Share what you know with millions of people
Focus is the best place to turn what you know into remarkable content
0
Tablets, Take Two: iPad Competitors?
Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, LG and Sony have either announced or are expected to announce tablet computers intended to offer alternatives to Apple's iPad. Some of these alternative "mobile Internet devices" will have features the iPad currently lacks, such as a camera or a memory card slot. Some will run Windows 7 and some will run Android. But none will have the iTunes App Store or the iPhone operating system. Will any of these emerging alternatives be worth consideration at your business?
Events
- Dos and Don'ts of Small Business Marketing May 29 @ 11 am PT
- Lead Nurturing 202: The Next Generation May 31 @ 11 am PT
- The Tricks to Paid Media June 6 @ 11 am PT
- Display Advertising for Brand Awareness June 20 @ 11 am PT
Related Activity
7 Answers
I find it funny that Apple ipad is seen as the end all be all when it come to table computing considering the fact that Table computer have been around for over 8 years. I remember when I saw my first table computers running Windows Tablet PC OS. Back then as now the business that used table computers and still uses them are healthcare, financial, and manufacturing. So the market has always been there. But since these markets are not consumer markets very little is written about them. The iPad on the other hand is a consumer device looking for a consumer market that is easily dazzled by techno eye candy. But the question is the Ipad good for your business that really and easy question does your business need a mobile solution to keep you competitve if not then you don't need and ipad or any other mobile device. If you are seriously in need of a mobile solution then do a real needs assement and get the device that integrates into your business both front end and back end. If that is done right then it won't matter what device you get it will work with your system. If anything remember one thing about mobility never let a mobile device dectate how you do business it's only a tool nothing more.
They may be worth it for some business users if they are more compatible with the existing internal infrastructure of a given organization. If you are running a Microsoft shop, obviously a tablet running Windows 7 would be a better option than the iPad or an Android tablet.
The OS should only be one factor, however, in a Tablet purchase decision. It has to work for end users too. It has to look and feel good and it has to work well. If it runs the right OS, but can't handles the rigors of a work environment, or if it's clunky or difficult to operate, then it's not the right choice.
Until we actually see and use these devices, it's going to be tough to make any predictions on whether or not we choose to use them in business or at home for that matter.
If other brands are to compete with iPad it will be the application to specific business requirements that will be the draw card – but as Elizabeth suggested there is the Early Worn scenario to compete with, plus the ‘fad’ users chasing the iPad & iPhone brand.
Jetstar – the low-cost brand of Qantas have announced they are trialling iPads as an in-flight service (AU$10 fee). From reading the various comments to blog sites, it is getting a very favourable response – this obviously is a more a marketing tool than effective use of another electronic tool.
If other brands provide the apps and systems for specific industries or business functions they may have a better chance than the iPad which is still seen as a wonderful gimmick/toy eg: Jetstar above. If designed for and marketed to, for example, Business Development Managers (presentations to customers) or the factory floor (WIP and Work Instructions) then there is definitely a market for iPad competitors.
As Howard states, tablets have been around for a while but the technical aspect did not match the situational requirements (I observed first hand), but things have changed over those 8 years. Then again – there may be other opportunities that have not appeared or been thought of as yet, (field training for schools?)
So for me, neither - yet, we'll see. Laptops and a connected phone are more than ample at the moment.
Hello.
It depends on what your business is.
If you are on development for those platforms, they actually matter.
Now, in terms of use for business, my take is nor iPad nor any other tablet is actually designed for business but for pleasure. Again, if you are on the app development market and your line is that kind of products, they matter.
So, before picking on any alternative, as Ron posted, we may first look into the acceptance of these devices at work. Will they replace the small netbooks for meetings and on the road work? Are they suitable for notes taking and other work tasks during meetings and work sessions? And in a case everybody that uses a netbook at work decides to change it for a tablet, then we will need to worry about integration, OS compatibility and such.
Agreed. It depends upon the business and the platform that powers it. For my small consulting agency, a device that runs Windows 7 just might win me over. For many of my clients, however, none of the options currently under development appears more viable or even more appealing than the iPad.
It will be interesting indeed to see how this all plays out. My money is still on the early entrant who clearly "got the worm." Everything that comes after will face stiff competition.
One big thing missing from these comparisons is PRICE. I have been a long time adopter of tablet PC's. the iPad is sexy as the consumer market tends to purchase, but the price point will be interesting. If the HP comes in close to the iPad with more features, then I think it will win out. Lot's more functionality which anyone that is business related will be looking for.
Truth is, Tablet PCs have been around for over a decade. I consider the current Tablet PC's and even some of the older units to be more robust than the iPad currently is. I find that the iPad is quite useless in the serious job market and there are much better products for much lower price that can do everything and iPad can and more. Besides... What Manufacturing facility or Hospital or shipping company is going to have a legitimate use for iTunes?
You definately opened a can of worms trying to compare the 2.
Answer This Question