Tablet use has caught on quickly: it took less than two years for the tablet to reach 40 million American users, while it took seven years for smartphones. According to a report from Forrester Research, tablet sales are expected to drastically increase (going from 56 million in 2011 to a projected 375 million in 2016) and will largely displace personal computers.
There are a lot of differing views on the definition of a tablet. Some industry experts say a tablet is any device with a touch screen, while others say users should be able to write on it with a pen. Some consider the size of the screen to be a determining factor: it should be smaller than a computer but bigger than a cell phone. According to Mashable, a tablet is “a mobile computer, larger than a mobile phone or personal digital assistant, integrated into a flat touch screen and primarily operated by touching the screen rather than using a physical keyboard. It often uses an onscreen virtual keyboard, a passive stylus pen, or a digital pen.”
Given that there are a lot of definitions pertaining to tablets, you can just imagine how many models are out there for you to choose from. Some of the most popular tablets available right now are (in no particular order):
- Apple iPad- Apple launched its third generation iPad earlier this year. Features include: retina display (allowing for increased readability), 4G LTE wireless technology and access to some of the most popular apps available. For more information visit the Apple iPad site.
- Sony Tablet S- Sony’s first tablet was released in 2011. It is an Android-based device that can act as a universal remote and allows users to rent or buy movies from Sony Entertainment Network. For more information, visit Sony’s website.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab- Samsung offers a wide variety of tablets, including its newest addition, the 10.1. To compare models, check out the Samsung Galaxy Tab page.
There are numerous other devices out there. It’s just a matter of finding out what each device offers your business and determining which suits your needs best.
Cloud computing has, and will continue to, have a huge effect on tablet use, and vice versa. With the increasing popularity of the tablet, it was just a matter of time before its use permeated the corporate arena; because of that fact, many companies are realizing the value of cloud technology. The tablet is being used in a wide variety of fields from education to retail to healthcare, and just about every industry in between.
One of the great things about the increased usage of cloud technology and tablets is that they make it easy for your data to be anywhere-enabled. You can access the things you need from anywhere so long as there is an Internet connection. At Ironorbit, we build customized cloud solutions based on your needs. Your unique cloud allows you to access your vital information from any device.