Apple has given the iPad quite a few extra functionalities in recent years; where this device was mainly suitable for consuming content since its introduction, the tide has now definitely turned. The iPad no longer has to be ashamed and is also suitable for business use.
The iPad won't replace your work laptop completely, but it can serve as a powerful business tool. With the right applications, accessories and usage options, the iPad can help make your work life more efficient. The key to making the iPad usable for business is to treat it like a business device.
iPad Accessories
Paired with a keyboard or stylus, your iPad transforms from a pretty tablet into a powerful business tool. Tablets are portable, affordable, and easy to use, and when paired with powerful accessories, iPads can be nearly as powerful (in the case of iPad Pros, even more powerful) as laptops or MacBooks , without the bulky chassis and limited battery life.
- iPad keyboard : Almost every bluetooth keyboard works with the iPad, simply pair and type. An additional advantage is that the large 'on screen' keyboard automatically disappears and you will have more screen space.
- Mouse or trackpad : Bluetooth mice and trackpads also work on the iPad these days. This functionality was introduced quite recently, so not all software packages can handle it well. But since summer 2020, the Apple package with, for example, Pages, Numbers and Keynote can also be operated with the mouse. Since October 2020, Microsoft has also implemented the necessary updates for Office, which also makes working with it more pleasant.
- Both Apple ( pencil ) and Logitech (crayon) have introduced a stylus that works on the iPads. This makes it possible to take notes, draw diagrams or simply sign documents.
- Storage case : the iPad is a sturdy device, but a case provides protection and representativeness. The screen is of course used twice to look at and to operate. Doubly important to keep this well protected. And no matter how sturdy the iPad is, falling off a desk onto a wooden floor or tiles is just not a good thing.
- Since 2019 it has been possible to connect peripherals such as a monitor, card reader, wired network, etc. via a (USB-C) hub.
iPad Apps
Thanks to the growing demand for mobile software solutions, you can now use almost all of the business tools you already use on your iPad. There are over 1.3 million apps to download . Here are just a few favorites among iPad business users:
- Microsoft Office : Microsoft's suite of mobile Office apps lets you equip your iPad with your favorite work tools, like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Being able to present presentations directly from your iPad without lugging around your laptop is ideal. You can also download Microsoft Outlook and OneNote on your iPad for cohesive integration across platforms and devices.
- QuickBooks : One of the most popular software products, both for small and large businesses, is QuickBooks. Thanks to the QuickBooks mobile app, you can access your account, process invoices and keep an eye on the books from anywhere.
- OneDrive : OneDrive is a mobile-friendly cloud storage system that easily integrates with Windows. The world is moving towards cloud storage in general, but if you plan on doing any real work on your iPad this is especially vital, as a few heavy spreadsheets and videos can eat up your memory pretty quickly.
- Slack : Slack is a great tool to keep your entire team connected. There is an iOS app for Slack, but it also runs on desktops and across all different operating systems. With Slack, you can chat with your team, create different channels, send DMs, and hold video and voice conference calls
- Trello : If you want to keep working on your iPad, Trello is a solid choice. Trello has an easy-to-use project management and workflow management dashboard that makes remote collaboration easy.
Log in to your laptop or Mac
If you left your MacBook at home, but still need something from it, you can always log in with 'Remote Access' or a similar solution. This way you can take over your Mac (also works for Windows with the Teamviewer app, for example) and do what you need to do without too much effort. Because the iPad now also supports keyboard and mouse, this works almost as smoothly as sitting behind a laptop or MacBook itself.
Presentations on the go
iPads can be connected wirelessly via Airplay (to an Apple TV for example) and also wired to a projector or TV. For this you need a lightning to HDMI adapter or (in case of the iPad Pro) a USB-C hub with HDMI output.
Refurbished from leapp + business?
The combination of an iPad from Leapp in business use is feasible for the following reasons;
- Purchases from Leapp are covered by a 2-year warranty, compared to a 1-year manufacturer's warranty from most providers who distinguish between consumers and business users.
- Leapp devices are sold so that you as an entrepreneur can reclaim VAT from the tax authorities, where many refurbished suppliers offer their products under the margin scheme where this is not possible.
- The purchase price of a refurbished device is tens of percent lower than if you were to buy it new, without having to compromise on functionality.
- With a refurbished device you burden the environment considerably less than with a new device.
