Why CIOs might consider the iPad

Apple began taking pre-orders for its "magical and revolutionary" iPad tablet computer Friday morning, and according to a post at AppleInsider.com, the not-fully articulated device started selling at an estimated 25,000 units an hour. Apple said there will be 150,000 apps available for it--including productivity apps--from the moment it hits the shelves April 3.    

Conceding that the iPad falls squarely in the realm of consumer gadgetry, Tony Bradley at PCWorld offers a few ideas on how it might be used to help a company's workforce. For one, sales reps can pull up customer data, keep track of calls and answer leads on the iPad by using an app from Salesforce.com.  For another, road warriors can use a FedEx app to make shipping labels, schedule shipments and monitor their progress.

Meanwhile, Bradley's colleague at PCWorld, Galen Gruman, questions why anyone would pre-order a device--for $500 to $830--before even knowing what capabilities might be restricted on it. Gruman recalls previous Apple launches that left users less than satisfied. The original iPod Touch, for example, didn't offer much in the realm of calendar alarms or email alerts, and it didn't come with a microphone.

The iPad will surely evolve as users demand new features, and early indications suggest the device could garner the enthusiasm of the iPhone. Meanwhile, tablet computers in general hold out the potential to supplant laptops for many users, much like laptops have supplanted desktops. Enterprise IT teams should take note. 

For more:
- see the Apple iPad apps announcement
- see the AppleInsider post 
- see Tony Bradley's post at PCWorld
- see Galen Gruman's take at PCWorld

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