What are Tablets Really Good for ? Available Technology Inc - June 2011

What are tablets really good for?

As technology changes and develops without our consent, new devices (and new ways of using old devices) pop up frequently. This frequency of change makes it impossible for any of us in the business world to get too “dug in” to the way we do things. I once had a client promise to give me his brand new laptop if I could find him an IBM Selectric typewriter, and though I suppose that’s one way to circumvent the tide of time, I doubt anyone could stay that course over one or two tech generations.

I am a creature of habit. I still run Windows XP on my main workstation. My Nikon SLR is approaching 8 years old. When things work, I stick with them. But part of what we do everyday is sort out the “tools” from the “toys”, and help our clients decide what new technology will really help them in their everyday business processes, so we stay on top of every new phone, processor, screen technology, etc that rolls off of the Chinese assembly line. I love to see new devices come from concept, to prototype, to adolescence, then finally to mainstream reality, and because of this, I love the concept of “the tablet.”

I beta tested a tablet computer in 2000. It was from Cisco, had a 7 inch screen, ran Windows 98 . . .and it was useless. It was one of the first implementations I had seen of wifi in a portable device, which was nice to see, but you couldn’t USE it. Over the years, the tablet has evolved to a usable and even profitable device. For some things. Let’s explore some of the things that your business can do with a tablet.

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The first recorded use of the word “tablet” was in 1880 when it was used to refer to a pad of writing paper. Previous to that, “tablet” was most often used to refer to the Mosaic Ten Commandments, flat stone slates that contained the original Ten Commandments inscribed by the hand of God and given to Moses to present to the Israelites.

Steve Jobs would like you to believe that his tablet, the iPad, is as historically significant as Moses’ engraved variety. Although Apple, Samsung and Motorola have designed some amazing and useful devices, I don’t think anyone would attempt to say that the tablet is on par with any Divine revelations to the human race. In fact, I have observed that the biggest social accomplishment of the tablet in general may be that instead of retiring to the restroom with the Sunday paper, folks are now heading to the loo with an iPad under their arm. Congratulations, Steve Jobs.

Jaosn Hiner of TechRepublic (http://tek.io/lh8gRr) says that the iPad is only good for 3 things: reading, playing, and taking notes. I agree with this assessment. Tablets are consumption devices, not creation devices. Some artists have made beautiful works of art with a tablet and a stylus, but these accomplishments are the exception that proves the rule.

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Can a tablet replace a computer? Yes, for some people. If you primarily use your computer to check email, read news, surf the web and play simple games, then you may be able to ditch your bulky PC and settle down with an iPad or Xoom. Just don’t expect them to do everything your computer did, like cut and paste easily, edit graphics, or work with spreadsheets and documents in any quantity. Your attempts will soon become frustrating, and your tablet may not last long enough to see the light of morn.
The tablet can be very useful for your business, and here’s how you can get started taking advantage of the tablet’s size and flexibility.

• Take credit card payments
Apps like Square and Intuit’s GoPayment allow you to take payments from your customers right on an iPad or Android based tablet. Card swipers that connect wirelessly are available for these devices, and if the tablet has 3G capability, your technicians or representatives can take payments at the customer’s door. Businesses love 3G access since they can take payments even if the internet in their building is down. It makes a great cash register backup!

• Let your Clients Book Their Own Appointments
Personal Trainers, Salons, and other service based businesses use applications made for their industry to book appointments. The customer comes in and in the waiting area, they are handed an iPad or other tablet, on which they can choose their services and even their stylist / trainer, tap a confirmation and be brought back to their room at their scheduled time.

Plumbers, HVAC service providers and others can deploy the tablet to their technicians who take them onsite. Their appointments are pushed to their device, from which they can give estimates, take orders, and even get signatures right from the pad.
Many of these apps are free, or require a monthly fee. But if nothing exists for your particular business, it can be written especially for you. Interested? Call us!

• Present Your Company to Clients in an Interactive Way
Businesses are also using tablets to show their customers and prospects what products and services they offer in new innovative ways. Mercedes dealerships have deployed iPads to their salespeople who can easily pull up financing options and vehicle specs on the device to show the customer. You can also use a tablet as an interactive brochure. Rather than have them read last month’s “Guns and Ammo,” why not hand them an iPad with a multimedia presentation of all the services you offer? Customers and clients can peruse your website while they wait, or as a presales warmup before a big presentation. If your sales folks are used to carrying a laptop with a Powerpoint presentation, have them use a tablet instead. It lends credibility to your business and creates an elegant professional impression.

• Take applications and increase your paperless-ness
Many doctor’s offices have begun accepting medical forms and other paperwork from a tablet rather than handing patients paper to fill out. The filler-outer can easily type into the document and save when finished. The office personnel can then print or file the document without ever touching a sheet of paper.

• Tablets are a great way for new employees to watch training videos and take training exams
Because of the tablet’s portability, a new employee or applicant could comfortably watch video material or fill out job applications on a tablet.

• Grow your marketing list
I heard of an Orthodontist that handed a tablet to each patient that came in, with the company’s facebook page up on the screen. They asked the patient to sign in and “like” their Facebook page while they sat. This helped the practice to grow their Facebook friends by 200% monthly.

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There are many other ways that tablets can be utilized in the workplace. They are truly versatile, inexpensive, accessible and fun devices. Rather than playing “Angry Birds” on your Samsung Galaxy, think of ways you can put it to work for you.

If it all seems like too much to take in, take 2 “tablets” (the aspirin kind) and give us a call! We’ll help you sort it all out.

Mike Lane
Available Technology Inc
http://www.available-tech.net/