Originally Posted by
CAAC ATP
I have been holding off on a tablet purchase for just this reason, and I see Delta's delay in implementing a tablet as a good thing. Those airlines currently using Ipads basically have a really expensive chart/pdf reader. A tablet is very close to a class II EFB and as such should have more capability than simply viewing documents. For example, with sat com and wifi, an EFB can easily replace ACARS and be more effective. In the end, I hope Delta is performing due diligence and perhaps learning about the limitations of the using Ipads. What we would end up with would be a much better tool, but it won't be Apple.
Well, I wouldn't hold off on the tablet purchase if I were you. They are indespensable. The apple is a really nice product (and you can use airwatch) , but if you are looking to save some cash the Google Nexus is very nice for the price. The Ipad Mini is great for it's size and weight.
I've heard that we'll be getting some version of the Microsoft Surface- our relationship with that company being the main driver. I haven't seen one in person but they look nice and I'm sure offer the architecture to perform as needed. I would expect a fleet wide solution sometime around 2015, along with the huge IT upgrade that will take us away from DBMS at long last. The new tablet will integrate with this, and I'd expect most day to day tasks we now do via the internet and phone (requiring an actual human being at the other end) will be moved to the new platform, along with support for our actual flight ops, catering, inflight, MX, ACS... Think real time operations overview from the tablet, with the ability to request anything without making a radio call or an acars entry.