Dec 11
12
Reshaping the Way We Work? There’s an App for That. Part Two
By Scott Ginnett, Director, Digital Collaboration & Social Media, Ricoh Americas Corporation
In part one of this blog post, we discussed the many important factors behind the recent trend toward tablet computers. With a growing mobile workforce and the need for connectivity on the go, tablets offer a lightweight and convenient way to access a whole host of valuable resources from the internet.
Although the iPad still commands over 70 percent of the tablet market, there are plenty of other tablet options out there—and the list is growing by the day. So let’s take a quick look at the tablet landscape and some of the features to consider:
- iPad 2
Of course, Apple has led the way in the tablet market with the introduction of the iPad and now the second generation iPad 2. The iPad 2 is thinner and lighter than the first generation, yet has a faster processor and a 10-hour battery life. In addition to Wi-Fi, the iPad 2 has 3G options from AT&T and Verizon. One thing worth noting for business users, the HDMI, USB and SD ports all require adaptors. Starting price: Under $500.00
- Blackberry Playbook
RIM’s entry in the tablet market has a compact 7-inch screen and integrates Adobe Flash for a desktop-style Web experience. It has advanced multitasking features and a 10-hour battery life as well. In addition to Wi-Fi, connectivity options include LTE and HSPA+. Starting price: Under $400 (Blackberry offered a Black Friday deal on the Playbook at $199.00. With the holidays, additional tablet deals may be forthcoming)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab
This Android tablet is as thin and even lighter than the iPad 2, perhaps in part due to its plastic back. Offering a 10.1-inch screen, it includes HPSA+ and Wi-Fi connectivity options. Like the Playbook, it also supports Adobe Flash. It has a 9-hour battery life for video. Starting price: Under $500.00
- Sony Tablet S
Also an Android tablet, the Tablet S has a 9.4-inch screen with a distinctive wedge shaped design. It has a micro-USB and full-sized SD card reader. It supports Wi-Fi wireless networking only and has a battery life of approximately 8 hours. Starting price: Under $500.00
- Asus Eee Pad Transformer
With a 10.1-inch display, this Android tablet has a slim, lightweight design. Like Sony’s Tablet S, it supports Wi-Fi networking only. It has a microSD card slot, a mini-HDMI port and a 40-pin connector for charging the battery or PC data transfer. Asus also offers an optional keyboard docking station, which will give you about 16 hours of battery life. Starting price: Under $400.00
- Amazon Kindle Fire
A recent entrant into the tablet market, the Kindle Fire has a 7-inch screen and, like the Kindle e-readers, uses Amazon’s Whispersync technology to sync Amazon libraries in addition to supporting Wi-Fi. It has a 7.5 hour battery life for video. Starting price: Under $200.00
- Barnes & Noble Nook
Another new Android option, the Nook, has a 7-inch screen and supports Wi-Fi networking and Adobe Flash. It has 9 hours of battery life with video and a microSD memory card slot. Starting price: Under $250.00.
As you can see, you have many choices these days when it comes to tablets! The right choice will depend on a number of factors and your preferences, including screen size, connectivity options and memory requirements.
In our next blog installment, we’ll discuss how businesses are leveraging tablet technology for greater productivity and enhanced customer experience. If you’ve used any of the tablets mentioned here, we’d love to hear about your experience. Please share in the comments.
