OK, Please, ONE good biz reason for Playbook (or any tablet)
- OK, I really, really, tried to get into this whole tablet thing, and even tried a PB for a short time. What is the reason to get one for a business user when my phone does it anyway? I don't care about watching movies or music videos, playing games, or creating a scrapbook of pictures while on the go. I have a desktop and notebook that does those things and more.
I cant use any of the software I need for daily biz that's on my laptop like Quickbooks, "full" MS Office, camera image editing software, and various other mission specifics apps for my industry. Speaking of camera, the playbook I tried wouldn't even make a sharp enough photo of a document and convert to PDF (no closeup focus.) Wouldn't you think that RIM, if they were making a tablet with a business heritage, would include the ability to capture and/or send a simple document as a standard tool??
All of these tablets, not just PB, seem like a product trying to find a reason to exist.
Please reply with uses for business needs, I don't tweet, facebook, or have a need to watch real-time soccer scores, etc.
10-08-11 12:40 AMLike 0 - If you are asking for a reason to use a tablet, then you probably don't need one. But does anyone? The beauty of a tablet is you can make it your own.
See this thread for business ideas: http://forums.crackberry.com/blackbe...terday-657874/10-08-11 01:15 AMLike 0 - I can't think of only one - there are too many - yes see that thread.
Its about mobility - presentations and such. If you are only doing typical desktop or workstation applications, excel, word, quickbooks, a tablet is probably not for you, unless you get bored doing them and want a sidekick computer for browsing on 3G separate from your company's internet maybe....
Its not so much for document creation as it is for document reference --in the field or anywhere, on travel etc.Last edited by blackjack93117; 10-08-11 at 02:01 AM.
10-08-11 01:56 AMLike 0 -
Sounds like you and I are similar minded on these things. It's not so much that they're a product trying to find a reason to exist, as there are many specific reasons that simply don't apply to a lot of typical consumers. Yet that doesn't seem to be stopping said consumer from wanting one, or thinking they want one, or at the very least being curious about them. This is probably because of the "cool" factor. They are somewhat "magical and revolutionary" (not just the ipad, but the playbook and touchpad too). However it's more like they're magically alluring than anything else. In my case there's simply no practical reason to own one other than for a toy. Even then, I've already got great toys that do all of this and more, and gosh darnit they do it easier! (typing for instance is horrible, yet I don't mind it on a touch screen phone).
AreasI think they can be truly great for are if you are a teacher or student of any age for the educational content, including games, books, textbooks, journals etc...
Or a doctor for patient charts, records, presenting scans and diagnostics etc...
For a photographer as a digital photo album , slideshows, etc to showcase your work
Or if you read a lot of magazines. Theres something quite fantastic about the idea of ipad magazine subscriptions and some of the stuff Ive seen on ipad magazines looks damn impressive....
IMO if you don't fit into any of the areas I mentioned, and you already have a decent smart phone and / or laptop that is portable enough , then a tablet is not a smart purchase in any way shape or form.10-08-11 02:08 AMLike 0 - like other have said, see the other thread to see how people are using tablets/playbook to make their work life easier. There are numerous other use cases in the forums.
Asking others to give you good reason, does not make sense. First, we don't even know what business you are in, if you said I am a police officer, lawyer, doctor, photographer, online seller, System/Network Admin, programmer, designer then others in your position could chime in and tell you how they are making productive use of tablets.
Second, if you don't feel a need or use of tablet, then you should not need (what would be purpose?) others to convince you of value of tablet (unless you are looking to make a case with your boss/company and need others ideas to make a case).
Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com10-08-11 03:07 AMLike 0 - I was asking that same question several months ago when the pb and all the other tablets were launching. Since purchasing the pb tablet several weeks ago, it has went from a personal entertainment device to a professional and discreet work tool. I truly under estimated the out of the box capabilities of this device several months ago. I have used the pb to assist in taking photographs and videos of incidents, and taking witness statements. I can create a digital case file to take to court. The 7" tablet allows me to discreetly review my case file documents, photos, and statements prior to case hearings. The pb will not replace the desktop, mdt, and other professional grade devices that is utilized in the cj profession. I think of the pb as a "pocket guide" piece of equipment. It can save time when the situation doesn't dictate that I should pull out several devices to document an incident. Organization, time management, and presentation is what I plan on using the pb for in my profession.10-08-11 07:23 AMLike 0
- I dont think anyone needs a tablet. its a luxury item really. Its just like air conditioning.. do you need it no? but are you glad you have it.. yes.
i like it for it easy access. weather work or home, nice that is always on not boot up time, and makes checking things very easy at home or on the go.10-08-11 07:30 AMLike 0 - If you don't see the need to buy a tablet at the outset, I don't see why you need to be convinced otherwise.
The bottom line is that everything is not for everyone. Just because I see a lot of potential in something, and someone else dosen't- I shouldn't have to explain to them why they should see a need, nor should they try and explain to me why I shouldn't use it.
If everyone of us liked, disliked, did the same things- this world would be a dull place to live in.
--10-08-11 08:13 AMLike 0 - Note taking and organization combined with significant portability and battery life when compared to a notebook or netbook... that's what my playbook does for me. It also offers a full featured web browser that allows me to access my employers sites on the go (I remotely manage a few different offices) and easily pairs with my Blackberry smartphone for data access. I work in State government and am very interested in how BES and BIS will integrate with the 4G models when they are released - this would allow for my employees to much more easily meet with cliental anywhere while still maintaining a secure connection to the state intranet... I hope this will increase accessibility and efficiency...
So there you have it; current uses and what I see as future uses10-08-11 08:41 AMLike 0 - A very fair question to ask. I have been on the tablet hunt ever since the Apple Newton Pad. I own a pest control company and would like to beable to be completely paperless. ha ha ha. The Windows Tablet PC's have been ok but too big, Phones are fine but too small for signature capture of contracts. iPad was tried, in many cases works fine with PDF annotation apps. QuickBooks friendly apps are convoluted and don't sync directly with Desktop version in a reliable manner. Android apps are slightly cruder versions of iPad apps in this area. Bought my first playbook the day before official release with all kinds of hope for business friendly apps, ultimately returned PB and ended up with an HP500 Slate. Does what I needed it to do as far as PDF mark ups, QuickBooks etc... Major flaw of HP Slate is it's inability to be viewed outdoors. Fast forward to Mid September, was really missing the simplicity of the PB as well as it's bright screen. I can easily take pictures of homes in direct sun light and then mark up image with notes. Email customer details or attach to word document produced on my slate, too bad inserting picture into PB word app is nearly impossible to do. Long range plans with my PB is for there to be a fully functioning "power point" app where I can insert pictures from device and give a presentation of how we treat for their particular pest problem etc All using the PB. If they want, I could then email them a copy of presentation. Lets face it, how many people keep the fancy brochures left behind by service providers or salesman?
Why did I go with the PB again instead of iPad2 or Android? Perfect size for out in the field, easy learning curve for customer to interact with, Clean simple design, great screen for indoors and out, very durable even with out a case etc......
I am really banking on 2.0 to make this thing hum. But hey, for 300.00 it is still well worth it for what the PB does right now.10-08-11 10:02 AMLike 0 - i certainly wasn't sold on the tablet idea but i picked a pb up when they were on sale a month or so ago. Like you i thought the phone did just about everything i wouldn't want my laptop for.
To me the bridge is a great feature because it makes the playbook a UI for my phone. I can easily read documents I am sent in the mail. i can store docs on the phone securely and read them on the pb.
i am much more rarely connecting into work via laptop when i'm out of office now.10-08-11 10:22 AMLike 0 - convenience, to put it in one word
a tablet wont do anything that your camera/phone/laptop cant. In most cases it wont do it as well either, because its a hybrid of the 3. What youre getting is a device which combines the basic features of those devices into one portable unit which is easy to carry around.
Personally i always carry a phone anyway, so thats somewhat moot, but i dont carry my dslr or laptop because of their bulk. Im not saying the pb camera can compete with a proper camera, but if its a choice of that or nothing its good to have (i used it the other day at work to email some photos of a site i was visiting, did it as i was stood there). Same with the laptop, you cant expect it to do everything, but it lets me use vnc on the go which is a big chunk of what i do.
In a sense yes, tablets are trying to make a niche for themselves, because other devices already do the stuff they do, but look at how phones have developed, theyve gone from devices that only ring, to including cameras, browsers, social networking and so on.rustmonkey likes this.10-08-11 11:13 AMLike 1 - For me personally, I am a multi-unit franchise restaurant owner. While I do have an office, I spend more time in the car or in a restaurant than I do there. I used to bring my laptop with me all the time. Now that I have my PB, I never bring my laptop anymore. I can quickly pull up sales figures for reference, quickly edit and email schedules, review ad print runs, even view and share training videos, all on something that fits in my pocket!
Do I need it to run my business.....no
Does it make it easier to run my business......definitely!PTZ likes this.10-08-11 12:36 PMLike 1 - There really isn't a use for this in the "enterprise". It's missing way too much functionality. This was stated to be an "enterprise ready" device when announced, but is nowhere close to that.
It's barely a consumer media device at this time. Oh, bridge with your BB if you own one so you can read and reply to emails on the big screen.
So?
Maybe sometime in the future, however RIM really only had one shot at this and missed it by a country mile. Playbook production rumored to be stopped or at least held up, 800K devices sitting in a warehouse unsold.
Wait for Windows 8 tablets to go with windows 7 phones, IMO.
I am.10-08-11 12:56 PMLike 0 - There really isn't a use for this in the "enterprise". It's missing way too much functionality. This was stated to be an "enterprise ready" device when announced, but is nowhere close to that.
It's barely a consumer media device at this time. Oh, bridge with your BB if you own one so you can read and reply to emails on the big screen.
So?
Maybe sometime in the future, however RIM really only had one shot at this and missed it by a country mile. Playbook production rumored to be stopped or at least held up, 800K devices sitting in a warehouse unsold.
Wait for Windows 8 tablets to go with windows 7 phones, IMO.
I am.
As I understand it this figure was before the sales. Now they can't be found in stores.
Also you should not make judgements of it's "usefulness" for others, only for yourself. Clearly stated above are usage testimonies.Last edited by blackjack93117; 10-08-11 at 01:09 PM.
10-08-11 01:05 PMLike 0 - What is the reason to get one for a business user when my phone does it anyway?
I cant use any of the software I need for daily biz that's on my laptop like Quickbooks, "full" MS Office, camera image editing software, and various other mission specifics apps for my industry.
Please reply with uses for business needs, I don't tweet, facebook, or have a need to watch real-time soccer scores, etc.
Accounting: Inuit QuickBooks - QuickBooks Hosting & Remote Access | My Accounting Cloud | a Trapp Online solution
Office Productivity: Microsoft Office 365 - https://forums.crackberry.com/e?link...token=yi4-ZN04
BlackBerry Smartphone Connectivity: BlackBerry Business Cloud Services (beta programme to start in October 2011)
Cloud-based Document Storage: Research In Motion recently acquired NewBay
My primary concern with cloud-based services is there is no encryption/access control under your control. What is missing is a PKI provider which can provide public and private keys to users which can then be used with cloud-based services for encryption, authentication, and remove all access to your data from any of the SaaS providers. If your organization can afford to operate its own cloud-based services rather than using third-party providers, some of the current risks are reduced or eliminated.10-08-11 03:08 PMLike 0 - Travel, plain and simple. Tablets are portable. If you're on the road (or sky) a lot then tablets, especially the PB, are light, portable and a convenient computer. They have mobile editions of common computer software, plus fast browsers and access to email.anon(4018671) likes this.10-08-11 03:56 PMLike 1
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and makes waiting in airports, train stations a lot more pleasant, your luggage lighter without a laptop and your carry-ons easier...
and for commuting! Nothing beats it. Even without wifi.Last edited by blackjack93117; 10-09-11 at 02:43 PM.
10-08-11 03:58 PMLike 0 - kbz1960Doesn't MatterThere really isn't a use for this in the "enterprise". It's missing way too much functionality. This was stated to be an "enterprise ready" device when announced, but is nowhere close to that.
It's barely a consumer media device at this time. Oh, bridge with your BB if you own one so you can read and reply to emails on the big screen.
So?
Maybe sometime in the future, however RIM really only had one shot at this and missed it by a country mile. Playbook production rumored to be stopped or at least held up, 800K devices sitting in a warehouse unsold.
Wait for Windows 8 tablets to go with windows 7 phones, IMO.
I am.
Myself I don't own or run a business and I don't even have a work use for even a laptop as my job is that, a job. But I wanted a tablet esp. a smaller 7" form factor for when on the go as I use to drag my laptop around with me.
Sure any tablet would do the same for me or more at this point but my point is that it has replaced my laptop for when I'm on the go, I really like the UI over the others, I really love the untapped potential of the OS as of yet.10-08-11 04:14 PMLike 0 - I own a Civil Engineering and Surveying Company. I have pdf's of my 24"x36" engineering drawings on my playbook. If I am at a meeting or otherwise just out of the office and a client has a question about the plans....I can pull up the pdf's and answer questions with out having to carry around rolls of full size drawings. Saves me time and I end up with a happy client. Meeting notes can be taken on word-to-go and transferred to my computer when I get back to the office. A real time saver for me.anon(4018671) and Superfly_FR like this.10-08-11 04:16 PMLike 2
- Came home late tonight after a long day at site, I work as an interior contractor by the way, only to find that I have a business proposal still waiting for a quotation to be submitted to my client that very night (day, supposedly).
Without having any more intention to power up my laptop, I swiped up my Playbook, and opened 3 screens: pictures, calculator, and Word to Go.
I only needed to interchange between my picture folder, and calculator, doing more calculations to and fro, having a fixed price, then swiped onto Word to ago, typed up the room and furniture dimensions and of course pricing. All simultaneously done between the three screens, and within 45 minutes of swiping, calculating and typing, I managed to come up with a quotation, for a 2 floor 3 bedroom house, in a neat Word document.
Emailed, job done for the night. All I need is a good shower and a good pillow. Shall wait for my client's feedback tomorrow.PTZ likes this.10-09-11 11:17 AMLike 1 - Two more happy Newbies. Welcome, and thanks for the testimonies. Those who think this is a useless tablet are dwindling in proportions and your stories support the cause.
Good to hear some professional people chiming in - Too many have been comparing it to other tabs based on how many games it plays or how many movies they can watch. Playbook definitely has a niche in the professional world, and it will only get better as things evolve.
Portable, Powerful, Professional Playbook.Last edited by blackjack93117; 10-09-11 at 01:30 PM.
10-09-11 01:26 PMLike 0 - I work in a couple different industries and use playbook in both. In one business we do extensive lifeskill training & coaching. We use the PB's for audio training, leadership materials and presentations. HDMI out for seamless streaming video training hosted on commercial servers.
On another level, as a supervisor for a private highway maintenance contractor, I carry a complete set of contracts, 10 years of job cost analysis for assorted road & bridge construction. Very useful info for budgeting & estimating event repair costs. I also have ISO standards in pdf format for the entire industry, about 100 pounds of manuals i don't want to carry with me. As a sidenote I am able to photograph or video for documentation and future reference.kbz1960 likes this.10-09-11 02:31 PMLike 1
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OK, Please, ONE good biz reason for Playbook (or any tablet)
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