iPad decision for CPA

  Tablet computers such as the iPad are content-consumption devices,
not production devices. As such, CPAs have varying opinions on the
iPad’s usefulness as a work tool.

  Accessories and apps are key to success with the iPad. Keyboard
cases top the list of accessories, while there are a number of crucial
applications, among them Documents To Go Premium, which allows you to
edit and create Microsoft Office documents on the iPad, and
cloud-based, note-taking apps such as Evernote.

  iPads, because of their size and design, travel well and are best
suited for use away from the office. Among the tasks they handle well
are note taking, accessing and reading documents, making presentations
to clients and serving as a second monitor. The devices also turn on
instantly with no waiting for boot-up.

  The remote access of client data with numerous applications through
a new device raises security concerns. IT departments need to
establish security protocols for the device, with a focus on
passwords, data-access policies and remote-wipe procedures.

  Limitations of the iPad include the lack of a mouse, which can make
navigation cumbersome; the device’s incompatibility with Adobe Flash;
and the relative scarcity of applications that handle data-heavy CPA
tasks such as audits and tax returns.

  CPAs considering whether to buy an iPad should factor in the total
cost of the device (including apps, accessories and any data plans)
and what tasks the CPA wants to perform.

Jeff Drew is a JofA senior editor.