Switchfast Blog: The Future of IT
Apple’s Validity: The iPad and Your Business
Wednesday, September 08, 2010 by Bryan Anderson
Chances are you have seen (and probably wanted to touch) Apple's
new toy. If you have been following Switchfast, you know we
even gave one away as a prize. The iPad looks sleek, high tech, and
incredibly interactive; but is it sensible for your business?
As always, evaluating the pros and cons for your business needs are
necessary to reach an informed decision.
The Pros
Apple's iPad is incredibly lightweight and interactive allowing
your business and its employees access to a plethora of
information, all at their fingertips. Recall how cool
it was when the iPod Touch came out, and everyone was thinking "it
would be amazing if the screen was bigger." Well, the screen
is much larger, crisp and vivid. The size of the iPad allows
your employees battling with their email and electronic
communications on their small phones a digital oasis for their
fingers. Internet service for the iPad is a $30 no-contract
unlimited data plan on a 3G network.
When comparing a netbook to the iPad, the netbook looks like
last generation's technology. The wireless plans offered for
a netbook can be pricey, and much of the time, have limited data
transfer. The iPad allows the user to rotate the screen from
"landscape" mode to "portrait" mode, depending on the user's
preference, and can deliver sleek presentation capabilities that
will engage your prospective clients. Your important files
and folders can be stored with ease on the iPad's operating system,
and allows your business to be more environmentally friendly by
cutting your paper demands.
Thousands of applications can be run from the iPad, including
the vast majority of the iPhone and iPod touch apps. A great
starter application for your business iPad is the iWork
application. It has programs such as Keynote, which is a
great presentation software program. It is like Microsoft's
PowerPoint, but leans more on the side of interactivity to create
more engaging presentations. If you are in the architecture
business the iPad is a must have. You can save your plans and
sketches on your iPad and be able to present them to your clients
on the go or in the field. You can find even more information
about iPad business apps,
just a click away.
The Cons
As with every form of new technology, there are setbacks.
One of the largest issues with the iPad is that the device does not
have USB ports. This makes it very difficult to perform quick,
large file transfer, such as your coworkers video presentation, or
graphic design files. Printing for some is also
unfavorable. Having to use WiFi or link
your files back to your PC or Mac to print has turned many
consumers away from the iPad. Third party application
developers have been trying to develop a successful printing app,
but the market is still open for a top notch solution. Some
users find issue that the iPad's battery is sealed inside and
cannot be replaced, making it questionable how long your device may
last you before sending it away for repairs. The iPad's reliability
in the business world is still being felt out, but other issues
with the device can be seen at
thenextweb.com.
You Decide
Being an early adopter can be fun, and, depending on your
business, may give you a tech advantage, but there are other ways
to experience and try the iPad. Go to your local tech store and
play around with one, or talk to an Apple representative about new
features being offered. Encourage your employees to look at what
the device has to offer and ask them to share their opinions with
you. If you have any colleagues or friends that have an iPad,
ask for their personal opinion about the device, and what they
would like to see different with it. You can always go to Apple's website and look at a
complete list of its specs and what it can do for your
business. Ask questions and be informed about your next
technology purchase, you may just find yourself very pleased with
your patience.
Until next time -
Bryan Anderson
Switchfast Technologies
Chicago IT Support &
Consulting
Rochester IT Support &
Consulting
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