A tablet – iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Motorola Xoom, etc. – basically functions with capabilities somewhere between a smart phone and a laptop computer. The most noticeable difference between a tablet and a laptop is that a tablet is completely flat and does not have a keyboard (although there are a variety of add-on keyboards available).

There are many advantages to tablet computers. They are lighter, more portable, and have longer battery life than a traditional laptop. Additionally, with tablet computers you can connect to 3G Internet (with a subscription), just as on a smart phone, allowing you to connect to the Internet from anywhere. Downloading applications from the Internet to a tablet computer replaces purchasing and installing software as you do on a laptop or desktop computer. Many people also find tablet computers more user-friendly than a laptop, and find the touch screen setup extremely easy to navigate.

One common complaint that people have about the tablet computer is that they find typing on a touch-screen tablet difficult. A laptop also has options for larger screen size and greater capacity for memory and processing power.

The portability of tablet computers makes them an excellent choice for people who:

• travel frequently;

• need only basic programs such as word processing, email access, etc.;

• access most of their documents and programs on the cloud or over the Internet;

• need to carry and use a computer while working, such as a supervisor on a construction site;

• prefer to take notes electronically in meetings, or who often make presentations.

There are a myriad of other situations in which a tablet computer makes sense. Once you have a better understanding of the limitations and advantages, you can easily decide whether or not a tablet computer will improve your company's work environment.

3C Solutions can help you decide if tablets are right for your employees, and we also create custom programs (apps) for tablets. Give us a call to see how we can help streamline your business's processes.