The Tablet Wars Heat Up
The mobile world just got another competitor with Microsoft's release of the Surface RT on October 26, 2012. Not to be outdone, Apple held a press conference on October 23, 2012, to discuss the newer and much smaller iPad, dubbed the “iPad mini.”
Now in the mix is Best Buy’s Insignia Flex Android tablet due in early November. Also available in November will be the new Kindle Fire HD from Amazon. In addition, Google is planning to release a new Nexus tablet in the fourth quarter.
With all of these choices, consumers face the daunting task of picking the right one for their own personal use or business use if their company allows them to “bring your own device” (BYOD). I found an article on PCMag.com that may help you decide which tablet to purchase; it’s a basic guide to buying a tablet.
You have to ask the question: Will a tablet do or will I need a netbook? The following article, while dated, can help you decide. While none of the new tablets was available at the time, it is still a good read.
For the business user, the tablet that is chosen may be out of your control. TabletPCReview.com reviews what the author believes to be the best tablet for business users. PCWorld also has a review of the best tablets for business users.
A reviewer on Computer Weekly’s website looks at the Nexus 7 tablet vs. Apple's and Microsoft’s future offerings. Entrepreneur.com looks at the top eight tablets available with the pro and cons of each tablet for business use. Techradar.com takes it two steps further and offers the top ten tablets for business users.
With all of the reviews and all of the tablets available, will there be a need for average business users to have a tablet to do their daily work?
You need a good business case for requesting a tablet. For executives, directors, and managers I think there is good reason to request these tablets. For the average desk jockey, you will have your work cut out for you unless you are in sales or a position that requires you to be connected to the Internet in order to interact with folks online.
The future of mobility is wide open, and the influx of more devices will only make the tablet a better option for personal and business use. I say, let the mobile games commence.
