EYECARE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS : Tablet Computing

There has been a lot of talk about the "explosion of mobile devices" in the consumer elctronics press lately. The main focus has been on touch screen tablet type devices.

These fall into two main camps. Apple and Google. Google's offering is called Andriod and it is used by a number of other phone and computer companies to offer tablet devices (and smartphones). Companies who have developed solutions include Samsung, Sony, ASUS and HTC. Apple has of course the ever popular iPad tablet device.

If you use either the Apple or Andriod tablet (or phone) you can access the Optomate Virtual Server via an app called PocketCloud.

In practical terms though, how can a tablet be used effectively in a practice?

Log into the Optomate V-Server to view patient details or any other Optomate function
Take photos of patients trying on frames and show them how they look immediately
Browse fashion and frame supplier websites with patients
Allow patient information to move with the patient to streamline processes
Show retinal images and other test results to patients for discussion
Use any programs installed on the V-Server via the tablet

Of course tablets offer a lot of personal benefits at home as well

Browse your favourite websites
Catch up on email
Check out Youtube and social networking sites
Watch movies and listen to music
Capture video and photos
Log into the V-Server and access Optomate from home

If you like the idea of a tablet but can't live without a keyboard and mouse for certain things then something like the ASUS Transformer could be a great fit.

It offers the ability to use the tablet as a very portable touch screen device BUT it also offers a keyboard and mouse docking station for those programs more suited to that type of input.

It is wireless and so perfect for a roaming day at the practice and can then be taken home as a tablet for personal use.

The ASUS website has more on this great little device.

http://www.asus.com.au/Eee/Eee_Pad/Eee_Pad_Transformer_TF101/

Why do we recommend this tablet for optical stores?

Combines benefits of tablet and laptop
It uses Android which means you can link external hard drives/flash drives via USB
2 x USB ports on the docking station also mean you can use a bar code scanner (and mouse)
It has a large 10.1 inch screen (scratch resistant) and is very light weight
A rear and front facing camera means you can take photos of patients trying frames
The keyboard extends the battery life from 9 hours to 16 hours so goes all day!
HDMI output means you can view videos and images on your TV at home and in the practice
Non 3G device but links to wireless router for internet access
Can be linked to smartphones for internet access when not in practice or at home
Warranty – 12 months return to base

The Transformer really is the perfect tablet combination for practice, office and personal use.
Here is a video showing some more detail.

Pricing from Bluewave

ASUS EeePad Tablet - $620 Inc GST
Keyboard Docking Station - $179 Inc GST
Setup: $165 Inc GST
Includes;

Initial tablet configuration
Wireless activation (will require scanning of local wireless networks)
Installation and setup of app to link to the V-Server for Optomate and other programs
Email setup

Please call 1300 659 917 for more information.