choosing tablets for information work
DESCRIPTION
Comparing options from Apple, Google and Microsoft for using tablet devices in the workplace. Specifically looking at information activities - creating/editing files - that have traditionally been completed on desktops or notebooks running Microsoft Office but are increasingly going mobile.TRANSCRIPT
Choosing Tablets for Work:Apple – Google – Microsoft
Sharon RichardsonJoining Dots October 2012Web: www.joiningdots.comTwitter: @joiningdots
Listed in alphabetical order
‘readme1st.txt’
The following presentation contains Joining Dots’ opinions of the differences between tablets provided by three vendors – Apple, Google and Microsoft
The focus is on standard ‘information work’ that has traditionally required a desktop or portable computer running Microsoft Office or similar. Work that is becoming increasingly mobile but for which MS Office is still popular
Tablets are positioned in the space between mobile phones (screen too small for regular work) and traditional laptops or desktop computers (keyboard and mouse still required)
Only vendors’ own tablets are included. Google and Microsoft have also licensed their operating systems (OS) for other hardware vendors to use.
All product names, logos, brands and other trademarks referred to within this presentation are the property of their respective trademark holders
© Copyright 2012 Joining Dots Ltd. All rights reserved
Google vs Apple vs Microsoft
Device Key Differentiator Pros ✔ Cons ✖
Google Nexus
Focus on open source software and ecosystem
Usually cheapest. Wide range of form factors and specs to choose from if Nexus not up to scratch
App store reputation (quality and security) No default local app such as MS Office or iWorks
Apple iPad
Focus on tablet design and touch-based apps
Usually best performing form factor and spec. Widest range of apps
Usually most expensive. iWorks is not Office. Showing little interest in business uses for tablets
Microsoft Surface
Focus on keyboard and stylus input, hybrid-tablets
Familiar tools - MS Office (RT version). Promoting business uses for tablets
Weak mobile spec and design. Trying to match tablet and PC means trade-offs from both
Portability vs Functionality
Workplace FunctionalityMobile Portability
Pric
e
Smar
t Pho
nes
Not
eboo
ks
iPad Mini
Nexus7
SurfacePro
Battery life
10+ hours
7 – 9 hours
<6 hours
iPad SurfaceRT
Nexus10
TBC
Trade-offs
Nexus 7 Nexus 10 iPad mini iPad Surface RT Surface Pro
Connect to corporate network
✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✔
MS Office/Office RT installed locally for editing files
✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✔
MS Office default alternative (iWorks)
✖ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Quick note taking, apps to edit files
✔* ✔ ✔* ✔ ✔ ✔
Sync and read content on/offline
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
3G/4G option for mobile broadband
✔ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✖ ✖?
Battery life 10+ hrs ✔** ✔** ✔ ✔ ✔** ✖?
Lightweight ✔ ✔*** ✔ ✔*** ✔*** ✖?
✔* Reduced screen size limits ability to edit files ✔** Battery life is 7 – 9 hours, good but not great✔*** Not light enough for long periods of one-handed use??? Waiting confirmation
Func
tiona
lity
Mob
ility
Comparison: Small Tablets
Features
Screen size of 7 – 8 inches (diagonal)
Long battery life (11+ hours)
Very lightweight
Best suited for: Reading/Viewing, quick note
taking and form-filling Access to content and
online services anywhere Use separate laptop as
primary device
Nexus 7 iPad Mini
Cheapest, Open source, <10 hr battery
Lighter, Larger screen, 12+ hrs battery
Most people considering a small tablet would likely continue to use a separate notebook or desktop computer for regular activities. Keyboard and mouse input still likely to be required: large documents, media editing, programming etc.
Choice between Google Android devices and iPad mini for many will come down to price or ecosystem preference (open source vs closed)
Amazon Kindle is also a possible option, but limited work-related uses.
Comparison: Standard Tablets
Features
Screen size of 10 inches approx (diagonal)
Good battery life (7+ hours)
Fairly lightweight
Best suited for: Full range of reading and
note-taking activities including editing files
Access to content and online services anywhere
Mobile working
iPad Surface RT Nexus 10
Import/edit MS Office files in iWorks
Edit/Save MS Office docs natively
No default office apps
3G/4G Wifi only Wifi only
Longest battery life (11+ hrs)
Keyboard integrated
Best screen and camera
Could become sole device for people who create ‘lighter’ content: don’t need rich media editing capabilities or large/multi-screens, particularly if work involves regular travel. All devices support external keyboards
Surface RT includes Office RT for Word, PowerPoint and Excel. iPad includes iWorks for Pages, KeyNote and Numbers. Nexus requires third-party apps to be installed
Comparison: Hybrid Tablet-PC
Features
Screen size of 10 inches approx (diagonal)
Touch-enabled but traditional PC-style operating system
Best suited for: Single device provided for
both onsite and mobile work Keyboard/mouse remains
primary input method Separate personal device
used for travel and reading (e.g. Amazon Kindle)
Surface Pro*
Able to connect to corporate network (device login to Active Directory)Less portable (heavier weight and shorter battery life) than a standard tablet, more portable than traditional notebook PCRunning full Windows 8, able to install apps locally including legacy and bespoke ‘in-house’ applications
* Not yet launched (due January 2013).
Assumptions about weight and battery life are based on testing of Samsung Windows 8 tablet and comparison with MacBook Air notebook. Both require larger battery and integrated fan to power and cool the spec required to run a full OS
‘Tablets at Work’ Decision Criteria
Requirement Recommendation Why
Looking for a single device to cover all work-related information activities
Surface Pro It’s the only device that can be connected to a workplace network and run legacy or bespoke apps. Downside is reduced portability due to weight and battery life (it’s a hybrid tablet-PC)
Still plan on using a separate desktop or laptop for most information work
iPad/iPad mini or Nexus 7/10
If likely to also be carrying a laptop, go for thinnest lightest tablet to read/capture notes. Vendor may depend on ecosystem (open source vs closed) and size is most likely down to personal preference
Keyboard and/or MS Office basics are essential, even when on the move
Surface RT Integrated keyboard cover and kickback stand is most convenient design. Similar options are available for other tablets by third parties. Alternatives to Office are not Office
Mostly mobile and often need to work without a flat surface
iPad Keyboard attachments rarely work well without flat surfaces and hybrids are too heavy. Of the standard tablets, iPad has best range of touch-friendly business apps for mobile working
Extra slide: Accessing SharePoint
Key difference between Surface RT and other standard tablets is having Microsoft Office RT installed for editing/saving Word, Excel and PowerPoint files natively on the device.
Had Windows RT/OfficeRT been integrated with corporate networks and SharePoint or Office 365, it would be a far more compelling tablet option for Microsoft-centric organisations
Feature Nexus iPad Surface RT Surface Pro
Automatic site login (device connected to corporate network)
✖ ✖ ✖ ✔
Full integration with MS Office (incl. Outlook, InfoPath, Visio, Designer)
✖ ✖ ✖ ✔
Office Browser integration (e.g. Datasheet view, Bulk upload)
✖ ✖ ✖ ✔ (IE only)
Editing standard Office docs using MS Office (RT) locally
✖ ✖ ✔ ✔
Editing standard Office docs using other apps locally
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Office Web Apps (browser-based) ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Browser-based site login ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Thanks for reading!
Author: Sharon Richardson
First Published: 29th October 2012
Additional notes posted to the blog:http://www.joiningdots.com/blog/2012/10/choosing-tablets-for-information-work/
Contact info to discuss this presentation:
Joining DotsEmail: [email protected]: www.joiningdots.comTwitter: @joiningdots
Definitions
iPad Apple iPad tablet running IOS with 10” approx screen
iPad mini Apple iPad tablet running IOS with 8” approx screen
Nexus Google tablet running Android OS. The number indicates approximate screen size, e.g. 7 = 7” approx
Surface RT Microsoft Surface tablet running Windows RT, based on Windows 8 but does not allow local installation of apps
Surface Pro Microsoft Surface tablet running Windows 8. Full OS including the ability to install applications locally like a traditional PC (hybrid tablet)
Updates
6th November Windows Surface RT increase on price axis to match spec. 32GB model
only has 16GB free space after recovery partition, OS install, Office and built-in apps. Means 32GB model price should be compared against 16GB Android and iOS devices.
Nexus battery life specs updated. Nexus 10 tested just over 7 hours and Nexus 7 is just over 9 hours. Surface RT receiving mixed reviews ranging from 7 – 9 hours, iPads now 11+ hours