How Tablets (like the Apple iPad) Are Addressing the Needs of Business Users

Share:    

When the Apple iPad was first announced, it was positioned as being the natural step between a Smart Phone and a laptop

. Business users have found the email, web surfing and calendar features to be convenient for their "on-the-go" lives, however the question remains: how practical is a tablet computer for business?

In this article we will take a look at new applications that are making tablets better suited to business. We'll also look at some upcoming tablet computers, and what they'll offer the business user.

First off, the downside for business users:

Microsoft Office: The Apple iPad does not offer Microsoft Office, nor is Microsoft expected to provide the software for any upcoming tablets (which we'll be profiling below). This is a big drawback for business users, who will still have to rely on their laptop / desktop to create Word documents and PowerPoint files.

However, many companies have moved in to help broaden business support in both the Apple tablet, as well as other competing tablets.

New apps that are a boon to the business user:

Google Docs Editing: Google has recently announced plans to allow full editing on their Google Docs platform from tablet computers both the Apple touchscreen tablet, and tablets running the Android platform. Google Docs allows the creation of documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, and is provided free of change for all users. This capability greatly enhances tablet devices for business users, as they can now have full business support

iWork: As previously mentioned, the iPad does not currently support Microsoft Office. However, Apple does offer an app for their competing program iWork, which can create documents, spreadsheets and presentations. It can also import Microsoft Office documents.

Conferencing Support: Tablets are also making strides in conferencing support. For instance, Fuze Box (by Call Wave) allows full web conferencing with both audio and video.

Tablets on the horizon, and how they can help the business user:

There are a number of tablets on the horizon, and many of them may have capabilities that are well suited to the business user. Here's a quick look at some of the upcoming tablets:

The Samsung Galaxy Tab: The Samsung Galaxy Tab is smaller than the iPad, and is being marketed as a strong solution for business users. It will have front and rear facing cameras for video conferencing and wireless phone capabilities. It boasts a Microsoft Document Viewer, which allows users to open and edit Office documents. Finally, the Galaxy Tab will have full Flash support and allow multitasking, both of which are not currently offered on the iPad.

BlackBerry Tablet: Research in Motion is widely rumored to be announcing their new tab within the next few weeks. Though little is known about it at this point, it is expected that BlackBerry's usual focus on the business user will be on prominent display once the features of the tablet are announced.

Acer Tablet: Again, though features of Acer's tablet haven't been officially announced, it will be running on the Android operating system, as the Samsung Tab does, and therefore is expected to have the same range of business support.

How Tablets (like the Apple iPad) Are Addressing the Needs of Business Users

By: Alex Martin

POST COMMENT

MyShoppingGenie Review - How My Shopping Genie Works and How to Get 1000 Free Business Cards! Review Robert Kiyoski's Cash Flow - The Monopoly for Entrepreneurs Business Partnerships – Joint Ventures & Strategic Alliances Transform Your Passion Into A Profitable Online Business With Site Build It (SBI) Website Development And Traffic Generation Platform A Guide to Doing Business Face to Face in China Blogging for Cash business formal Letter Cultural Diversity Promises Hope for Businesses; Requires Change Management Tenant loans: Swift and prompt access to convenient cash Broker Opinion Of Value Example - How to Choose the Right Business Broker Developing a Business Plan Business Mind Week 6 Program Penis Enlargment Testimonials Advice For Single Business Professionals: 6 Winning Tips To Turn A Business Contact Into A Date