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Really, has there ever been a better all around combination of form factor, features and capabilities?
Great video and it costs less than an iPad! Hope you enjoyed it!
I have written before to try and answer the question, what is a Tablet Computer? As we have seen from the many new models coming out from a variety of manufacturers and running several different operating systems, the answer is not clear cut. In the enterprise space (Fortune 500, hospitals, government) though, the answer has always been clear: Microsoft Windows rules. Apple has always been the "consumer" computer for students, graphics artists and hippies. Windows, on the other hand, has been the Double Windsor of the corporate world, not always having the latest features and certainly not as easy to use, but giving large organizations the business tools they needed to run a stable network. The internet may be the end of that. For those of us who have been in the technology business for a while, the adage is "what is old is new again". In this case, what is new again is distributed or cloud computing. In the past, the "cloud" was a mainframe server that delivered applications to "green screen" terminals. Nothing was local, instead controlled by the IT (then DP or data processing) department in an air-conditioned room in the basement. Now, the application is delivered over the internet to any device running any operating system. So if you are using a Windows tablet or an Apple iPad, the application looks the same and the only defining factor is the look and feel of your device. Believe me when I say that corporate America likes the look and feel of the Apple iPad. If you are a doctor looking up lab values or an executive searching for sales figures, you want to access that information on a device that is lightweight, readable and easy to use. The device and operating system that makes life simpler for those folks is going to be the winner in the mobile device battle that is brewing in the business world. (Photo is linked from the Gadgetell website)
Let's face it, when it comes to portable electronic equipment, things happen. Bad things. Things that make people who love technology very sad! Here are some examples: As you mix sugar into your large coffee, your elbow impacts the cup and causes it to spill into your laptopSome knucklehead isn't paying attention and trips over your power cord causing it to crash to the floorYou remember to get your luggage, but forget your tablet computer in a taxi How do I know about these things? You guessed it - they have all happened to me over the years. So what to do? Prayer? Call on St. Anthony (patron saint of list items)? Go back to paper and pen? One of the best and, surprisingly, least expensive solutions is to purchase insurance. Many manufacturers sell this at the time of purchase but my research shows this to be the most expensive option. Next is a company liek Safeware that offers accidental damage, theft and other protection on any kind of mobile device. This is a good option but, depending on your circumstances, might not be the cheapest. Your first phone call should be to your existing insurance company. If you are a homeowner, you probably already have protection on computer equipment that stays in your home. I called State Farm, my insurer, and we're protected up to $5,000. But not if the tablet computer is taken out of the house (like to work, on vacation, etc.). I had ready about Personal Articles protection and so I asked Melanie, my rep, some questions. For just $2.20 per $100 of value, I would have no deductible and get the following coverage: Fire Theft Lightning Mysterious disappearance (yes, that is what they call it) Freak accidents (again, their terminology) So, for just $44/year for a computer valued at $2,000 I would be covered. That is well worth it IMHO. If you have had experiences getting insurance or filing a claim for a broken/missing/damaged, let me hear about it. The good, the bad and the ugly.
Updated 09-02-2010 at 09:56 AM by John Hill
As with many things in life, what is bad for one person or group is good for another. Rain might ruin your vacation but farmers are happy for the help it brings their crops. Going back to school is lamented by the children but a joyous day for the parents. In the same way, a lame economy and resulting 'jobless recovery' might be just what is needed for Tablet Computers. Let me give you an example: Alpha Heating & Air Conditioning Company has twelve HVAC technicians that go out on the road every day to service customers. There used to be 15 techs but since business slowed down in 2008, three guys got laid off. As the economy slowly recovers, business is starting to pick up. After all, commercial HVAC units need regular service and while you can delay it, eventually repairs or maintenance is needed. The techs are very busy and the owner could justify putting another person on the road because he is paying overtime to his existing crew. But hiring another technician means salary and benefits of around $60K and purchasing a new truck for another $60K with all the necessary equipment. Now, think about Alpha HVAC from the owner's point of view. Is it better, in this uncertain economy, to hire another technician that you have to train, pay for skyrocketing healthcare benefits and manage or is it better to invest in a technology solution that will bring benefits that will be seen for years? Obviously, this is a question that each business has to answer for itself. I can tell you that we are seeing businesses choose to invest in technology ($40K for 12 rugged tablets, $60K for industry-specific software, $20K for training and support = the same cost for a technician the first year) that provides an ongoing return on their investment. If a technician doesn't have to go to the office for paperwork (it is emailed back and forth or available instantly with a web-based application), gets customers billed for every part used (by barcoding all parts), and allows the repairmen to capture customer signatures when work is complete (active digitizer), then an investment in tablet hardware makes sense. In an effort to wring even greater efficiencies out of existing resources, tablet computers can be an important component.
Updated 09-02-2010 at 09:57 AM by John Hill
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