A Buyers Guide to Business Tablets

 

Driven by technological advances, businesses are becoming increasingly mobile. Tablets are becoming an increasingly popular device of choice amongst businesses of all sizes. The right tablet can improve working processes, yielding greater productivity from your employees whilst they are on the go. However, not every device suits every user or, indeed, every business. In this article, we will offer guidance to help you choose the right tablet for your business.

Connectivity

When it comes to buying tablets, there are literally dozens of different models to choose from. However, your options will be limited somewhat if users need internet access at all times. This is usually the case for business use, so this is the first important point to consider. Many tablets on the market are Wi-Fi only, so these should be avoided if your employees work away from the office. You will need to choose a tablet that takes a SIM card and decide whether to go for a mobile data contract or a device on pay-as-you-go. For most businesses, a pay-monthly contract will represent much better value for money. Not only should you shop around for the best deals, but you should also make sure that you choose a mobile network provider that has good coverage in the areas that you operate. Unreliable internet access will hinder the ability of your employees to work productively.

Operating system

Next, you will need to consider which operating system to choose. There are three main operating systems to choose from: iOS, Android and Windows. Each of these is a distinct platform that has its own merits and drawbacks and it is likely that one of them will suit your specific needs and preferences better than the others.

iOS

iOS is the operating system from Apple and it powers both the iPhone and iPad. If you prefer this OS then your tablet choices will be limited substantially, as it is only available on Apple devices so you will need to buy an iPad. Since most time spent on tablets is spent using apps, iOS has the edge over other platforms as it has a better selection of touch-optimised apps and multiplatform apps tend to be available on iOS before other platforms. Additionally, iOS is thought to be more secure than Android and this makes the iPad particularly popular amongst business users, for whom security is a greater concern. However, these benefits come at the price of choice; there are fewer size options to choose from with the iPad and they lack the selection of features available on other platforms, such as a microSD card slot or stylus.

Android

In terms of apps available, Android comes a close second to iOS. It offers all the apps that a business user might need for budgeting, viewing and editing documents and note taking. Having said this, fewer of the apps are optimised for tablets and this means that users sometimes have to put up with apps that have been designed for smaller-screen Android phones. One of the main drawbacks of Android, at least from a business perspective, is the potential security risks. Most malware is aimed at Android and it’s easy to download and install unapproved apps on this platform. On a positive note, Android is available on a large selection of tablets and this gives you much greater choice.

Windows

There are much fewer touch-optimised apps available on windows devices, compared to iOS and Android. However, the Windows Store will offer apps that can meet most of your basic business needs. Despite this, Windows tablets are able to run all of the programmes that you would usually run on your Windows computer or laptop and this is a major plus for business users. This means that you will be able to use the full version of MS Office, as well as other desktop applications, on the go. Windows tablets also offer enhanced multitasking capabilities, when compared with other platforms. This is popular amongst business users as it enables them to view multiple apps on screen at the same time and arrange them as they choose.

Screen size

Tablets come in a variety of different sizes. On one hand, many business users find that it is easier to work on a larger display and that a larger screen, therefore, yields greater productivity. On the other hand, smaller tablets are much more portable and portability is, after all, the reason that most businesses decide to invest in tablets. This means that you will need to make some compromises when choosing screen size.

Small screen – 7 inches

The smallest tablets on the market have screens measuring approximately seven inches. Small tablets are light and compact, which makes them ideal for carrying around. The downside is that they provide less space to work on.

Medium screens – 8-9 inches

Medium sized tablets tend to have screens between eight and nine inches. If you’re not sure where to compromise, one of these might be an ideal option as they are a good middle ground between productivity and portability.

Large screens – 10 or more inches

Large tablets tend to range between 10 and 12 inches. These tablets tend to have a longer battery life and more powerful processors than smaller alternatives. A large tablet is the ideal option if you need more space to work on, providing you are willing to compromise on portability.

Specifications

When investing in technology, it’s always important to check the specifications to make sure that you are buying a device that is adequate for your needs. As with most technology, the specs of a tablet tend to be reflected in the price. However, there are many tablets available with good specs at a reasonable price. Here’s what to consider:

Processor

If you want a device that offers a fast performance and is great for multitasking, you should look for a device with a powerful processor. However, this will probably cost you considerably more. Most day-to-day business tasks, such as browsing the internet and checking emails, don’t require top-tier hardware and so a more modest device will suffice.

Storage capacity

The amount of data that can be stored on a device is an important hardware consideration for the majority of business users. There are two types of storage: internal storage and external storage. Internal storage refers to the amount of data that can be stored on the tablet’s internal hard disk. External storage refers to the storage capacity that can be added via a memory card slot. Not all tablets offer a memory card slot for additional storage so this is something worth bearing in mind. If you need to store and access large files on your tablet, you should think about investing in a tablet with internal storage of 32gb or more. However, 8-16gb is adequate for most users.

Battery life

Battery life is a vital consideration for business users. For those that are frequently on the go, a tablet that will last the duration is essential in order to remain productive. If your business tablets will be used heavily, you should look for devices with the longest average battery life. Of course, the amount of time that a battery will actually last will depend on what the tablet is used for and how often.