Smartphones vs. Tablets for Mobile Workers

Consumer Information | Mobile Phones

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The mobile worker has many unique needs. The typical checklist includes two primary items: cell phone and a laptop computer. Lately, though, cell phone has come to be defined as smartphone. That’s an added cost to any business, but smartphones have become necessary for the mobile worker. Yet there are restrictions to smartphones that might not make them the ideal solution. The recent trend in tablet computers might make more sense.

The idea is to replace the laptop/smartphone combination with a tablet/cell phone one. It will surely mean less bulk for the mobile worker, since a tablet and normal cell phone are smaller in size than a smartphone and laptop. This goes even if the laptop is a netbook. At the same time, it can lead to cost savings, depending on your current smartphone plan — especially if that smartphone plan includes tethering.

For starters, the prepaid cell phone will save over the cost of a basic contract cell phone plan. Services such as T-Mobile and Net10 offer minutes for about 10 cents each. For low-usage callers, this can save heavily over a $40 postpaid monthly calling plan. For heavier callers there are many unlimited plans that can fit the bill. Any way you slice it, you can find cheaper service, with long distance included, with prepaid wireless.

Where do those savings go, then? To the tablet device. Many of these devices are equipped with 3G, or even 4G, radios. That gives them all the capabilities of smartphones, other than voice calls — hence the prepaid phone for that function. Yet at the same time, tablets are now powerful enough to handle many functions that previously required a laptop. Users can create documents, manage communications, and even access their work desktop computers, all from a small device.

An Android tablet, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab, can provide an easy solution. It runs on the Android platform and therefore functions in a manner similar to a smartphone. But at the same time it’s far more portable than a laptop, while providing many of the same functions. In fact, it strips down the laptop experience and takes out all the unnecessary aspects. What’s left can help business users get the most out of their devices.

The total monthly savings will certainly play a role in this decision. Mobile workers who don’t need the phone frequently will save the most, since they can go with a cheap per-minute prepaid wireless plan. Cost savings are also realized from the devices themselves. Even the most expensive Android tablets cost in the $700 range, though one like the Galaxy Tab can be much cheaper than that. All in all, a tablet PC should cost considerably less than a laptop. So those are both up-front and recurring savings.

The switch from laptops and smartphones to tablets and prepaid cell phones might not be an easy one. Workers are used to the versatility of a laptop computer and might be hesitant to use a tablet instead. But these devices are becoming more powerful, and can handle many simple business-related tasks. It is certainly one way to stay on top of all communications, while helping the bottom line.