What is the difference between an iPad and a tablet?
When choosing a tablet computer, many people wonder what is better: an Android or Windows tablet or an iPad? To answer this question, you need to understand in more detail what each of these devices is.
The content of the article
What is iPad
iPad is a proprietary tablet manufactured by Apple, designed for storing and transmitting data. The first version of the device was presented in 2010. Since then, three more versions of the iPad have been released, and manufacturers are not going to stop there.
Like other Apple devices, iPad runs on iOS. This is a proprietary platform that is present exclusively in the products of this manufacturer.
Reference! According to experts and user reviews, the iPad has no equal in terms of reliability and ease of use.
What is a tablet
A tablet is a mini-computer on which you can surf the Internet, watch videos and photos. Depending on the manufacturer, such a device can run on different OS. Mostly these are different versions of Android and Windows Mobile.
Attention! Tablets are very diverse. Each consumer will be able to choose a model at their own discretion. This is a good choice for people who value a powerful processor, quality cameras and easily expandable memory.
How are iPad and tablet similar?
At first glance, it seems that the tablet and iPad are very similar, with the exception of the operating system. Indeed, these devices have a lot in common:
- Same purpose of operation.Both devices are designed to work on the Internet. There are many applications that allow you to work with pictures, documents, and photos. This is much more convenient on a large display than on smartphones. However, iOS has better optimization and more programs, so it has more options.
- External resemblance. No matter how hard manufacturers try to differentiate their models, they are all practically the same. Rectangular, with function keys on the side panels. Of course, this does not exclude the unique “features” inherent in various models.
- Application stores. Here you can download and buy games, multi-profile programs and much more for surfing and ease of use of the device. The stores for tablets and iPads are different, but their essence is identical.
Difference between tablet and iPad
The differences between an iPad and a tablet can be divided into external and hardware. External ones include:
- Durable aluminum housing. Thanks to it, the iPad is several times thinner and sleeker than other tablet PCs. The second and third models have a thickness of 8.6 mm, the third and fourth – 9.4 mm.
- Rectangular shape. The latest generations of iPads have a special feature: they reach 241 mm in length and 186 mm in width. These dimensions are maintained to within a fraction of a mm.
- The presence of a company logo on the back panel. The famous bitten apple is the Apple company icon.
- The body is black and white. While tablets from other companies can be produced in a variety of shades, iPads come in only two colors.
- Strained glass. It protects your device from cracks and scratches. In this regard, iPad models are characterized by durable operation.
If it is customary to meet “by clothes”, then to see off “by the mind”. Therefore, although external differences matter, they are not the main thing. The nuances lie in the functional features of the iPad.These include:
- Absolutely closed iOS OS. It cannot be installed on devices from other manufacturers.
- No problems with viruses. In the Apple app store, any game or program undergoes strict testing for the presence of malicious codes. This sets the iPad apart from other devices that allow almost all applications into their stores. Therefore, Android and Windows tablets are not protected from viruses.
- The proprietary charging connector is lightning. You cannot connect micro-USB devices to Apple products.
- Lack of support for external memory cards. If owners of standard tablets have the opportunity to expand the internal memory of the device by connecting an SD card to it, owners of iPads will have to be content with the built-in capacity.
- You cannot connect peripheral devices such as an Internet modem or flash drive to the iPad.
- A high-quality matrix that always provides a clear picture. The eyes are less tired and the risk of vision deterioration is minimal.
- Incompatibility with flash programs. iPad owners will not be able to play on social networks or participate in online entertainment. It is possible that the manufacturer will correct this situation in the future. However, this probability is small, since there are a huge number of games in the App Store even without Flash programs.
- High price. A branded device costs a lot of money. The average price ranges from 12–38 thousand rubles. For comparison, a regular tablet costs around 2–4 thousand rubles.
Is it worth paying extra money for an iPad? The question is individual. Considering that you don't have to worry about antivirus protection, the high price is justified.
Which device is better
This question is difficult to answer, since it all depends on the user’s preferences.It's worth choosing an iPad because of its strengths. This:
- high autonomy;
- excellent screen that does not spoil vision;
- a large number of optimized applications;
- reliable operating system (no freezes, slowdowns or other problems).
The solidity and light weight of the iPad make it mobile and comparable to conventional smartphones. In addition, the tablet with a branded apple on the body has an attractive appearance and high quality workmanship. Stylish, beautiful and very durable housing ensures reliability.
The device has some disadvantages:
- Closed file system. It seems like a positive thing, since it protects the tablet from unauthorized users. On the other hand, it has significant limitations in the operation of the device.
- Lack of common USB ports.
- Lack of support for flash technology.
Attention! If you don’t want to burden yourself with thoughts about choosing and have an impressive amount in reserve, choose an iPad. It has everything for comfortable use.
The advantages of Android and Windows Mobile tablets include:
- multitasking - when one application is launched, others can run in the background;
- reasonable price;
- availability of a large number of applications.
Minuses:
- heavy platform, which undoubtedly loses to iOS;
- high probability of downloading an application with malware.
Tablet computers on Android and Windows should be chosen by people for whom individuality is important. You can choose the size, screen diagonal and additional functions for yourself.