Mediaboss Marketing

Originally published October 12, 2012 at 7:38 PM | Page modified October 12, 2012 at 7:38 PM

Theres nothing I like more than getting some writing done at my favorite neighborhood coffeehouse. Its relaxing, Im more productive and the place makes a great cappuccino.

But after I bought my iPad about a year ago, I didnt want to go back to schlepping around my laptop, which suddenly seemed so heavy and clunky by comparison.

We all know that tablets are great for watching online videos of frolicking kittens, updating your Facebook status and checking email. But can they really substitute for a laptop when it comes to doing actual work?

To find out, I downloaded software for using word processing and spreadsheets on mobile devices. One works with just iPhones and iPads, while another works with devices running Googles Android system as well. I also test drove an upcoming update to Microsoft Office, one designed to seamlessly link work on PCs, tablets and smartphones.

All of the programs store and access files over the Internet rather than the individual devices. That approach can be pretty handy once you get the hang of it.

Unfortunately, the programs also all involve, well, typing on a tablet. That can be downright painful after a while.

Heres my experience with the three programs:

Quickoffice

This program is designed to make Apple and Android mobile devices compatible with Office even if the software isnt installed on them. While Microsoft does have a Web-based application that can be accessed on an iPad, it doesnt make a downloadable app for the device yet. Google bought Quickoffice over the summer as part of its attempts to siphon sales away from Microsoft.

Read the original post:
Review: Tablet programs fill in gap, won’t replace