Spotlight - Channel Insider
Empowering the next generation Channel

10 Essential Tablet Features
By Don Reisinger on 2011-02-01



The tablet market is set to explode this year as more and more companies bring their devices to the space. And in the process, a significant number of consumers and enterprise customers will be deciding which device -- Apple’s iPad or something else -- will adequately deliver the kind of value and feature set that they’re looking for. But before those customers determine which device is right for them, they should be prepared with all the facts. They should know what features they need and which might not be as important. They should also understand the major differences between some of the more prominent devices that are either on the market or will be making their way to store shelves in the coming months. Here’s a look at what both enterprise customers and consumers should be looking for in their ideal tablet of 2011. Some of the following options will be obvious, while others won’t. But in either case, all the following features must be considered before folks plunk down some cash.
  • of
1. A Large Display

Tablets aren’t all that useful when they feature small displays. The Dell Streak, for example, came with just a 5-inch display. The iPad, on the other hand, offers a 9.7-inch screen. Some upcoming tablets, like the Motorola Xoom, will offer 10.1-inch displays. The iPad’s screen is the right size for most customers, and moving up to a 10.1-inch display would be just as nice. But going under 7 inches would be a mistake.

2. Built-In 3G Connectivity

A tablet is designed to be a mobile device. Realizing that, if it lacks the ability to connect to a mobile network via 3G, it’s not all that useful. Both enterprise customers and consumers should be on the lookout for devices that have 3G connectivity built-in. All others should be ignored.

3. USB Connectivity

One of the biggest issues with Apple’s iPad is that it lacks native support for USB connectivity. Some upcoming tablets will have USB connectivity built-in. The iPad’s omission isn’t such a big deal for consumers, but for enterprise customers it is. So, depending on the customer USB connectivity should be considered before purchase.

4. Ample Apps

One of the key aspects of tablets is their ability to run mobile applications. The only problem is, not all of the devices scheduled to be made available this year will have so many worthwhile programs. Apple’s App Store leads the pack, but Android-based devices will likely come close to that tablet in the coming year. Customers looking for apps should be mindful of that before they head to the store.

5. The Possibility of 4G?

The advent of 4G connectivity has opened up a whole new can of worms for both enterprise customers and consumers. They’re now forced to wonder if they should be getting devices that support the technology. Making the decision a bit easier, few tablets will boast 4G connectivity in 2011. But some will by the end of the year. And those devices should be kept in mind.

6. Cameras Galore

A major issue with the iPad is that it lacks cameras. That omission makes it impossible for users to snap images, record video, or have video conferencing. Other devices, like the Samsung Galaxy Tab, do have camera support. If that’s something that customers are after, they should either opt for devices boasting cameras now, or wait for Apple to announce the iPad 2, which is expected to have that feature built-in.

7. Printing Support

Apple recently added the ability to print files from its iPad with the help of its AirPrint feature. The only issue with that option is that it’s only available with certain devices. Some other products do not support printing. Considering tablets are expected to be replacements for simpler computers, having the ability to print should be paramount on customers’ lists.

8. A Useful OS

A tablet is useless without the ability to interact with solid software. That’s precisely why Apple’s iPad is so successful. The company’s iOS platform works extremely well on tablets and delivers an experience that most customers would be happy with. Google’s Android platform is another winner on tablets. RIM is promising big things from the BlackBerry PlayBook’s Tablet OS. Simply put, the better the OS, the better the experience of using a tablet.

9. Consider Motorola’s Xoom

As nice as the iPad is, it’s important to remember that other devices will be able to deliver a worthwhile experience to customers, as well. One of those highly anticipated devices is the Motorola Xoom. The device will come with Android 3.0, offer a 10.1-inch display, and come with cameras built-in. It gained top honors at CES, and it could be the closest thing to an iPad killer on the market.

10. The Price Must Be Right

When it’s all said and done, tablets are governed by quality. The higher the quality they offer, the more likely they will be to succeed. And as one might expect, quality depends on price. The iPad delivers relatively competitive pricing, but other devices might not. Be sure to check out the pricing on some tablets and figure out if the respective devices deliver the value they should. If not, move along.

  • More slideshows

  
CHANNEL RESOURCE CENTER
 
 
 

Intel Technology Provider Program
Intel Technology Provider Program (ITP) helps resellers better understand Intel products which power the technology they sell, and enables value-add services such as remote manageability or anti-theft tracking.
Learn More
 
WindowsForDevices.com
WindowsForDevices.com is the comprehensive news site covering Windows embedded technologies. Visitors get news, technical white papers, opinion columns and extensive directories covering the products and companies in the marketplace.
Click Here
 
Check out our top five picks for technologies that will change the game in enterprise computing.
Learn MoreClick Here