To Tablet, or not to Tablet?

In the last 24 months, we have seen a huge increase in releases of tablets. These next-generation mobile devices have no doubt helped with our digital lifestyle but several questions should be considered:

Is it going to replace my notebook/desktop computer?
In spite of rapid advances, tablet technologies should still be considered complementary and not a replacement to the traditional computer. Sure, it offers more mobility and has similar features like WiFi and a virtual keyboard. As a business professional, a tablet can keep you organized, or take notes in a meeting, but can you imagine doing all your business research or accounting on an iPad or tablet?

Should I drop the cash just to stay up-to-date?
While there is nothing wrong with staying current with technology, $300-$800+ dollars for a tablet PC would be difficult to justify without having done your due diligence. Otherwise, you’ve just invested heavily in a redundant email-social networking checker/ebook reader if you don’t do your homework on what a tablet PC can do for you. Many of the iPad’s apps are designed to keep people in touch with current events, their loved ones or their IT infrastructure. Examples include Dropbox for iPad, Tweetdeck, MarketDash, Friendly Facebook for iPad and CNN for iPad. If some of these programs are applicable to you or you absolutely rely on them to stay in touch with friends, business associates and clients, then a tablet PC might just be the thing to help increase your productivity.

What can I do with a tablet PC?
Tablet PCs have been around for at least the last 15-20 years. Before the arrival of the iPad, many ran on Windows and Windows XP Tablet Edition in environments such as construction, military and even in clinics to show and update patient information promptly. Tablet PCs now have the ability to reduce several annoying formalities of a traditional computer like the pesky (sometimes lengthy) boot and shutdown sequence and the having to restart for update installations. Thus tablet PCs enjoy instant-on startups and are relatively responsive since the operating systems that are engineered for tablet PCs like as iOS and Android run lean and don’t require too many system resources to start and operate. Tablet PCs are also more subtle for occasions where there isn’t always a power outlet or you’re forced to pack light. For example, if you’re on your way to the office and are on a 30 minute subway ride standing up, you can easily and quietly check your email, talk to business associates and edit business reports without having to find a seat or table.

Do your homework!
In this crazy ever-evolving world of tablet PCs, the iPad seems to reign supreme for now. The future of HP’s Touchpad seems dubious since the company is no longer supporting WebOS and has decided to spin off its PC business. Blackberry’s Playbook was a disaster considering it’s having trouble effectively competing with the iPad and Motorola’s Xoom tablet PC failed to deliver solid competition due to an overly-complex operating system (Honeycomb). So if you’re leaning towards a certain brand or model, try out a demo or floor model at your local retailer and make an informed decision.

When powered by secure Cloud computing, a tablet can help a business greatly increase its productivity.  If you're interested in Cloud services or secure mobile solutions, we’re here to help! Give us a call at 954.920.9604 and we’ll help you build the right IT plan for your business!