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Green Property Managers Use iPads and Other Tablets

Posted on 04. Nov, 2010 by Marc Courtenay in Technology

What is “greener” than using recycled paper or writing notes on both sides of the paper? How about not using paper.  If you’re a property manager, greening your business may involve using an iPad or a similar “tablet” device.

By accessing the internet from your mobile device, you can use web-based property management software to run your business from wherever you are.  The “green” aspect of this idea is that it helps to promote a paperless society and saves you, the property manager, untold personal “energy”.

First a disclaimer: Apple didn’t ask me to write this article, and frankly I don’t care which kind of tablet device you use. What I think is important is to realize that any electronic device that keeps us from wasting a lot of time and needless efforts is a good idea.

The iPad is light weight, easy to learn and use, and has a remarkable battery life. Some claim up to ten hours. It supports many helpful software and web-based property management programs, and it can help make our business an organizer’s dream.

Learning to type on a touch screen device takes some time and perseverance. Take heart though, you will eventually ace this function, and with the touch of your fingers you’ll be able to gather, input and store information that will make your job easier and more efficient. Alternatively, one can “connect” a keyboard to their iPad which enhances the tablet experience. This combination of multi-touch with traditional keyboard controls is a joy to use.

A very positive feature is the ability to sync information from your iPhone or any smart-phone. Apps that you’ve purchased for your iPhone can also be used on your iPad. This not only saves money but also allows the apps to function on a bigger screen and on a powerful computer. And since the iPad is lighter and portable, depending on your needs, it can be a better option than any other net-books or laptops on the market.

There are some disadvantages that the next generation of tablets should overcome. For example, iPads don’t support Flash on web pages. In other words you can’t completely view a website if it uses Flash-based elements. It’s unlikely Apple will support Flash any time soon. However, if you absolutely must have a tablet with Flash capabilities, one of the many Android tablets will do the trick.

The latest 3G-enabled version of Apple’s iPad has a whole host of improvements and advantages. To better grasp all the ways that a tablet can save you time, energy, paperwork and, what I call “work overload,” I’d recommend you check out the description and videos at Apple’s website.

If you already use an iPad or similar device, make sure you’re getting your money’s worth and that you are utilizing all the functions and features. You’d be surprised how many owners don’t know all the capacities that these devices provide. Show your owners how green your property management business is by demonstrating some activities on the iPad and who knows, you may just impress them!

By making your job as a property manager easier, you’ll have more time to find new clients, get some extra rest, or if you want to be “double-green” you’ll have more time to recycle and think of ways to lower your “carbon footprint”.

Yes, I believe you’ll find the electronic tablet and all the software applications it supports well worth the small cost and the effort expended to learn how to use it.

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Going Green in Property Management: Interview with Bob Machado, Owner of HomePointe Property Management
Green Strategy Number One: Head in the Clouds
Save Paper in Your Property Management Office
5 Tips for Going Paper-Free
“Green” Property Managers Prepare to See the LED Light

Tags: paperless, Technology