I'd like to hear your thoughts on whether to continue to use notebooks or switch to tablets for business?
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Feb 10, 2013
I think tablets are getting close to possibly replacing notebooks for most tasks. However, with that being said, I think the processing power and utilizing design software still is performed best on a MacBook or similar.
Nov 6, 2012
Developing code and new product designs, I sit behind four 24inch screens. I would say most creative folks need more screen space than a tablet provides, so although a tablet is cute for consuming a news feed, it is utterly useless in solving a complex computer science problem.
Nov 6, 2012
We no longer use notebooks or laptops... and we only use a tablet when demonstrating our product... We have designed our products to be mobile-first so that they can be used on a mobile phone (smart phone). Our CRM and other products really can be used just as easily on a mobile as on a desktop.
In the past we found the notebooks somewhat limiting anyway because of speed (possibly a lack of processing power...) and the size of the screen when accessing a full size website. This lead us to trend towards the mobile platform. (It also required a completed re-write of our software to optimize the mobile browsing experience).
Nov 1, 2012
If purpose is more of being accesible via mail, skype and some document editing, then I think tablets score higher. For everything else, notebooks are still hard to replace I think
Nov 1, 2012
Most people have given pro's and con's for each, but have you considered having both, or a hybrid. If you have a lot of typing to carry out, have huge files or need to truly multi-task, nothing can beat a notebook/laptop. When it comes to checking email on the train or giving a presentation to a customer, a tablet wins hands down. I often create presentations on a notebook, but present them to a client on a tablet. Do that removes a barrier (often just the keyboard) between you and the client and you aren't peering over their shoulder, but sitting next to them. It's more intuitive for them to 'swipe back' if they've missed a page - but everyday work on a tablet? Don't think we are there just yet.
Oct 31, 2012
Notebooks are more powerful and have larger screens right now. Tablets are way easier to travel with and are becoming more popular. I use both, but the notebook is my main engine for work and the tablet for on the go. There is another item which performs as good as the tablet, the iPhone, but the screen is even smaller, but portability is pocket size. I use all 3 and each has its advantages. The desktop is definitely on its way out.
Oct 31, 2012
Since tablets have touchscreens and longer battery life than laptops, as well as wi-fi and 3G capability so they can be used as phones, hands down, the tablet would be the best choice. With Windows 8 and the new tablets that run full blown Windows 8 Pro, there's no reason not to upgrade and use the lower priced tablets.
Oct 31, 2012
If you do business think about the productivity that can performance. which product can do the more work in less time. capacity and speed
Oct 31, 2012
Assuming connectivity, currently it comes down to power vs convenience. In environments where mobility is a key consideration, even in the office say inputting into an EHR, you can’t beat a tablet. For now, once you get into memory laden projects you’re better off with a notebook. This will change as technology migrates more and more to the web.
Oct 31, 2012
The answer depends upon your business. As an IT Service firm, my business depends upon being adaptable to each client's environment to service network issues, system configuration issues and specialized programs. IF the chosen tablet can actively network to the client's systems effectively, then yes, this tablet would be a viable notebook replacement.
Oct 31, 2012
Hi Dave,
I believe that it is truly based on the ease and convenience for the business at large as well as for the various job functions.
There are many ways that you can incorporate the ease of the tablet and smart phone to replicate the home office desktop/notebook experience. With the cloud and SaaS being seen as viable, cost and time effective alternatives, the ease of mobility and real time data and information, via a mobile device, is an excellent alternative. Additionally, you have many systems that you can replicate and use your normal PowerPoints, Excels, Word, etc. documents, as well as your own proprietary systems, etc.
As always, do a quick cost benefit analysis and be sure that whatever you do, it is simple and something that can and is used or at least available to all that need it and when they need it.
Ease, simplicity and real time data that provide you with continuous results, should always be paramount.
I hope that helps.
Oct 31, 2012
It depends on what you want to do and what you expect from the device, let say, if you are into software development surely you wont left powerful notebooks but if you are a business man who needs power in communications and some office functions like word processors schedulers mails etc then I'd directly switch to a powerful tablet like ASUS Transformer, which is "almost a notebook" but remains a tablet
Oct 31, 2012
For the consumer and sales markets, tablets are hard to beat based on their form factor. With more applications destined to be hosted on the cloud and the plethora of online apps already available it's necessary to tailor solutions to support those devices. As an engineer, It'll be a long time before I loosen the grip I have on my laptop - it's essential in my world.
Oct 31, 2012
Tablets are great for quick tasks and efficiency and light. These are great for people who need to carry the device around all day. Laptops tend to be more about being a workhorse (depending what what type you get) and are much easier to use due to the keyboard and mouse. You can always look at clamshell tablets (laptops with touch screens) as a hybrid, or get some tablets with quick-attach keyboards.
The real deciding factor will be the applications you use. Do they require Windows or do you have versions that run on Ipad or Android? If you must have Windows you are probably stuck with a clamshell or laptop.
Be careful if you look at Windows 8,as the RT version is NOT the same as regular Windows 8. RT only allows installation of applications from the Windows store.
If they require quite a bit of typing then the tablet can get cumbersome.
Oct 31, 2012
As has been mentioned in the other answers I think the key is what the use within the business is. Certainly the growth in the SaaS market has shown that you no longer need dedicated software installed on hardware as the cloud services provide access from anywhere with connectivity. Tablets can be as good if not better for presentations out in the field and certainly the iPad with the addition of a connector will allow you to plug into a projector too. However, there are limits to what can be done on a tablet and they are still far better at consuming information on rather than creating, but this continues to change. Really need to look at what you are using them for.
Oct 31, 2012
Notebook for PowerPoint presentations, Word and Excell is umbeatable...I don´t see myself puting a presetation together at a Tablet...To complicated...
Oct 31, 2012
Tablets have their place and so do notebooks. Evaluating what you need to do will determine that answer. I use graphics programs and internet access is expensive and not available everywhere I go. So cloud computing is not an option for us. Others who just need office applications, access to the web and don't mind a small screen will find the tablet a great solution.
Oct 30, 2012
Hi Kenneth, My business is in engineering but have sales people who make presentations and keep in touch with our CRM, Salesforce. The engineers probably can't use pads because of the design software that they run but seems like a lot of interest from the sales group.
Oct 30, 2012
It depends on what business you are doing on them, do you mind sharing what type of business you do?
I'm pretty sure that if you bring it up to your sales team, they would want the tablets, if it's for "presentations" and that your a cool boss with cool computers LOL. Does your sales team use http://prezi.com ?