Desktops, Laptops or Tablet PCs for Writers?

For a writer, a computer is an essential tool . . . but what to buy?

If you are anything like me, your computer is your main tool for your writing. Whether you write for print markets or have transitioned to writing online, you simply cannot do without a computer.

My greatest fear has always been that my laptop would crash and I would be left high-and-dry, unable to compute and work. When you rely on a computer for your work, this can be almost ulcer producing.

I started out with a desktop computer but found sitting in an office chair for long periods far too hard on my spine. I finally got my coveted laptop. The laptop allows me to take my work anywhere--essential for me because, over the last two years, I've been immersed in storyboards for my two books. Owning a laptop meant I could visit loved ones and continue forward with each storyboard, so I really had the best of both worlds.

With tablet PCs now on the market, writers are faced with even more choices about computing. iPads were launched in 2010 and some laptops were marketed as tablets. But is this the whole story? I know when I was recently looking for a back-up laptop (in case my other laptop crashed) I kept coming across "tablets." Hmm . . .I found myself wondering how tablets differed from laptops--or, if they were the same animal.

True Tablet PCs offer touch screen functionality, durability and portability (always a plus) but tablet pcs also may be somewhat limited, depending on your computing needs. It can be daunting trying to keep up with all the differences in PCs and attempting to choose a computer that not only has the features you need but that is fast enough.

In the end, I decided to delegate; I got my computer tech to pick me out a laptop that would suit my needs.