joking aside, it’s an interesting topic. Albeit one that could be considered “first world”, but alas! It is a problem nonetheless. I’ve personally been troubled by this for quite some time now, and it has bothered me a lot. What’s better to bring to school? What benefits do each provide? I’ve developed a few questions based on the criteria I myself have learned to live by.

Question # 1: Will everything you need be covered on the tablet?

Yes, right away you can see that I’m quite biased. There’s actually a good reason for that. In general, tablets can cover everything that a student might need minus the bulk of bringing something big around. It’s light, convenient, incredibly useful, and even more mobile than a laptop. You can actually type documents, view presentations, browse the net, etc., but the downside is that you can’t do all of these at once, like a laptop can. Now, think really hard! Do you actually need all that processing power from the laptop? (This is geek speak for saying, “do you need a rocket launcher to solve something a pistol can?”) What I’m saying is, if the same thing can be done in an easier, more convenient way, why not do it like that?

The same statement applies to laptops, too. There are just some things easier to do on it, such as writing a paper while researching on it, programming while reviewing slides, and other things that require heavy multimedia usage.

There are many more examples, though it’s pretty straightforward: just bring what is proportional to what you’re going to do. It’s simple, and I know a lot of people have this as their default mindset as well, but the same can’t be said for everyone.

Question # 2: Where will you be going?

Obviously, you’re going to school; however, where you’ll be before and after matters, too. If you’re commuting, bringing something smaller (like a tablet) might be better. But if that doesn’t bother you, then laptops are fine, too!

If you’re planning to study or work the entire day, then the same applies: laptops are the way to go. Like I said before, bring the device proportional to your work load, but also consider where and how you will bring it.

Question # 3 (Magical Third Question): Do you really need to bring anything?

This question is here because I think it is a general problem. I have dealt with this personally… many times. I bring my laptop, and what do you know? I don’t use it at all or nearly as much to make up for lugging it around. The same applies to tablets, but since they’re light, it isn’t that big of a deal. Try asking yourself: what is it that needs to be accomplished today? Can it be done effectively by bringing X device to school? By answering that, you’re all set.

Source: http://www.wallcoo.net/cartoon/ai_ill2/html/image2.html

Another common problem comes from an external force—theft. I’m no expert on the subject, but I just want to say that one must always be careful with their belongings. If you leave it lying around out in the open for even 10 minutes in what you might regard as a “safe” place (as many people I know do), then you’re practically begging for it to be stolen. I quote from the many restaurants people have probably passed by, “Please do not leave your valuables unattended.” To sum it all up in a paranoid way, be mindful that the threat of your device being stolen is there. It’d be best to take extra precautions so that the threat is lessened, or that it doesn’t happen at all.

Question # 4: Last but not the least, are you comfortable with it?

It’s always up to you whether or not you want to bring your gadgets. You could bring a laptop just to browse the net all day, a tablet just to write down notes, or both if you feel like it. These questions were just here to help determine what’s the most convenient to bring given the circumstances.

So, what will it be for you: laptops or tablets?