Panasonic announced this week that it will soon offer a Toughbook line Android-based tablet.
According to a press release from yesterday, Rance Poehler, president of Panasonic was quoted as saying “Enterprise customers are very interested in the tablet market, but have been frustrated by the lack of appropriate solutions.”
“The vast majority of tablet devices—regardless of the OS—are engineered for consumers and don’t offer appropriate levels of security and durability or the functionality needed for business use. Like all Toughbook products, our Toughbook tablet will be designed and constructed with the mission-critical mobile user in mind.”
Well there is no ambiguity in who Panasonic is trying target for this product. The question I have is, “Will the demand really be there when this tablet becomes available?” White collar tablet users typically wouldn’t need a “rugged-ready” tablet, as they wouldn’t us it in a rugged environment. Besides, sales numbers clearly indicate that iPad reigns supreme in tablet demand. The recent iPad 2 release only solidified that.
When it comes to gray and blue collar users, how many of them will want to have to clean their screen multiple times a day? As tablets are touch-screen interactive, I would think that the screen is going to get pretty roughed-up by users on construction sites, government employees and field workers, etc.
As a result, it appears that this will likely be a dud. What do you think? Will a Toughbook tablet really take off?
Need to secure display iPads and tablet display products in your stores? Check out our retail security systems.
In a recent article (pdf) in Retail Solutions Online, Frank Mayer associate Andrew Govek outlines his view into the keys to securing display iPads and tablets in retail environments.
He states, “Securing vulnerable electronics at retail removes a ripe source of temptation. At the same time, retailers must balance the need for secure merchandising against the desire for customers to experience products in authentic ways. Safely displaying electronics, especially the latest drivers of in-store traffic, requires consideration and planning.”
Govek goes on to outline his two simple guidelines to follow when securing tablets. They are:
1. Alter the product as little as possible
2. Secure the product used for demonstration in the most unobtrusive and purposeful way
This may seem easy at first but with tablets having a minimalist form factor, it can be hard to secure the device without detracting from it’s attractive design. But an iPad and tablet retail security solution from Vanguard does just that.
Our field-proven VoltTM solution has been safely securing electronics products for years, with the largest selection of sleek display pedestal options available today. If you want to safely display your iPads and tablets for customers to explore, contact us today to learn more about our solutions. Or call 877-477-4874.
Allow me to state the obvious: the iPad and the iPad2 have created quite a stir since their respective release dates. And if you’ve got your hands on one of these beauties, then I’m sure you are amongst those singing the praises of this little marvel.
After speaking with some folks who have jumped aboard the iPad train, I’ve begun to notice a pattern in the comments they share about their iPad experience. While the design (sleek), weight (light) and display (mind blowing) each make substantial contribution, I’d argue that based upon what I’ve learned, it’s the apps that deliver the real “wow”.
As with any application it really comes down to one of two things: 1. The app that helps to make you more productive or 2. The fun app. So, after giving it some more thought, I began to imagine the apps I’d want to have in order to customize my iPad life. Of course, I’d want those productive apps, you know the ones that can make you feel as though a purchase of this nature is more than just a really expensive “cool toy”. I want my e-mail! And I want to be able to print those messages that require a hard copy for archiving purposes – or hanging on the refrigerator. Keep me organized, show me my calendar! Can I use this thing to make a phone call? Sure I can – even if I fore go the 3G versions and opt for the Wi-Fi models, thanks to our friends at Skype! Given that short list, I’d consider myself made more productive by the iPad in my life.
Now, as for the fun portion, I’ll admit that fun is subjective. For me, it’s about books and baseball. Fortunately, the app gods have smiled favorably upon me. I can stock the shelves of my bookstore and catch tons of live baseball games throughout the summer. Ahhh, I can taste the lemonade now..
How about you? Whether real or imagined, what does your iPad look like? Are you the type to load it up with productivity apps or are you leaning towards the fun apps?
As the week is winding down, it’s time to report on some of the sights and sounds from the GlobalShop event in Las Vegas earlier this week. It came as no surprise to see that tablets have made their way into many retail applications. To say the tablet is ubiquitous might be going a bit too far, but let’s just say that retailers are being presented with unique ways to incorporate the device into a unique point of sale experience for their customers.
Maybe that’s why there was such a buzz around Vanguard’s new Pivot security solution for tablets and iPads! Customer interest was high and feedback on this solution has been very favorable.
Overall it was terrific to be able to spend the past few days with our customers – our current customers and those we expect will become customers real soon. Thanks for stopping by and if you couldn’t make it this time around, we’ll see you next year.
And one last thing…
Congratulations to Lourdes Burson from AT&T Mobility! Lourdes and AT&T Mobility are the winners of our Retail Security Solution Giveaway and will soon be able to experience first-hand the quality and reliability of a complete 12 position Volt power alarm solution from Vanguard!
Thanks to all of you who registered via our website or by visiting our booth at GlobalShop. And keep reading our blog to see what we have up our sleeve for next time…
Think back to when you were a kid. Periodically you would encounter some minor malady for which the remedy was a pill. Some of these pills were small and delightful – remember those orange flavored children’s aspirin? – but as we advance in age we no longer take only pills. As we grow into adulthood, the packaging announces that we are no longer taking a pill, we have graduated to where we are required to take a tablet – just read your allergy medicine if you don’t believe me.
And now, in an incredible turn of events, we humans have become both the consumer and the “consumee” when it comes to tablets. Folks, take notice of the headlines today and you’ll see that we continue to be consumed by tablets! The iPad 2, the Galaxy Tab, the Motorola Xoom, the forthcoming Blackberry Playbook…is there no end in sight? Lately I feel as though it’s a freakin’ tablet onslaught against which there is no known defense!
Despite this, I say, bring it on! Let’s see what the manufacturers have up their collective sleeves. And guys, while you’re at it, can you let me in on the secret to superior battery life? Honestly, now that these devices have the vast capabilities they have been designed to support, my concern turns to the battery. Will I have enough juice to make it through the day? Will I be able to utilize all of the cool functions? Perform the cool tricks. Now that there is no more shuttle to launch, I guess I can scratch that off of my list of product expectations, but if I’m a die-hard gamer, will I achieve super-stardom?
What’s been your experience? Have you become consumed by a tablet from which there is no escape? If so, perhaps a lapse in battery power is the only hope we have if we wish to be more than spectators in this sport called life.
Among Other Notable Features, the iPad 2 Can be Purchased in White
Apple wrapped up it’s latest media event today with a rather in-depth look at the forthcoming second installment of the iPad.
Steve Jobs was on hand, along with a few other Apple Execs to show off the most compelling features of the iPad 2.Here’s a quick rundown.
Much much thinner – the iPad 2 is about 30% thinner than the original – providing the perception of it being lighter (although it’s only .2 lbs lighter)
Much much faster – up to 2x faster CPU processing and up to 9x faster graphics – all thanks to the iPad’s new A5 dual core processor
The power of 2 – the new iPad will come in 2 colors, now including white. It also has 2 cameras, along with Apple’s famed FaceTime video conferencing app
3 video related updates – 1. the iPad 2 will have HDMI video output up to 1080p. 2. AirPlay has been updated to allow for wireless playing of video content via your TV. 3. iMovie has been updated with new multitrack audio recording and expanded video editing functionality
There are numerous other updates that will surely please Apple’s growing customer base as well.
Want to learn more? Apple’s website has been updated with additional information about the new iPad 2.
There’s little doubt that tablet devices have captured the attention of consumers by offering a broad array of features.
One of the most captivating features of the tablet is the ability for images, movies and the web to adjust to the orientation of the screen. But how do the best retailers show off this feature while offering optimal security for the device? Now, there’s a display system that shows off this feature without compromising the security level required on the sales floor. Introducing the PivotTM tablet display system from VPG.
View Pivot Solution Video
The unique design of the Pivot allows customers to explore the features of the device whether in portrait or landscape mode. And the self-centering technology found in the Pivot ensures that the tablet automatically returns to a position that encourages customer interaction each and every time. The Pivot from VPG – Now that’s picture perfect.
Contact us today to learn how we can put the Pivot to work for you. The Pivot from VPG is expected to ship in June.
Having a hard time viewing the video above? View or download the file here (96 MB).
The New Tablet Runs Android 2.2 With Dell's Stage UI
On Wednesday February 2nd, T-Mobile customers will be able to get their hands on the new 7 inch tablet from Dell called, Dell Streak 7. It is being touted by the carrier as the first 4G tablet.
The cost of the tablet will be $199 (after a $50 mail-in rebate) when purchased with a 2-year contract. Should you want the tablet without a ball-and-chain contract, you can get it for a mere $449 with a prepaid broadband plan.
The Streak 7 is a step up from the previously released Streak 5, as far as true tablet form goes. It’s closest competitor would be the Galaxy Tab, which is priced about $100, as well as the iPad of course.
Here are the product specs from Dell.com:
Operating System
* Android™ 2.2 (Froyo) with Over the Air Upgrade Capability
This weekend on the floor at CES didn’t disappoint.Sony had an incredible booth with a giant 3D screen anchoring it’s exhibit. Both RIM and Verizon had impressive exhibits as well.
And we were able to catch up with some exhibitors that were using our security solutions to showcase some of their newest CE products. Here are a couple pics:
Verizon Used a Version of Our Volt Smartphone Retail Security Solution at CES to Secure their Showcase Handsets
Research in Motion (RIM) Used our Volt Retail Tablet Security Solution to Display it's Revered New Tablet - Playbook
Need to secure your tablets, smartphones, laptops and other CE products? Check out our retail security systems.
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