Generally, the increasing number of must-have gadgets in the world to keep up with makes it that much harder to save money. However, technology does not have to be the enemy of saving and investing. With tablet computers like the iPad, there are now many ways to treat that gadget as an investment that will save money in different ways to include eliminating the need to purchases other products.
The main reason it is possible to save money with a tablet computer is because it is so multifunctional, and the apps are what allow this. Fortunately, most apps are free, cheap or reasonably priced, certainly when compared to other software.
For example, while Microsoft Office will set someone back hundreds of dollars, an app like Docs2Go, which does much of what Office can do and is fully compatible with it, can be had for $15. Furthermore, most apps can be purchased for a few dollars or less.
Apps replace physical products
There are a lot of physical products that can be replaced with apps thus enabling one to save money by eliminating the need to purchase them. For example, instead of purchasing a calculator, it is possible to get a cheap app that does the job just as well if not better. Those who need a map or globe can find apps that will display all the information those products will display and more. A dictionary that will automatically update can be had with a simple app too. This list goes on and will continue to grow as does the number of apps.
While things like maps and calculators can be found on regular PCs, they do not offer the kind of instant access and portability that a device like the iPad can. Although in theory they can replace physical products, in practice PCs usually just supplement them.
It should be noted that one tablet computer can replace a number of electronic gadgets too. For example, it can serve as a portable platform both for games and educational tools for children. Bigger kids can use one to replace a portable movie player, book reader and other devices.
Replacing a notebook PC
Of course, there are things that current tablet computers like the iPad cannot do as well as PCs. They are designed more for consuming content that producing it. Still, for many users, a less expensive tablet PC may all they need either as a primary PC or as an alternative to buying a notebook for a second or third PC. Generally being cheaper to maintain and run as well as to purchase, they can save a lot of money in the long run.
Real home shopping
Apps can all be had with simple downloads. This brings savings in time, gas, shipping and all the other expenses that come with shopping for physical products.
Updates and solid-state
The neat thing about purchasing digital versions of things is that updates are usually free and one does not have to worry about the need to purchase the latest and greatest version. Being solid-state, table PCs are unlikely to break too.
Cheap content
The iPad also makes it possible to consume content much more cheaply than in the past. For a small monthly fee, Read Me Stories will deliver a new children’s book every day. Newspapers and other content can be had for free or at reduced prices online to be read where and when one chooses.
Of course, it takes a while to make back the investment in a tablet computer, and the investment may never come back if it is not used in a way that reduces other purchases. Still, the potential money savings they can offer are real for many people. The possibility for savings might at least be used to convince a reluctant spouse to go alone with the purchase that tablet PC!?
