iPad Users View Gadget as More Than Just a Toyt (Opinion)

It is not a fun trip from the front of the plane to the back where the restroom is located on a packed regional jet. But, as they say, when you have to go, you have to go.

I’ve been on quite a few regional jets lately, made that walk a few times and have been surprised by what I’ve seen.

Typically well over half of the passengers have some sort of electronic gadget. There are a few Kindles and Nooks, but most of the ones with gadgets have iPads.

I have seen people playing games, watching movies and reading books – typical activities that folks with electronic gadgets do.

I have seen people in serious work mode reviewing business reports and with keyboard attached, working on spreadsheets or documents.

I have sat in a Starbucks and eavesdropped as a sales guy met with customers. His sales presentation and, other supporting information, complete with slides and video – all delivered via the iPad.

I have met with some clients of a large consulting firm and listened to their plans to create an in-house iPad development group targeted at creating applications to be used in a huge equipment yard. At first, their imagination and plans seemed a little far-fetched, but after hearing them out I realized that I was listening to something very smart and achievable.

In February, while attending a big IBM conference in Las Vegas, it seemed everyone but me had an iPad. Many were accessing core business IT systems for information and data entry.

A consulting friend of mine types client interview notes into the iPad while simultaneously recording the interview on the iPad.

A quick check of the technology trade rags each week reveals a number of stories of new uses for iPads in business. The notion of companies, large and small, developing internal applications and information systems specifically for the iPad as the user interface gadget is very common.

So what is really going on here?

Well, obviously Apple is selling a lot of iPads. According to a recent Nielsen survey, the iPad has about 82 percent of the tablet market today. More than 7.3 million were sold in the first quarter. Second-quarter sales were only 4.7 million due primarily to supply constraints. The third quarter is expected to see more than 8 million iPads sold.

Customer satisfaction is high. According to ITG Investment Research, the iPad has a return rate of 2 percent versus a 16 percent return rate for the Samsung Galaxy tablet – which is the most popular ‘Droid device.

OK, fine, but why is the iPad being used by so many people in business?

Laptop computers have been used in the business world for well over a decade. With a little planning, the laptop allowed a businessperson to take his office with him anywhere.

But anyone who has lugged around a laptop for business knows it is no picnic. Laptops are typically heavy. Connecting back to the office can be challenging. Starting up a Windows laptop is slow going. The battery never seems to last long enough. Airplane space has gotten smaller and taking out a laptop on a flight is a real hassle.

The iPad has the advantage of being small and lightweight. The battery is good for nine-plus hours. It comes on instantly. The base model and the fancy model each cost well less than a typical business-class laptop. Needed software not already included is readily available in the app store and relatively inexpensive.

For anyone who receives and reviews business information, the iPad easily can make lugging a laptop around unnecessary. Even Microsoft Exchange Email, the business standard, works easily on the iPad. The software required for reviewing and editing spreadsheets or documents cost less than $40.

Connectivity to the Internet is simple with the iPad. Wi-Fi is standard. Wireless data plans are available from AT&T and Verizon. The ability to purchase wireless data access on an “as needed” basis is available for those who don’t need an ongoing wireless plan.

The iPad is only the latest and best example of technology becoming faster, better and cheaper. Based on its acceptance and integration into business activities, it certainly is not being viewed as just a toy.  w

Steven Hankins is CEO and co-founder of Accio.US, a technology company providing advisory and management services for small- to medium-sized businesses. He can be reached at [email protected].