Tablet computers have been around for years, but it wasn’t until the introduction of the iPad that they really took off in the mass market. However, there has never been a true business tablet – until now. The introduction of the Microsoft Surface tablet aims to bring a strong contender in to the business tablet field. If you’re looking for a new way to bring your mobile workforce the power and technology that it needs, the Surface tablet is well worth taking a look at.
How Microsoft Went Pro with the Surface
The consumer level of this tablet and the business version might look the same at a quick glance at the specification sheets, but there are several pointed differences that show that Microsoft has the business world in mind with the pro version. The main draw is that the battery is much bigger in the business version, so you can have a more extended amount of time out and about on the field before you have to find an outlet. The other change is that it uses a core i5 processor instead of the default option, which provides it with a more powerful system overall.
Replacing the Laptop
Unlike other common tablet options, the Surface Pro does have a touchscreen, but it also has a full-fledged keyboard that makes it easy to use for business purposes. You don’t have to lug around a full laptop if you’re out on the road for business. You have a tablet that neatly situates itself in between the smartphone and laptop market niche, and it has a number of useful applications. The Surface is also going to be heavily integrated with Windows 8 technology, allowing it to be easily maintained by your current IT department. You’ll be able to use it to send email attachments of cats wearing funny hats just as if you’d been using a laptop or desktop computer.
Usage
Tools that can be used on Windows will work on the Surface Pro, so you don’t have to worry about finding the proper apps. Instead, you can use the same software that you’re using when you’re at the office. This provides a major advantage, especially for businesses like graphic designers and artists, or your departments that handle these functions. Other traditional tablet functions also apply, so you’re getting the best of both worlds for your business.
Why It Wins Out
Only two other business tablets were ever put on the market, and while the iPad has plenty of traction, it’s not specifically designed for business environments. The Microsoft Surface Pro has a business focus from the ground up, and that shows through every step of the way. You’re going to really be able to tell the difference when you get in to the keyboard and software compatibility, since these are not things that you’re getting with a standard tablet. The cost savings of being able to use tablets instead of laptops is rather massive, especially when the tablets aren’t going to incur additional specialized support costs. It might be the time to start looking at business tablets on a serious basis.
I feel as though I have read so many articles about the surface… but nothing will really compare to actually getting my hands on it and trying it out for myself. It certainly looks very promising.
I completely agree. I think the choice of bundling Office 2013 with the Surface is really going to help give a competitive edge to Microsoft in the business world.
Surface Pro doesn’t bundle with Office 2013. Only the Surface running Windows RT will have Office 2013 preinstalled but I still don’t know if it is full version or not as Office 2013 GA is in 2013 while Surface tablet GA is in October 2012.