Do You Really Need a Laptop Anymore?
April 04, 2022 | by Paul Stubbs (Zebra Product Manager)
If you’ve rotated the sun a few times, like I have, you have witnessed enormous changes in technology. We were excited to purchase our first desktop computer the size of a large briefcase. We were amazed at the first laptop computers and once we got our first 17” CRT monitor we thought we would never need a bigger monitor ever.
Mobile phones took our connectivity to new heights, smart phones propelled us into a new digital era, while tablets crept into every crack in everyday life. As technology has developed, businesses began to adopt the available technology, but with so many options to choose from, the decision has become more complex.
One of the biggest dilemmas many enterprises are facing is whether to give their staff laptops or tablets?
As laptops have become more powerful, and the desire to have more portable devices, the argument for tablets has grown. The only issue is that the useability of a laptop with a keyboard has been beneficial for many. The use of tablets in the enterprise has become common, in particular for tasks where a larger screen than a traditional mobile computing device is beneficial. The challenge is that most tablets are large format smartphones operating on iOS and Android operating systems and therefore not suitable for many hosts systems that are Windows based.
Imagine if you could have the best of both worlds? A tablet sized device that had a touch enabled screen as well as a keyboard. Imagine if the keyboard could be added or removed as required and not one of those flimsy keypads some consumer tablets have?
The good news is that there is a tablet that can deliver a true 2-in-1 tablet offering and it also happens to be a Windows enabled device.
ET80 and ET85 Tablets
The tablets are called the ET80 and ET85 and they came to us thanks to Zebra Technologies. For simplicity’s sake, these two tablets are very similar with one major difference. The ET80 is designed for use within the four walls while the ET85 includes 4G/5G mobile connectivity making it suitable for workers on the go.
These tablets are tough with high drop specifications, long battery life, IP65 rated, wipeable cases and even certified for use in hazardous environments. They are thin, lightweight and have displays visible in bright daylight. Best of all, they can be configured and adapted for different user requirements thanks to a detachable keyboard.
With all these features, do you really need a laptop for use in enterprise applications such as manufacturing, transport, and field service?
The argument for rugged 2-in-1 tablets is rather compelling! When you look at the features they offer, their versatility and compatibility for enterprise use, I think you would agree that the laptop may be a long-gone concept in many workplace activities.
