iPod Touch Pro Business Edition

iPhones are not practical because of the cellular requirement which isn’t necessary in most workplaces (also, not really an option in many cases like warehouses where the devices are encased a scanning sled). There is also the cost difference.

iPad minis are too big and unwieldy for daily use.

What are we seeing? An increase in Android utilization because there are no Apple devices to meet the needs.

I would propose the introduction of the iPod Touch Business. A business class iPod Touch with the following improvements:

• Bigger screen
• Smaller Size than an iPad mini
• Thicker (more battery… lots more battery)
• Integrated barcode/QR code scanner

The reality is these devices would be used by Apple and virtually every retail store if they were available. Here is why I think this makes sense, the current options are:

1. Use iPod Touch devices that are multiple years old with 3rd party peripherals and slowing down
2. Use iPad Minis that are too big/unwieldy and don’t fit in a pocket while working & do not have the same 3rd party peripheral market
3. Bring your own device (BYOD) which many enterprises do not wish to support with a variety of device form factors peripherals are probably not an option
4. Switch to Android purpose built device
5. Switch to Android cheap device which changes every 6 months and the peripherals no longer make sense to manage

Remove the Need for Peripherals

In all of these scenarios —peripherals are part of the problem. Peripherals are used to add:

1. Laser Barcode scanner
2. Credit card reader
3. Battery
4. Protection
5. Cellular (data only option like iPad)

If Apple (a tier 1 manufacturer) offered a device that was explicitly designed for these use cases it would sell extremely well in a wide variety of use business use cases from retail, field, & light warehouse.