eSolve Solutions, Inc.
eSolve Blog
Apple iPad as a Project Collaboration Tool
January 28, 2010 9:00pm
Apple has just released the new iPad and it really looks like a useful tool. My first thought is that it appears to be an ideal platform for mobile Project Collaboration. It's big enough to let you fully view web-based content provided by such tools as BaseCampHQ, Google Docs, or eSolve Solutions own product, The eSolve Office, without the bulk of a regular laptop.
Although there are good mobile interfaces for most web-based project collaboration tools on the market today, these are tradeoffs at best. Most project team members resort to using laptops for mobile use, or even downsize to Netbooks, using a cramped keyboard and crowded display with a full Windows OS. The Apple iPad offers an interesting alternative to traditional laptops or smaller Smartphones, including the iPhone. With an iPad, it would be possible to easily keep tabs on any number of projects, anytime, any place. Since the interface offers a full web view, it is possible to provide all content offered by web-based project collaboration tools to the user. This was possible before using a Windows-based tablet PC or smaller Netbook, but the iPad offers a unique interface and long battery life.
I can imagine project teams working on several projects from all corners of the globe, without having to open laptops and compromise of small screens or short battery life. This is literally digital paper - like combining eBook technology with the best tablets.
So what are some of the downsides? Unfortunately, Apple has chosen to use a microSIMM in the iPad, as noted in this Wired post. That means, despite being an unlocked device, you still can't plug your GSM SIMM card from your phone in the device. That rules out using it on T-Mobile networks, which happens to be my provider. Also, although the entry price is low at $499, you have to pay at least $629 for a unit with a 3G connection (plus $30/month for unlimited data), and you are stuck with AT&T.
I'm looking forward to seeing how the iPad changes the mobile device market, especially when used for Project Collaboration by people in multiple locations. I'm hopeful that, just like the iPhone, it will represent a paradigm shift, so we'll see some copycat devices over the next few years that will help change how people work. Since eSolve Solutions mission is to "Revolutionize Work", I see the iPad as a breakthrough device that will play a major role in this area.
If you'd like to learn more about online project collaboration right now, contact eSolve Solutions to schedule an assessment of your work situation. We'll Revolutionize Your Work!
----------------
Dr. Guy J. Cortesi
President and CEO
eSolve Solutions, Inc.
January 28, 2010 9:00pm
Apple has just released the new iPad and it really looks like a useful tool. My first thought is that it appears to be an ideal platform for mobile Project Collaboration. It's big enough to let you fully view web-based content provided by such tools as BaseCampHQ, Google Docs, or eSolve Solutions own product, The eSolve Office, without the bulk of a regular laptop.
Although there are good mobile interfaces for most web-based project collaboration tools on the market today, these are tradeoffs at best. Most project team members resort to using laptops for mobile use, or even downsize to Netbooks, using a cramped keyboard and crowded display with a full Windows OS. The Apple iPad offers an interesting alternative to traditional laptops or smaller Smartphones, including the iPhone. With an iPad, it would be possible to easily keep tabs on any number of projects, anytime, any place. Since the interface offers a full web view, it is possible to provide all content offered by web-based project collaboration tools to the user. This was possible before using a Windows-based tablet PC or smaller Netbook, but the iPad offers a unique interface and long battery life.
I can imagine project teams working on several projects from all corners of the globe, without having to open laptops and compromise of small screens or short battery life. This is literally digital paper - like combining eBook technology with the best tablets.
So what are some of the downsides? Unfortunately, Apple has chosen to use a microSIMM in the iPad, as noted in this Wired post. That means, despite being an unlocked device, you still can't plug your GSM SIMM card from your phone in the device. That rules out using it on T-Mobile networks, which happens to be my provider. Also, although the entry price is low at $499, you have to pay at least $629 for a unit with a 3G connection (plus $30/month for unlimited data), and you are stuck with AT&T.
I'm looking forward to seeing how the iPad changes the mobile device market, especially when used for Project Collaboration by people in multiple locations. I'm hopeful that, just like the iPhone, it will represent a paradigm shift, so we'll see some copycat devices over the next few years that will help change how people work. Since eSolve Solutions mission is to "Revolutionize Work", I see the iPad as a breakthrough device that will play a major role in this area.
If you'd like to learn more about online project collaboration right now, contact eSolve Solutions to schedule an assessment of your work situation. We'll Revolutionize Your Work!
----------------
Dr. Guy J. Cortesi
President and CEO
eSolve Solutions, Inc.
eSolve Solutions, Inc. P.O. Box 182 * Latham, NY 12110 * (518) 632-1092 * contact@esolvesolutions.com