Undoubtedly you’ve heard of the iPad launch and it’s “game-changing” like accolades. In fact, I’ve just read secrets of the best selling launch ever where Apple sold $150,000,000 worth
of iPads the first day they went on sale. And, we can readily see the value of the many personal or consumer applications including music, photos, videos and digital book reading. But what about the business value of iPad?
As a business person doped on the Blackberry, desk top computer and laptop, I wonder where does the iPad fit in? Believe me, I’m a gadget kind of guy. The impulsive early adopter buyer I am says, “it’s revolutionary, dude, you have to have it…don’t be left in the dust…get it now and figure out the business value later.”
Then, I read this blog article by Jeffrey L. Cohen: iPad for Business What I learned on Day 1 yesterday and I’ve come to rationalize:
- It’s not ideally set-up for out-of-the-box business use (the way I would use it).
- I want it, will have it, but I can wait for a future release.
- I can’t believe I committed to #2!
Why I Want the iPad for Business Now
Reading Jeffrey’s post and translating how his experience may benefit my utilization of the device, here are some applications that appeal to me right now:
- Convenience and portability – At 1.5 lbs, 9.56 X 7.47 inches and .5 inches thin, I can see myself taking it to meetings or on short business trips.
- Document access – Sync with and view the mobile version of Google docs.
- Making presentations – After downloading Keynote for $9.99 you can import Keynote or PowerPoint files to display.
- Entertainment/social media integration – I’m intrigued and excited about the possibility of exploring what a rich-media device does for how I live and work. As Jeffrey said in his reply to my comment, “No matter how many things you read about the ipad, you really never know how it’s going to work for you until you try it.”
Why I can Wait for the Next iPad
- Future enhancements – Such as USB support and Internet connectivity via 3G networks vs. the current Wi-Fi service. Top complaints are coming from weak Wi-Fi signals and I’d like to see performance improved in this area.
- More apps, improved software, more downloadable content, better integration, et cetera – There’s always going to be improvements in future versions and services. I can talk myself into getting what’s available now, but still want to know what the trade-offs are.
- What, no multitasking? You mean I can’t tweet while listening to music or writing that email? Whoa there. But then again, there may be some advantages to just doing one thing at a time: Focus and get things done!
- I can talk myself out of it by reading reviews like the 9 Reasons NOT to buy the iPad – but at the end of the day I know nothing is ever perfect…
Those wanting more information can check out Apple’s iPad site.
To buy or to wait? I guess you can make a case for either choice. What about you? Have you bought the iPad for business? What do you like/dislike? Not bought it yet? What are you waiting for?
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