Tablet-Style PCs and Wireless Networks in the Lab

Today, I’m back to my post-IMACS blogging, passing along more of the information I got from the presentations I saw and discussions I had with others at the meeting. Some of the presenters are using tablet-style PCs in their lab on wireless networks.

Comments on Tablet-Style PCs
Some of the labs need tablets that are sturdier than the iPads. Also, they need PCs that won’t be damaged by things like solvents in the air and/or cannot accumulate material in crevices. This means that they cannot necessarily put docking stations with keyboards in the lab.

The reason this is an issue is that people using tablets get frustrated doing their typing on the virtual keyboards they can bring-up on the tablets. It’s awkward to switch between pressing buttons to accept and approve data and actually typing.

Some labs find this less of a problem than others. In some labs, when they need to type, they take their tablet from the lab bench to their desk, drop it in the docking station, sit down and do all their typing, there. This works when you can separate the typing portion, this way.

One lab that was using the Panasonic devices said that this is what they do and that they don’t necessarily find they need an additional screen at their desk to make it comfortable to do this task – just the docking station and the keyboard. Since the Panasonic tablet has a handle on it, it’s easy to carry around, plus it’s sturdy and more appropriate for lab use than some other tablets. Unfortunately, I’m told it’s also more expensive, as well.

Comments on Wireless
To make use of any of these devices by carrying them around, you could use some standalone data-capture programs, then go to your desk and download to your network using a docking station. However, some labs are reading data in directly to their network using their wireless network. Some of the labs at the meeting asked how these labs get their IT groups to allow them to do this and whether they can get the security setup to do this.

In my opinion, I think the answer to this question reminds me of the same question asked about digital signatures and corporate legal departments – basically, some labs have legal departments that are comfortable finding ways allowing them to do it and, as other legal departments see how they’ve done it, start allowing the digital signatures, as well. The same is probably true of getting your IT departments to allow you to use wireless networks. Some of the companies are already allowing it. There are a number of issues involved, such as the fact that companies who do this don’t broadcast the network, and that sort of thing. But part of it is still a comfort issue.

Gloria Metrick
GeoMetrick Enterprises
http://www.GeoMetrick.com/