How to choose a mobile device for your business

The smartphone is indispensable, because unlike tablets and other mobile devices, it can make calls. Apple’s iOS operating system is used both on its smartphones and its tablet computers. It dominates the mobile device space, but Google Android is also extremely popular.

iOS is more sleek and sophisticated than Android, but the downside is that Apple has made it more difficult to modify the system, and it must authorize each piece of software that third parties produce for its devices.

Then, there is Canada’s mobile darling, Research In Motion’s BlackBerry. This platform has a good reputation for security, but has been challenged by the iPhone’s more sophisticated software interface, which has eaten into BlackBerry sales.

Recently, however, RIM has purchased another smartphone operating system called QNX – a more sophisticated and visually appealing system that it has begun using in its newer smartphones.

Many professionals find smartphone screens too small to do any serious work on. In 2012, the appearance of more large-screen smartphones such as the Galaxy Note will make these screens more workable, but many advisors will likely opt for a tablet, too.

A tablet is particularly useful for consumption. Its large screen and intuitive touch-screen interface makes it suitable for reading online magazines, books and websites. With their thirst for information, investment advisors would find it useful for catching up on industry trends and financial data, and as a visual tool in client meetings.

The iPad dominates the tablet market. The newest model – iPad 3 – is set to ship as early as March, according to industry rumour, with a very high-resolution screen.

Research in Motion’s Playbook is also shortly to be revamped. The device was much-maligned at launch because it lacked a built-in mail or calendar client – both of which are key tools for advisors and other professionals.

The other option is an Android-based tablet. Samsung’s Galaxy is a 10-inch model, with a higher-resolution camera and a slightly lighter body than the iPad 2. Android also lets users control its look and feel, customizing it more than an iPad would allow.

One of the most interesting developments in 2012 will be the ultrabook, which will edge out the already dying netbook format with a more powerful option. The ultrabook is designed to give the user the best of both worlds. It is incredibly light and thin, but also sports a powerful processor.

Elaine Mah, country manager for Intel Canada, cites figures from market research companies Forrester and Gartner, which predict that by the end of 2012, ultrabooks will make up 40% of PC sales.

“The ultrabook was designed with the end-user experience in mind,” says Mah, adding that the entire ultrabook product category features some of the fastest and latest processors on the market.

By the end of this year, we can expect to see the lines between ultrabooks and tablets blurring, as Windows 8-based ultrabooks such as the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga appear. These devices will offer a traditional keyboard, but with touch-screen displays that flip over, doubling as full-screen tablet devices.

The mobile device landscape changes very quickly, and waiting for the next revolutionary product is pointless, as there will always be something new in the wings. A smartphone is crucial for productivity, but buying a tablet and an ultrabook together may be overkill, unless you do a lot of reading. By the end of the year, we predict that Windows 8-based ultrabooks will be better equipped to fulfill both roles.

This is the first in a three-part series on technology and productivity. Tomorrow: Five mobile apps for financial advisors.