iPad Ideal for Accountants Working Remotely
I had some doubts whether I really needed an iPad, but after buying the new 3G version I am completely sold on its advantages—and see some great applicability to the accounting profession.
By now, most everyone knows the iPad is Apple’s latest technology—a larger version of the iPhone, yet not really up to the flexibility and power of a MacBook. While most of the accounting software vendors still aren’t on the bandwagon to design their programs for the Mac operating system, I still see some real advantages to accountants carrying an iPad.
True, you won’t run Sage ERP X3 on the iPad, but you can use it in the field to work with clients and customers. The best way to think of the iPad is to think of it as a really large iPhone. As a result, Mac’s mail program is also easily accessed, as is the Safari Internet browser.
For example, with the new 3G always-on Internet access you can work remotely and patch in to your network very easily without worrying about security or availability. You can’t run Excel or Word, but that isn’t the reason to have an iPad. Everyone also has a PC of some kind, so using the iPad to run robust software isn’t necessary.
If you’re a “PC” and running scared of the Mac, now is the time to adapt by considering the iPad. Again, it’s not representative of what a real MacBook can do, but it is a good start to appreciating all that Apple has to offer.
We have had a surge of clients buying the iPad to use with the Citrix Receiver, which gives them the ability to run a full Windows session on the iPad… and therefore every other application that lives in your Citrix Environment on your iPad. It works great! We are giving away 14 day free trials to anyone with an iPad that wants to give it a try. Darren you can request a trial here if you would like to play, http://bit.ly/aPT4XF
I still don’t understand why I need an iPad? Why can’t I just use a laptop with wireless Internet? What does the iPad get me that a laptop does not? Based on the iPad price, I can save money with a laptop and don’t have to pay an additional month 3G data fee.
It seems to be all the “rage,” yet I have yet to have anyone explain to me why I need to spend more money on this, than a laptop. Other than the “cool” factor.
The cool factor is the motivation for all new technology isn’t it
Chad - i understand what you are saying. I find a great value in it because i travel a lot and it’s easier to pop open and deal with a lot of email or web-browse than my laptop. Need is a pretty subjective thing, i could do without one but it sure is fun to have it and is more convenient. As it relates to the monthly data fee, I agree! My suggestion is that one consider buying the Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200, this device will suffice for all your mobile broadband needs…laptop, ipad, mobile wireless access point, and you are only paying one broadband fee.
Also look at mocha Remote Deskptop…the lite version is free to download and hold I think 8 terminal server connections….We run our whole platform on a virtual server and it works great…My new ipad is coming in soon….I think
With an online document storage and collaboration service like SmartVault, both iPhone and iPad users can access their SmartVault account via these devices (iPad users get a richer experience as the screen size is larger and quite frankly, beautiful!). Imagine you are on the golf course, in a restaurant or on the road traveling and need to answer a quick client question - you can easily access your docs online and keep your service value way up! So, it’s way more than the ‘cool’ factor, it’s using technology to improve efficiency, customer service and enhance your overall value. Try SmartVault free, http://ht.ly/1Ph5C
The ipad lets me log in to me log in to my computer remotely and I can see all my monitors at once and zoom in for mr detail. I can review documents and such. Very productive!!!!