The iPad Mini-The iPad Enterprises Have Been Waiting For
Summary: The much-rumored 7.85-inch iPad could be the one that CIOs finally, wholeheartedly embrace. Here's why.
Going back to my original theory, I predict the iPad Mini will jumpstart many more enterprise tablet deployments than the iPad has to date.
Despite my list of impressive iPad tablets, most iPads inside companies today are BYOD devices brought in by workers - as much as 5 out of six tablets inside companies today, according to Strategy Analytics.
At half the price of an iPad - and one-fifth to one-tenth the price of a ruggedized tablet - iPad Minis will be so inexpensive that IT directors won't be able to resist adopting them for field service work.
(To learn more about how consumer tablets are already replacing ruggedized mobile devices for field service, read this or this.)
The smaller size is also a bonus. Traditional mobile devices aimed at enterprise field workers have been closer to 7-inches in size - for a good reason, as Dan Rowinski points out at Read/Write Web:
Take the scenario of the doctor in a hospital. Health care has long been defined by “the chart” attached to a clipboard that hangs off the end of a patient’s bed. That does not necessarily have to be so - tablets could revolutionize the day-to-day practices of doctors everywhere. Yet, what is more convenient for these doctors? A large tablet that can be carried under their arms wherever they go, or a smaller tablet that fits perfectly into the pocket of a lab coat?
CIOs won't care if the screen is smaller or not Retina-enabled. It will be good enough for enterprise apps, while just bad enough to discourage workers from turning it into their primary gaming machine.
A lower-res screen also means requires fewer bits sent and received over the network - key when you're on a 3G data plan. It also means longer battery life - again key for field service, salespeople and other out-of-office workers.
The potential for sluggish performance will come from poor connectivity. So Apple will likely offer at least one 3G-enabled iPad Mini, at perhaps a $50-$100 premium ($299 or $349), or even a 4G LTE-enabled model.
In summary: lower price, better form factor, longer battery life, faster (de facto) networking, less dilly-dallying by workers. For a CIO thinking mobile, what's not to love?
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Yes!
Not Apple Vaporware
Dear fanbois,
You have it all wrong hater
Why would they copy the Note when they want a real hit product.
There will be no Ipad Mini
1. A 7" ipad would be just a toy and media device, not for any serious work like a 10" tablet. Apple already makes an ipod touch for this purpose, which is perfectly useful for games and media. A 10' tablet has the potential for getting real work done such as word processing or making slides. You can type reasonably fast on it, too, without an external keyboard.
2. Apple has always focused on making great products in a small product line. They don't like to spread themselves too thin, just to compete with every possible product. Why aren't they making printers? or large screen TVs?
3. Steve Jobs made his opinion clear on the matter, and I don't see any reason that they would switch directions. In my humble opinion, 7" tablets are a fad-- too big to put in your pocket, but too small to create content or really enjoying browsing the internet. For reading books, a sub-$100 e-reader is fine.
4. Samsung has a lineup of ipod touch clones of various sizes-- 4 and 5 inches, and I don't see too many of those around.
5. I own an Ipad. I can't see any situation where it being smaller would be an advantage. I also own an ipod touch, which is good to carry with me in all situations. The 7" would satisfy neither situation.
Agree, but there is a bigger reason.
On the other hand, if you don't already have a smartphone at all then a 7" tablet may be an economical entry into the tablet market. But i'm not sure the econo-line is the market Apple should be going after.
incorrect size
Awkward size
Obviously an 8" tablet would be better then a 7" tablet, just as a 10" tablet would be better than the 8". Did you follow the link to the source of the 7.85" size? Most of that larger size is in the width of the tablet rather than it's length. That raises the question about portability. How easy is it to hold in one hand and can you fit a squarish 8" tablet in a pocket too? That's one big pocket.
I agree with your assessment but not all of your points.
Really?
I thought Apple was being pretty arrogan and bullheaded when they announce
What they h$%#! ZDnet, fix your flippin' site!
Growing pains
I actually read a lot of the down voted posts...
You are right on an argument standing on its merit but the down vote, up vote system allowed the readers to democratically vote on its merit. Only allowing up voting allows for invalid comments to be elevated by swarms of fanboys with no recourse for anyone else to vote the comment back down where the majority are against it.
Frankly, having a voting system at all means that comments won't stand on their own merit but will be ranked according to popularity of the ideas expressed. So I ask again, What is the point of a voting system at all if users aren't allowed to both vote for and against comments?
Try this
A 3.5" screen is not nearly as good as a 7" screen!!
Who will buy?
iPad is nothing but a toy, get over it.
Agree
It would be the height of folly for enterprise to take the iPad Mini over a Surface tablet / hybrid - built specifically with mobile enterprise applications and functionality in mind.