I’ve thought about using a tablet to do my daily work, but when it comes right down to it, I need more.
I need more power. I need more screen. I need more space.
Maybe it’s because I’ve been computing on a keyboard and mouse all my life, but that seems to be the least of the problems for those of us using Adobe CC or running a virtual server on while editing code. For those shooting off emails and writing documents, perhaps a tablet is enough.
What do you think?
Here’s what the VP of Dell, Bobbi Dangerfield, had to say about the matter:
“The tablet is great if you’re trying to do a little email or you want to read something or whatever. But if you’ve got real work to do, then they’re still not a substitute for the PC”
While I agree with this assessment, we can’t fail to recognize entire generations growing up with tablet computing. Dangerfield goes on to say:
“I think the bigger question is as more millennials enter the work force — I look at my own kids and they’re doing stuff on their smartphones that I would need my computer to do. As you get this demographic change in the work force, different types of mobility devices like smartphones and tablets will take a bigger share. But in the meantime we’ve seen a lot of strength in our PC business over the course of the last quarter.”
[Read the full interview on Mashable]
Even when you factor in the generational shift as millennials enter the work force, it seems like there’s always going to be a need for more power as we continue to push the limits of computing. However, I could see “everyday” computing or more basic “desk work” being done from smaller, portable devices.
What do you think?
What will the church office look like and what will pastors use as their primary computing in the years to come?
[via Mashable | Image via I_am_Allan via Compfight cc]
Dustin says
I don’t see tablets as the everyday, “at-the-desk,” piece of equipment. I tried it for a while and kept gravitating back to my laptop. However, away from the desk, a tablet can be very effective. My father-in-law, for example, is a principal and they use tablets when doing teachers observations/reviews for note-taking and assessment. The data is then uploaded to a database that can be accessed in his office. With the proper app, that and similar applications are right in the wheelhouse of a tablet.
Basically, I think tablets make phenomenal accessories but aren’t going to be the laptop replacement then way the laptop has become a desktop replacement.
Eric Dye says
BOOM! You blew it up Dustin. 😀
I totally agree. Although those of us doing heavier lifting may be using those ol’ desktops. 😉
Andrew Terry says
Instead of buying a laptop last summer I bought an iPad with a Logitec keyboard. It has pretty much replaced my current laptop for most of my school work. Granted there are still things I cannot do; upload files to my school, my banking, sync my iPod. But my day in day out word processing, email, social media, video…all done on my iPad. It is portable, touch screen, and lighter then my laptop. Now only if I could replace my laptop with a mac…
Eric Dye says
I’ve heard of others doing this. I really think it comes down to the type of computing your doing in the first place. For most users, I could see the tablet replacing the laptop.
Chris Wilson says
The limitations I have found to using a tablet are rarely based on the Tablet hardware. The examples when they are include
– the limitation of long form writing on a tablet screen rather than a mechanical keyboard where the compression of the keys is easier than on a screen (for me)
– the lack of connection ports
– The small screen size for large design work etc.
Most of the limitation are software based. That doesn’t mean that a tablet like the surface solves these problems as it’s OS doesn’t make use of the benefits within the form factor.
When I think of many of the tasks which “can’t be done” on a tablet (like video and high end graphic editing) I actually think that a tablet form factor makes more sense in many cases. Being able to interact with your work directly with your hands, and perhaps a stylus could make a lot of sense.
I’m not saying that a tablet will replace a computer for every task but I suspect that in time the amount of tasks we need a desktop or laptop for will reduce (and so will the tablet when the next thing comes along). After all we still have Data centres like the original computers which are stored away out of sight and mind, where they were once the only form of computing, they are now just one form.
Eric Dye says
Solid reflection.
Michael Tuszynski says
As a millenial church employee in youth and worship I have to say I use my iPad and smartphone for the majority of my non-Adobe CC work. I’m actually typing this out on my Galaxy S3! I’ve worked on most of my word processor based documents through Google Drive and the iPad app.
The main limitation I have found is group emails. If I need to email a group of my volunteers, using the iPad email system just doesn’t look all that professional. Beyond that and any time I need to design something I default to the iPad or my smartphone.
I would say the main reason I prefer the iPad is that it is much lighter in weight then my laptop, making it easier to take with me wherever I go without pulling out a backpack. I work quite often outside of the church office so that maneuverability is key!
If you talk about the future of the church office, tablets just might be what up and coming pastors will default to. This, I think, will happen because of what school systems are now doing. In our town of less then 9,000 people, our school system provides iPad to students grades 5 through graduation. The students in my youth group write everything they do for school on those iPads. Honestly, these students usually only access a desktop or laptop once or twice a week.
As churches prepping for this generation of mobility users we might want to start considering what steps we should take now so that we aren’t caught off guard down the road.
Eric Dye says
Great feedback, Michael!
I couldn’t agree more — tablets will be the default tech tool for pastors.