Can a Tablet Replace My PC?

Tablets are getting more and more powerful as time passes. This increase in power has led some to ask: “Could I replace my entire PC with a tablet?” The answer is, well, yes you could, but there's more to it than you might think. Read on to find out about how you can swap your PC for a tablet, and what you might need in order to do so.

Can a Tablet Do Everything a PC Can?

Though tablets are not usually specifically built to replace your entire computer setup, many modern tablets come with enough power to at least become pseudo computers. With enough tinkering and upgrading, you can turn your tablet into something akin to a hyper-mobile laptop that can be converted into a full-blown desktop setup on the fly. With that being said, though your tablet can definitely be converted into something like a computer, it can't do everything a PC can. You'll definitely be able to handle most school and work projects on a tablet, but if you plan on doing anything intensive like hardcore gaming, a tablet setup likely won't be able to handle it. Also, most tablets don't run on operating systems like Windows or MacOS, so there will be some limitations to what you can do because of that too. Simply put, a tablet can do most of the common activities that most people would be doing on a traditional PC, but they can't do everything. They do come with some unique advantages over your computer in other areas, though.

The most convenient part of using your tablet as a computer is its portability. These devices are even more portable than laptops, and most of the accessories you would need in order to turn them into computers also tend to be extremely portable. You can also get data coverage on a tablet. That means you can have an entire computer that can be set up virtually anywhere with its own internet connection on you at all times. The all-in-one portability of these devices is enough for some people to make up for the hit to processing power taken by trading in an old desktop.

To convert your tablet into a full-blown computer setup, you're going to need a few key accessories to start. The most necessary tablet accessories are:

Easily the most important accessory for any tablet seeking to make the jump into computer territory, having a quality keyboard allows you to more effectively type up documents on your tablet. There are many options to choose from when it comes to tablet keyboards, and you'll need to decide if you want a wired or a Bluetooth option. Regardless of which kind you choose, you should be able to disconnect and reconnect it with ease and take it on the go.

Though it may not seem that important, getting a tablet case for your device helps ensure that when you're traveling with your tablet, it won't be damaged. The best part about having a setup like this is the portability of it, and a tablet case helps take the fear out of bringing your tablet with you as you no longer have to worry about damaging it with a fall. A tablet screen protector can also be a nice touch to make sure your screen doesn't get scratched.

You're also going to need a mouse if you intend on doing any serious work on your tablet. Like the keyboard, tablet mice can be either wired or Bluetooth-enabled and are built with portability in mind. A mouse pad may also be helpful to bring around in case there aren't any smooth surfaces available.

Since tablets are built to be very thin, they don't come with as many USB ports as a laptop or a desktop computer. Most modern tablets will however come with a USB-C port, and that's all you need when you have a USB-C hub. This accessory connects to your tablet through its USB-C port and adds a ton of new ports to your tablet. When your hub is plugged in, you could possibly go from one port to three or even four different ports, allowing you to connect your tablet to a variety of other accessories. With this convenient device, you can connect your tablet to a wired keyboard or mouse, a headset, or even a monitor to really feel like you're in front of a conventional computer setup. It's important to note that not all tablets can support being hooked up to a monitor, so make sure you do your research about your specific tablet.

Though you can somewhat easily physically convert your tablet into a PC, there will still be a slight learning adjustment if you do. You'll have to get used to using your tablet OS as a full-blown desktop computer, which might take some time since you're likely accustomed to a more traditional computer operating system. If you're a tablet lover who values the portability of this setup, then it's worth it! We hope this blog has helped you see the value in a tablet centric computer setup, and what it would take to make one.