A laptop or a tablet?

[Thunduhbuhlt]

So I am on a budget. A no more than $400 budget. I had always had my mind set on a new tablet, but I got to thinking, what happens when the next big thing comes out? Do I want to miss it because I can't afford it?

Anyways, I can get a refurbished laptop (This. (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+17.3%26%2334%3B+Refurbished+Pavilion+Laptop+-+4GB+Memory+-+500GB+Hard+Drive+-+Charcoal+Gray/5043781.p?id=1218603009118&skuId=5043781)) or I can get a refurbished iPad 2. They are both around $350, but I am just so unsure on what to do. I need opinions, please.

I know I will use the laptop more, but the tablet has more apps and stuff. But I will still have my phone.

Also, if you can think of a better computer for around $350, I will take a look at it as well.

[Cognizant]

It really depends on what you are going to be using the device for, a iOS tablet and a laptop are 2 VERY different things.

[Thunduhbuhlt]

The iPad would be for fun and games mostly, maybe some web browsing, but not a lot. I wouldn't do much else on it. I would use the laptop for video chats on facebook, web browsing, music, and some basic stuff.

[Cognizant]

I would go with the laptop. It has a lot more potential and speed compared to an iPad. Have you tried looking at netbooks? Those are light, portable, extremely cheap, and get the job done.

[Aves]

I would go with the laptop. It has a lot more potential and speed compared to an iPad. Have you tried looking at netbooks? Those are light, portable, extremely cheap, and get the job done.

Let me tell you, netbooks SUCK. I can't even use Skype and have an internet browser open without it freaking out.

[kryptonite]

So I am on a budget. A no more than $400 budget. I had always had my mind set on a new tablet, but I got to thinking, what happens when the next big thing comes out? Do I want to miss it because I can't afford it?

Anyways, I can get a refurbished laptop (This. (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+17.3%26%2334%3B+Refurbished+Pavilion+Laptop+-+4GB+Memory+-+500GB+Hard+Drive+-+Charcoal+Gray/5043781.p?id=1218603009118&skuId=5043781)) or I can get a refurbished iPad 2. They are both around $350, but I am just so unsure on what to do. I need opinions, please.

I know I will use the laptop more, but the tablet has more apps and stuff. But I will still have my phone.

Also, if you can think of a better computer for around $350, I will take a look at it as well.



Keep in mind that the iPads only have more apps because they can't run things like Flash. My Android phone can run a youtube video without an app. In comparison, my iPod Touch needs to open up the YouTube app in order to play a video.

Get a laptop... It's more upgradeable, it has a keyboard, and I know it can print...last I checked, the iPad can't print.

[Silicate Wielder]

Personally I would go for a mix of the both, like a tablet with a keyboard that flips out from the back then turns and locks into place for functionality as a laptop. Thats what I would go for anyways. and a cheap way to get a laptop, in most cases, is to buy the parts and build it yourself.

[Abnormal]

Laptops are always the best way to go, in my opinion. Even though I really don't know anything about tablets so I can't really say why they are better, all I can say is that I use them and I've never used a tablet so I'm going to say laptops are the best in a biased manner.

[Cognizant]

I would go for a laptop, but due to bad experiences with HP in the past, I'd recommend a different brand, and perhaps something a little more portable? Compared to a tablet, a 17 inch screen is pretty big.

Edit: I think this (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+14%26%2334%3B+Refurbished+Laptop+-+4GB+Memory+-+320GB+Hard+Drive+-+Brown/5120744.p?id=1218614097300&skuId=5120744) one would be a better buy. It's perfect for what you will be doing- Enough power, decent battery life, screen that is small enough to be portable, yet big enough to be actually usable. Thinner and lighter than The HP, faster I/O, and cheaper than the HP one.

It really is up to you, but might as well take a look at it!
Asus - 14" Refurbished Laptop - 4GB Memory - 320GB Hard Drive - Brown (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+14%26%2334%3B+Refurbished+Laptop+-+4GB+Memory+-+320GB+Hard+Drive+-+Brown/5120744.p?id=1218614097300&skuId=5120744)

[Thunduhbuhlt]

I would go for a laptop, but due to bad experiences with HP in the past, I'd recommend a different brand, and perhaps something a little more portable? Compared to a tablet, a 17 inch screen is pretty big.

Edit: I think this (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+14%26%2334%3B+Refurbished+Laptop+-+4GB+Memory+-+320GB+Hard+Drive+-+Brown/5120744.p?id=1218614097300&skuId=5120744) one would be a better buy. It's perfect for what you will be doing- Enough power, decent battery life, screen that is small enough to be portable, yet big enough to be actually usable. Thinner and lighter than The HP, faster I/O, and cheaper than the HP one.

It really is up to you, but might as well take a look at it!
Asus - 14" Refurbished Laptop - 4GB Memory - 320GB Hard Drive - Brown (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+14%26%2334%3B+Refurbished+Laptop+-+4GB+Memory+-+320GB+Hard+Drive+-+Brown/5120744.p?id=1218614097300&skuId=5120744)

I actually had a great experience with HP with my mom's computer, and they have a lot of well priced ones. I think I will get this (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+15.6%26%2334%3B+Refurbished+Pavilion+Laptop+-+4GB+Memory+-+500GB+Hard+Drive+-+Pewter/5011064.p?id=1218595776918&skuId=5011064) one if I can get my little sister to buy my current one, and I have a feeling she will. This one is the best I can really think of for my price range.

I will also be getting a warranty do if anything bad happens, I am covered.