Is Android with Microsoft Apps a Viable Business Solution?
Microsoft has been steadily providing apps for Android. But, are those apps good enough to make Android a good business alternative to Windows?
April 13, 2015
I'm on a quest. I recently acquired the HP Stream 7 tablet. My intent was twofold. First, I wanted to wean my youngest daughter off the Android ecosystem. But, secondly, and most important, I wanted to repurpose a Nexus 7 tablet to install and work with Microsoft apps, and in doing so determine if what Microsoft offers for multiplatform is enough for business workers. Do Microsoft's apps really work better on Windows? I hope to perform the same test for the iPad and possibly a Chromebook soon, but wanted to start with the most dominant mobile player, Android.
This is a dual-purpose journey and I'm detailing the opposite perspective over on Supersite. My first entry is already available in Can a Windows Tablet Replace an Android Tablet?
Microsoft is steadily building an arsenal of apps that work across platforms, specifically for iOS and Android. Some of those come to iOS and Android long before a Windows version emerges (example: Touch-friendly Office), lending to complaints from customers that have long been part of the Windows faithful. But, is what Microsoft provides really a good alternative, or just a series of disadvantaged solutions? I'm curious to find out.
What's it like to work in a Microsoft-centric business world using Android? Here's what I'm starting with:
Through the journey, I'll attempt to work using the Android tablet and the Microsoft apps exclusively. I'll throw in a mix of Bluetooth devices (keyboard, mouse) to get as close to my computing comfort zone as possible and see what comes of it.
I know some of you are already using Android devices to be productive today. And, I know a lot of you are using them to compliment a standard setup instead of replacing it. But, if
Consider this the series kick-off and I'll check back in periodically to let you know how things are going, and then supply a full summation at the end.
In the meantime, what's your experiences?
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