The iPad has arrived, and we love it. Why? We’ve already talked about the big game changing things like how it is cheaper, lighter, and the battery will last a long time. And, after some hands-on time this week with a few iPads at Vela, we have more thoughts to share on why you’ll want one:
- There’s an app for that. And, it’s called Vela Systems. Probably one of our worst-kept secrets, but yes, the reason you’ll want an iPad is because very soon you’ll be able to run some great apps from Vela to help manage your projects. If you want us to let you know when you can get it, you can register here and we’ll send you an e-mail.
- “It’s a dream to type on.” -- Steve Jobs. Our expert testers put the iPads through a series of tests this week based on how we see them being used on the job site and for doing things like sketching on drawings, taking notes, or calling up and zooming around your plans. You’re going to really like it. Imagine you are 10 floors up and the electrical subcontractor stops you because he needs some clarification on where the outlets need to be placed in a set of rooms. There's no need to waste 20 minutes running back to the trailer to dig through the plan room when you can pull the light-weight iPad out of your vest or ruggedized case and simply tap on the screen to show him the drawings in a matter of seconds.
- Your customers will notice. One easy way to stand out in a competitive market and win new customers is to show the owners in the bidding process how your iPad mobile apps will help you deliver a better end product. That can be as simple as demonstrating how you manage your QA/QC process based on field-based observations on your iPads. Or by flipping through pictures of your work with them during a review meeting. Vela’s users have been talking about how mobile applications have helped them on all kinds of projects, and lots of people have noticed.
Have you seen an iPad yet? If so, share your thoughts below…
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