October 23 2011
Most of us are familiar with the concept of a tablet computer. However, as with digital signatures (as we discussed last week), not all tablets are created equal. If you’re considering a purchase – or an upgrade – it may be helpful to understand the different types of tablets, particularly the differences between convertible and slate tablets. Don’t run out and buy an iPad without taking a careful examination of your needs. Sure, they are cool, but do they help you sell more real estate?
Tablet Computers for Real Estate
By definition, a tablet computer (or just “tablet”) is a Web-enabled personal computer that is operated primarily using a touchscreen. Note that “primarily” is the operative word here, as we’ll soon discuss. The iPad is a tablet – one of many on the market.
Real estate agents are already finding tablet computers immensely useful. One of the advanced new ways that tablets can be used is to obtain electronic signatures, so we spoke with Mehrdad Alaei of GoPaperless (a top purveyor of electronic signatures) for insight.
“Traditionally,” Mr. Alaei explains, “tablets were built with the Microsoft operating system (PC), but now the iOS (Apple’s iPad) and the Android operating systems have come to the forefront along with several others (Blackberry Playbook, HP WebOS, Amazon Kindle, among others). They all have one thing in common – a touch screen interface - but many differences when it comes to productivity solutions, native apps, and user interface.”
Mr. Alaei continues, “Because of the touch screen interface, our Real Estate Dashboard software is able to utilize and optimize this feature to transform the screen into a ‘digital paper,’ thereby importing a document and turning a ‘pen-paper’ signing experience into a digital ‘wet signature’ experience. With either a stylus or your finger, you can now biometrically sign on the screen, just like at your local grocery store when you check out.’
“So, from a business perspective, which tablet is right for you?” Mr. Alaei asks. “This can only be answered by evaluating your own needs. What software do you need for your business? Do you use your office or home computer as your primary device and want a smaller field device as a companion tool? Are you looking for just one device that does it all? Do you use the cloud for your document storage, etc.?”
To learn more about tablets and software solutions, visit www.GoPaperless.com. Now, as promised in my introduction, let’s discuss the differences between convertible and slate tablets.
Convertible Tablets
Convertible tablets have a keyboard attached. Think of it as a lightweight, light use, but fully functional laptop. This has its benefits and drawbacks:
Slate Tablets
Slate tablets, unlike convertible tablets, do not have a dedicated keyboard. Apple’s iPad is an example of a slate tablet. As with convertible tablets, slate tablets have their benefits and drawbacks.
Fully-Functional Tablet PCs
These systems are basically a laptop with a touchscreen interface. In other words they are made to replace the traditional laptop.
As you can see, there are benefits and drawbacks to each kind of tablet. Perhaps the best way to decide which tablet is right for you is to take some time to experiment with each of them.
How to test a tablet:
I have an iPad, and I love it. It does not work with Rapattoni or Realist® in my market. As a work-around, I access MLS and Tax data using RPR (REALTOR® Property Resource). In truth, I would admit that I did not purchase a tablet that serves me well as a business productivity tool. I find myself ducking into coffee shops and pulling out my laptop to get work done. The iPad is a toy; it’s fun, but it is not an adequate business device for me today.