Can the Apple iPad dominate the business world?
A hugely comprehensive post came through this week on MacWorld asking, “Does the iPad need Microsoft Office to succeed?”. The post argued that the iWork app for the iPad currently isn’t really strong enough on presentation and spreadsheet function so Microsoft or another provider could muscle in on the iPad by producing an Office-style application and then make the iPad truly fit for the business world.
Does the iPad need Microsoft Office to succeed?
The answer to this question is of course “no” however it’s interesting to have such a debate around a device that’s been so heavily marketed as a media consumption device for consumers. Personally, i don’t believe the iPad was designed for business any more than the iPod Touch was. Sure, I like the idea of having something to take away on a business trip for a bit of light work or for note taking at a meeting that’s a lot less cumbersome than a laptop but this isn’t designed to be a business device.
What would be great is an iPad app where I could write on the screen and it immediately snapped to text for capturing minutes or action points for my “to do” list. Equally it would be nice to have my emails and diary always in my hand in a size and format that’s a lot easier to read or search than a Blackberry.
But, these uses are a bonus rather than something you’d buy an iPad for as a primary use aren’t they? Most offices are so tied up with Microsoft products anyway we can’t expect the iPad to muscle in on that domain.
The iPad could be an interesting device that supplements that – call it almost a techy note pad (replacing the paper one) mixed with a personal organiser that just makes your day at work that little bit easier.
What do you think? Is it only a matter of time before offices are filled with iPad toting execs? Will the spreadsheets and presentations of the iWork suite of apps steel share from Microsoft office?
Also, watch out tomorrow for an extra post “iPad versus Windows Tablet PC”.
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