Now for the most asked question of 2011...tablet or laptop?

So you are still in the heat of the Christmas shopping season. You have been waiting for just the right moment for making an important computing decision, laptop or tablet.

Though the new tablets are indeed shiny and the new hot item to own, you may need to really think about what you want them for.

I, for one, think new and shiny are excellent reasons for buying new things. But it isn’t always about what I want but what I need as my wife constantly reminds me. (Love you dear!)

Though I don’t like to hear it, it is really good advice to heed and is definitely something you need to consider before making a purchase of this type.

If you are looking for a portable computer much like what you work on at home or work then you really need to stick with a laptop.

It will have the processer speed, the portability, the ability to upgrade, run multiple OS (operating systems), capable of running hardcore gaming packages, etc.

A tablet isn’t really needed or used in that capacity.

Look at it this way, do you have a smartphone? Basically a tablet is a bigger, faster smartphone.

The most attractive part of owning a tablet is its portability. I mean a laptop can weigh up to 3 to 5 lbs and you usually end up lugging it around in a backpack or laptop case.

A tablet you can fit, some of them, in your cargo pant pocket and almost forget it is there.

Also a tablet is really good at playing games, watching movies, and even replacing your clunky e-reader with a full color version. (Though some people find that the black & white e-readers are easier on the eyes.)

Also a tablet can be used for social networking, web surfing, etc. as long as you can connect via wi-fi or by getting a 3G/4G contract with the mobile service of your choice.

For me, I think I will just wait until the computer industry gets their act together and makes a tablet with all the capabilities of a laptop but all wrapped up in a small, easy to use, tablet.

And you know, that is on the horizon.

In the end, just do your research and make sure that you are getting exactly what you want from either product. There are a lot of low priced items out there that don’t live up to their advertised capabilities. Especially in the tablet market. Don’t be fooled by imposters that are just trying to make a buck.

My rule of thumb...if the price seems to good to be true, it probably is.