Windows entered the tablet market in 2002, but it was only in 2010 that tablets became a hot commodity. Now, flash forward a few more years: The tablet lockdown market has moved from infancy to toddlerhood, and many self-service firms find themselves struggling to choose between iOS, Windows and Android tablet solutions.
We reached out to an external IT professional for his take on the iOS, Windows, and Android tablet debate. Here are some thoughts from Bryce Katz, owner of Katz Computer Consulting, in Marshall, Michigan.
Pointing out the Pros
Android Pros
Lots of options, lots of price points. Some 10" Android devices can be purchased for as low as $150.
More support for MDM and use in the enterprise.
Customizable, i.e. ROMs. If you're willing to play, you can do some amazing things with Android devices.
iPad Pros
Sleek design, and nearly everyone knows how they work. The interfaces are extremely intuitive; put and iPad in front of a 2 year old, and they'll be working away in no time flat.
Extensive app library. Odds are good that if the app exists, they'll have it for iPad.
Windows Pros
Tight integration with Windows Server. Windows tablets can be managed using standard Group Policy settings (great if you need the device to run exe applications).Familiar interface. Generally, people know how Windows works.
No need to re-purchase applications. Windows desktop applications will run just fine, assuming you're not running a device with an ARM CPU.
Identifying the Cons
Android Cons
Lots of options, a variety of price points. Quality, however, is all over the map, and while you can get a 10" Android tablet for $150, I'm not sure I'd recommend it. (Says the guy about to pilot a $150 10" tablet for a manufacturing application; I'll let you know how it goes...) You'll need to do a lot of research and try to demo a few devices before settling on a given device.
Not as many apps as Apple.
iPad Cons
Cost. They are not cheap.
Not exactly enterprise-friendly. Locking them down is hard.
Apple's Volume Purchase Program (VPP) is somewhat complicated and, in my opinion, annoying to setup.
Windows Cons
Confusion in models. Purchasers need to be very, very careful. Most of the Windows RT units are now, thankfully, old tech now that the 3rd generation of Windows tablets are on the market. Still, you need to pay attention. If you see a great "deal" on Windows tablets, you may be looking at 1st gen Windows RT units. Windows RT was a straight-up consumer OS and is entirely inappropriate for institutional use.
Cost. Windows tablets tend to be the most expensive of the three options (Android, iPad, Windows). This is mostly because the 3rd gen models are taking aim as laptop replacements for business users. However, this cost can come with hidden benefits, like reducing the need for new application purchases.
Disliked interface. Many people have a dislike for the Modern UI. Depending on the actual use, this may or may not be an issue.
Battery life. Windows tablets (particularly the Surface line) tend to have poor battery life compared to iPads and Android devices.
Plus, consider these additional points from KioWare president Jim Kruper:
Environmentally, Windows still has a significant lead with regard to durability. Try to find an Android device suitable for a manufacturing environment and compare against Windows. Windows wins. iPad hardware is typicallyeven more fragile and is clearly made for consumer not self-service usage.
Hardware peripherals. Android and iOS are much more limited than Windows with regard to the plethora of hardware products supported: fingerprint scanners, RFID band printers, card dispensers, bill acceptors, sensing mats, and more. Android and iOS have some, but not all, of these integrations.
Ultimately, your intended usage, deployment, audience, budget, and infrastructure will determine which device makes the most sense for your kiosk project.
Note: KioWare strongly supports the use of Windows and Android devices for public access/self service or purposed device lockdown solutions.
