Business travelers have the difficult task of accomplishing their normal workload in addition to traveling, which for some is difficult enough in and of itself. As road-hardened warriors they demand portability, connectivity and more features they can use on the run from all of their technology.
Because of this the tablet may just be a business professional’s go-to device. It has many of the essential capabilities of a laptop, but is much easier to transport and use while on the go. Anyone from a business owner, self-employed professional, or frequently traveling employee will find that a tablet just may be their best business trip companion.
Having technology that allows complete functionality away from the office is essential. If you want a fast, Wi-Fi ready tablet to check emails, update your calendar and make use of your favorite business-related apps, consider taking one of these on your next business trip.
Apple’s iPad is a great choice for travel because it has endless apps for business pros. From expense-tracking wonders, to number-crunching marvels, if there’s something you need to get done for a client, or your boss, there’s probably an app for it. And, when you need a break from work, you can use one of the many entertainment apps available.
There have been five generations of iPads, the most recent being the iPad Air which hit the shelves on November 1, and yet another—the iPad 6—scheduled to be released in 2014. The graphics on the latest generations of iPads are extremely impressive, so you can shoot video in HD 1080p and play movies on the hotel TV without loss of definition. The double cameras are perfect for conferencing with clients.
The new Samsung Galaxy tablet offers a new level of absolute portability because it is so small. If you have a Samsung phone you’ll find it easy to get used to the tablet, which is like a big brother version of the phone. It looks the same, acts the same, just a little bigger. There’s also a trove of apps and software any business pro will make ready use of.
With their newest tablet, the Surface Pro 2, Microsoft claims to produce the only tablet able to replace your laptop. With a better processor and a bigger boost to battery life, their claim might not be so farfetched. Besides being able to run essentials such as the full Microsoft Office suite, it also allows access to all of the Windows apps.
While this is billed as a tablet, because it runs Windows 8, it’s important to note that the Surface Pro really does function completely as a laptop as well. This is more than just a consuming device. You can actually run programs like Photoshop and the aforementioned Microsoft Office suite.
The Surface Pro 2 also features a dual-angle kickstand, so you can work at a desk or just as easily on your lap. For business owners with international connections, it provides free Skype calling to land lines in more than 60 countries. And, for added functionality, it includes the Pro Pen stylus that allows you to write, mark up presentations and e-sign documents.
BlackBerry’s Playbook always has the right call on your next business adventure. It’s faster with 4G LTE connectivity making updating reports, checking emails, and even virtual conferencing with clients a snap. This tablet includes apps for chat, email, and conferencing. Plus, it integrates with your existing BlackBerry smart phone and software. If you want to get things done fast, and you’re a BlackBerry fan, this tablet is a game changer.
The VTAB1008, Vizio’s entrant in the tablet race, gives business travelers a better way to relax at home, and on the road. Filled with the most popular apps for the Internet like YouTube, Hulu and Netflix, plus Vizio’s own apps and an HDMI output, you’ll never want for something to do during lonely nights at the hotel.
Miles Young is a freelance writer, business advisor and tech geek. You can follow him on Twitter @MrMilesYoung.