Rightly or wrongly I pride myself as not being tantalized and mesmerized by technology gadgets. Not only does my 2 years old+ Lenovo X61 convertible tablet go with me everywhere but it is my office. As much as I like my Lenovo I’ve always longed for a slightly smaller tablet. Note I said tablet not laptop or notebook. The option to write, take notes, or view videos/webinars in tablet mode is most appreciated. Now enter the iPad and the world is agog. It’s not just the iPad but also e-Readers, such as Kindle, Nook, Touch, etc. On a recent plane trip, I couldn’t believe the number of flat tablet sized Internet enabled devices. I plan to replace my Lenovo spring/summer 2012 and now I’ve begun my research. I’d like to share that process with you.

What is a smart phone, tablet, netbook, or notebook? Let’s be honest, there really isn’t much significance in debating nomenclature when discussing web based devices and the line blurs based on what you need or want; the real issue is portability. There is plenty of excitement about apps; but in reality apps are specialty items either for specific users, uses or markets. My primary use for a cell phone is for telephone calls (yes, I like talking to people and find it less confusing), good reception and location availability are my primary concerns. Beyond that email and text are secondary but if reception and availability is fulfilled then the other functions work accordingly.

I’m not a big app person and I don’t listen to music unless walking, writing, or on an airplane; thus apps are not a part of my criteria. For me everything personally and professionally is web based, including my email client (Google Premier), network monitoring and management tools, troubleshooting research (tech support sites), and marketing (Constant Contact, Biznik, and this web site). On the other hand I store documents, and download and test applications which support my business. What do you need your device for?

My Selection Criteria:

1. Size-10-11″screen. I don’t care what my brother-in-law says and what features are available, you won’t catch me reading “War and Peace” on my smart phone.
   
2. Weight- Not an issue for me.
   
3. Operating system: Although I’m not opposed to the Android operating system, I’m not app oriented. I need to not only read and edit Microsoft Office documents but I’ll need access to Windows utilities for monitoring or testing client networks.
   
4. Ports and connectors: I use external storage devices in my business from storing documents to backing up customer servers to external hard drives. I also run wireless software and USB external hardware for TV and projector viewing thus I’ll be looking for a number of USB ports for these services. In addition, part of my job is testing client wired networks which make an available Ethernet port essential.
   
5. Durability: I won’t be carrying my tablet in my hip pocket but it will go with me everywhere and it will need to stand up to being tossed by a haughty TSA agent.
   

These are my preliminary selection criteria as I look forward to searching for a new tablet; in that same vein, Walter Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal reminds us that 2011 will be the year of the tablet with numerous offerings from all types of manufacturers who see this as a lucrative market.

Beyond my own tablet angst, I found that two of my current Microsoft oriented professional magazines were also getting on board the Tablet train. The Channel Pro magazine provides a high level overview outlining the proliferation of the small form factor PC business as it relates to IT professionals and should give you an understanding of the growth and options available in the PC market.

In the same vein, the Redmond Channel Partner, which targets part of the same tech professional market, looks at the functional aspect of full tablet PCs as it relates to Microsoft and Windows business. Take a look at both articles. I think you will find them informative and if you are like me, will not hurry to buy your next business tablet. On second thought, I still enter contests hoping to win a new iPad2!