Tech question of the week

Written and compiled by Kareem LaTouche and Stephanie Lyew

If you had the option to choose between a tablet personal computer and touchscreen laptop, which would you choose and why?

Melissa Peynado: The latest laptop designs being sold by computer technology companies, stores and online, especially the touchscreen models by Sony Vaio are quite intriguing. However, while I could close the laptop if I needed to avoid someone looking at my screen, a tablet PC seems to be more personal and private. I have also been told that the applications available for tablet PCs are outgrowing apps made for laptops. I would be able to walk around with the world in my hands and in a small, lightweight (portable) computer.

John Lyndale: Whilst the tablet personal computers are portable and have long hours of battery power, touchscreen laptops are not much heavier, neither is it a hassle to get the device charged or utilise power-saving options. Having a tablet personal computer would still requires me to get accessories such as an attachable keyboard or mouse/pointing device. I would choose a touchscreen laptop over a tablet PC. It depends on what an individual would be using either of the devices for; with my job I am required to make presentations - a touchscreen laptop seems like a more sensible choice.