If you're in the market for a new mobile computer, there's a good chance you're considering a tablet in lieu of a traditional notebook.
Choosing a tablet is easy, but choosing a tablet for business presents a number of issues. Is the device secure? Does it have the compute power you'll need? What types of apps do you need, and will they run on your chosen device?
Tablets are utilized in business more and more everyday. So much so, the IDC projects that tablets will outsell notebooks worldwide this year and, by 2013, they will surpass the sales of notebooks and desktops combined.
I came across a great article on SmallBusinessComputing.com that addresses the 4 factors you should consider when buying a tablet for business use. I have taken some key information out the article for you to read here but please follow the link above if you would like to read the whole thing.
1.) Operating System
- iOS - Most user friendly tablet OS with an enormous selection of apps for business and personal use. Apple curates the apps when running on your device which minimizes technical problems or the chance of picking up malware
- Google's Android- More features and customization flexibility than iOS. The number of apps is about the same as iOS but Google doesn't keep track of its app store offerings like apple does. The potential for picking up maleware or other viruses is much higher.
- Windows RT- Resembles Windows 8 and comes with a version of Office 2013. However, Windows RT is not compatible with Intel processors, so it can't run existing software designed for Windows notebooks and desktops--only Windows tablet-specific apps from the Windows Store. Ideal for people who don't need much more than office productivity, web browsing, and videoconferencing.
- Windows 8- Same Windows that runs on notebooks and desktops. Ideal for running conventional Windows software. (Which by the way is not designed for touch screens.)
2.) Email and Productivity Software -
- When it comes to email accounts, all tablets can handle basically any of them. Even Microsoft Exchange. So not much differentiation there.
- Office productivity software includes working with documents, spreadsheets, presentations and PDFs. Not all tablets are able to run Microsoft office-- with the exception of Windows tablets of course. For all other OS there are apps you can purchase that will enable you to utilize productivity software such as Apple's iWork ($30, iOS), Google Drive (free, Android) or Quickoffice ($20, iOS/Android). Not the same features you would receive while running Microsoft Office on a PC, but chances are you don't need them anyways.
3.) Tablet Screen Size and Data Storage
- Android tablets range from 7-inch to 10-inch screens
- iOS iPad is 9.7-inches with the iPAD mini coming in at 7.9 inches.
- Windows tablets range anywhere from 8 to 12 inches ( larger screens usually, but not always, mean higher resolutions.)
- "Data storage on tablets is built-in and generally offered in 16, 32, or 64 GB. A few inexpensive Android models get by with 8 GB, while Microsoft's Windows 8 Pro-based Surface Pro has a 128 GB version. Many Android and Windows tablets let you expand storage capacity further via microSD cards (iPads, notably, do not.)"
- You want to keep in mind, the operating system and apps take up some of the built in storage, so right off the bat the amount available to you will ultimately be less than the actual number quoted on the device. The good thing is that work related emails and documents do not take up much space at all.
4.) Wireless Internet Access
- Built in Wi-Fi is the standard with tablets so right out of the box you are ready to get online. If you want to ensure your tablet can get online just about anywhere you want to consider ones that offer a mobile broadband option (3G/4G data plans). This offering is available on all iPads as well as third-party Android and WIndows tablets from companies including HP and Lenovo.
- If your device does not include a broadband option and you have a smartphone, it could always be used as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot but this can eat up your data plan limits quickly.
It is not hard to see why tablets are so popular but with so many different options to choose from it is a good idea to get informed. I hope you found this article as helpful as I did.
