The idea of the tablet computer isn’t new, however, it is only in the last decade or so that they have become popular in the mainstream. The game-changing iPad was introduced to the world in 2010, although Apple’s first tablet computer was actually released back in 1993, the Newton MessagePad 100. While tablets still fall short of the appeal of desktop computers and smartphones, they do serve an important purpose, particularly within the world of business.
In this blog post, we will take a close look at the pros and cons of using a tablet for work. Some of the pros include the fact that a tablet doesn’t have any moving parts and is affordable. Potential cons include employee resistance to change and limited functionality in some cases. Let’s get started.
Pros of Using a Tablet for Work
More and more businesses in the United States and around the world are incorporating tablets into their operations. Let’s take a look at some of the main benefits of this.
No Moving Parts
In recent years, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American workforce has become far more mobile than in the past.
Many people today are working either exclusively from home or in a hybrid situation, where they commute to work on certain days of the week. Many people also spend time in public co-working spaces or simply work while they travel from place to place. Having a tablet allows employees to be far more flexible in their working location compared to having a desktop computer.
Desktop computers are less convenient in this modern age. Not only that, they have many different moving parts, such as the monitor, the keyboard, the mouse, the console, the speakers, and many ugly and annoying wires. Even laptops come it hinges and latches that can be broken or damaged.
On the other hand, a tablet is a simple device that can be taken anywhere, used in any location, and offers incredible performance and reliability.
It Is Affordable
Every business has a different budget to play with when it comes to purchasing office and staff equipment. The good news is that there is a price range for everyone looking to buy a tablet.
Tablets start at around $50, which represents incredible value in comparison to even the cheapest laptops. Depending on what your company will be using its tablets for, these super low-cost tablets may be perfect. Even the most affordable tablets offer good performance, storage capacity, and battery life.
Of course, businesses can opt for top-of-the-line devices, too, such as iPads. These can be both new from just around $300 up to more than $1,500 for the most expensive and premium models.
Tablets are not prone to damage, thanks to their small size and lack of moving parts. They are highly durable and last for many years, making them a great long-term investment. It’s also possible to replace the battery in many tablets, which helps to keep it going for a long time.
Cons of Using a Tablet for Work
While we absolutely believe that the pros far outweigh the cons when it comes to using a tablet for work, it’s important to take a look at these as well. Here are two potentials cons that you should also be aware of.
Employee Resistance to Change
We are all creatures of habit. When change comes along, we often balk at it, unsure of what it means and how it works. We become comfortable using devices that we are familiar with, including the desktop computer and the laptop.
In an office setting, in particular, many employees may resist losing the physical keyword that they had with their desktop computer. However, it’s important to highlight that the tablet itself does feature a digital keyboard on the screen, just like our mobile phones which no longer have any physical buttons (RIP BlackBerry). It’s also easy to find a tablet that can be paired with a tablet when necessary.
So, while some employees might be initially resistant to switching to a tablet, the fact that they are so versatile and convenient means they will quickly become the go-to device in the office.
Limited Functionality
Depending on the specific work that an employee will be performing in their role, a tablet may not always be the most beneficial device to use. There may be scenarios where a desktop computer or a laptop is more convenient. There may not always be the right application or software available on a tablet.
Another potential con of using a tablet for work worth highlighting is the fact that it is easy to lose. While you have never heard of someone forgetting where they left a desktop computer, misplacing a small and slender tablet is possible. This is especially true if employees bring the tablet around with them, so it’s something to be mindful of.
It’s also important to ensure that your tablet is protected from damage. Click here to find the best iPad mini case for your tablet.
Pros and Cons of Using a Tablet for Work
The bottom line is that there are many benefits of tablets for businesses. We highly recommend that you incorporate this incredible technological device into your company and allow your staff to benefit from its use.
Like this blog post on the advantages and disadvantages of using a tablet for work? Be sure to check out our other informative articles on a wide range of interesting topics.
